Energy-efficient windows minimize the use of heating and cooling in homes. They also reduce noise from traffic, sirens, and neighbors mowing their lawn.
They help lower energy bills and increase home value. Some of the most popular energy-efficient window options include insulated frames, Low-E glass, stainless steel spacers, and argon gas fills.
1. Low-E Glass
The windows and doors that come with low-e glass have a special coating that allows some of the sun’s short wave radiation to pass through while reflecting long wave radiation. This keeps the heat from escaping your house, which cuts down on your heating and cooling costs.
The metallic oxide coating also reduces harmful UV rays from entering your home, which extends the life of fabrics, carpeting and furniture. Energy Star estimates that the cost of replacing regular windows with low-e glass can pay for itself within a few years in energy savings alone.
Whether or not low-e windows are worth the extra investment will depend on your climate and budget. Look for the window’s Energy Star rating to help you decide what option is best for your home.
2. Argon Gas Fills
Argon is one of the more commonly used noble gases in energy-efficient windows. Typically found in double or triple pane windows, the gas fills the space between the glass to reduce conductive and convective heat transfer. Argon is denser than air, which in turn makes windows more insulated, helping you to lower your energy bills over time.
In addition, argon also helps to reduce interior noise. When combined with double-pane windows, it creates a sound barrier between your home and the street.
The inert gas is odorless, clear, and non-toxic. It’s also safe for homes and doesn’t react with other elements, avoiding corrosion. It’s also affordable and available in many sizes and styles of windows. When paired with low-E coatings, it maximizes window performance in any climate.
3. Stainless Steel Spacers
With energy-efficient windows, you can enjoy a more comfortable home while saving money on your utility bills. These windows reduce air leakage and heat transfer, which in turn lowers your heating and cooling costs and provides a return on investment over time.
Triple-pane windows include low-emissivity glass that blocks UV and infrared rays while allowing visible light to pass through, along with insulated frames and spacers. We use a warm-edge spacer system that eliminates condensation and limits edge-to-glass temperature movement, helping your windows maintain optimal performance year-round.
Our impact windows are incredibly durable, making them a great choice for Florida’s hurricane-prone climate. They are shatter proof, meaning you’ll never have to worry about boarding your windows during storm warnings and will save on maintenance, insurance, and repair costs.
4. Dual-Glazed Insulated Glass
Windows are a major source of heat gain in summer and energy loss in winter, but the right glass can help minimize both. Insulated windows keep your home comfortable throughout the year while reducing your utility costs.
Insulated glass has two panes of glass with a gap and an insulating layer of air between them, such as argon, krypton, or xenon. The gap and insulating gas reduce the transfer of heat between the inside and outside of your home, helping regulate indoor temperature.
All Lee & Cates insulated windows feature the Quanex SuperSpacer, a double-sealed foam spacer that lasts four to five times longer than standard metal spacers and keeps out moisture. The additional spacer also helps reduce dust, pollen and outdoor noise. This translates to reduced maintenance and a higher return on investment over time.
5. Vinyl Frames
Vinyl windows have become a popular choice for homeowners seeking cost-effective, durable, low-maintenance window solutions. They are manufactured through extrusion, which is the process of shaping molten polyvinyl chloride into a specific window frame profile.
Unlike wood frames, which require frequent sealing and staining, vinyl has a natural insulating effect and can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They are also a sustainable, recyclable material that reduces waste and environmental impact.
In addition, their insulating qualities minimize outdoor noises, so you can enjoy a quieter, more peaceful indoor environment. Their storm-proof features can also prevent the need for boarding up your windows come hurricane season, saving you time and money. This makes them a great option for Florida homeowners!