Energy efficient impact windows save homeowners money on their electricity bills and contribute to a healthier environment. They also provide hurricane protection and increase home value.
During Florida’s hot summers, high home temperatures force HVAC systems to work overtime, driving up utility bills. New windows reduce peak cooling demand and minimize heat transfer, lowering monthly energy bills.
Double pane windows
Double pane windows are made from two strong glass panes with an insulating space between them. This space is often filled with inert gases like argon or krypton, which reduces convection currents and improves thermal efficiency. In addition to lowering energy bills, double pane windows protect your interior from harmful UV rays that fade draperies and furniture.
Double-pane windows are a popular choice for Florida homes because they provide many benefits that other window types can’t offer. They reduce energy costs, protect interior furnishings from sun damage and increase the resale value of your home. They also help you to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle by reducing your carbon footprint.
A reputable double pane window replacement company can install energy-efficient windows that meet the high standards of Energy Star certification. This means that they’re designed to keep your home cool and comfortable all year round, resulting in reduced utility bills. They can also help to reduce outside noise and create a more peaceful indoor environment.
Triple pane windows
Triple pane windows are a great way to reduce your energy bills. They have three glass panes in the frame with a spacer gas such as argon or krypton between them, which makes them more insulating than double-pane windows. They also reduce outside noise by up to 20%.
Homebuilders are playing a major role in the adoption of these technologies, Cort said. In a recent study, she and her colleagues interviewed 29 home builders that had participated in the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program. They found that triple-pane windows helped them meet more stringent mandatory energy codes.
Triple pane windows typically cost more than standard dual-pane windows. However, their increased insulating value may offset the extra cost over time. They are also a great investment for homeowners in Florida, which experiences high temperatures and extreme household energy prices. The windows are also designed to protect homes from strong storms and hurricanes. They last 10 to 20 years, although they will need to be replaced if damaged by weather or wayward baseballs.
Impact windows
Impact windows are more than just a home improvement option, they’re also a legal requirement in Florida homes located in hurricane-prone areas. These windows protect against flying debris and strong winds that can shatter traditional windows and cause damage to buildings. They do this by sandwiching a layer of polyvinyl butyral between two panes of glass.
When you invest in impact windows, you can also get energy-efficient options that prevent a spike in temperature. They can block harsh UV rays and allow fresh air to enter the house when the climate allows.
Look for impact windows with a low U Factor rating to keep heat out and cool air in. They can also come with tints and argon gas to further reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your house. However, impact windows are more expensive than other types of window. Moreover, they are heavier and require a more substantial frame to support the glass. Hence, they should be installed by an expert.
Vinyl windows
Vinyl is a poor conductor of heat and cold, which helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Premium vinyl windows are also often ENERGY STAR rated, which saves homeowners up to 12% on their energy costs. They also reduce harmful UV rays that cause furniture, carpeting, and paint to fade in sunlight.
Double pane windows with argon gas and low-e coating offer even more energy savings. This insulating gas reduces cold air loss in the winter, while blocking the heat projected by the sun in the summer.
Energy-efficient vinyl windows amplify curb appeal and add value to your home, and they are easy to maintain. They last for decades and are resistant to moisture, fading, insect infiltration, and rotting. All you need to do is clean them biannually and perform minor maintenance on an as-needed basis. These windows are a great choice for any Florida home.