The hotter it gets, the more those drafty windows can cost you.  When the summer sun shines down through your windows, and the hot air from outside finds its way inside, your air conditioning unit will have to work overtime to keep up.  Replacing leaky, drafty, inefficient windows, with modern energy-efficient windows can add to your comfort level and wallet.  Energy efficient windows are constructed using multiple components that will work together to help boost the insulating properties of a window.

Airtight Window Frames

In addition to making sure your new windows are the proper size and are properly installed for an airtight fit, one of the most important considerations you need to make is frame material. Two of the more energy efficient frame materials are vinyl and fiberglass. They do a particularly good job of reducing heat transfer and contributing to insulation value. Your ultimate decision on which of these to use may be based on aesthetics and cost. In making your selection, be sure to look for vinyl or fiberglass frames that have been specifically engineered for performance. For instance, both can be designed with chambers within the frame that enhance strength, noise reduction and insulation value.

Incorporating materials like vinyl or fiberglass into the frame of a window can elevate your rooms’ insulation level and allow for a consistent temperature throughout your home.  Vinyl and fiberglass frames can be created with multiple air chambers for extra insulation pockets that help in reducing the transfer of heat and cold through the window. Reducing heat transfer with energy efficient window frames can help homeowners stay cool and comfortable on those hot summer days.

Multiple Glass Panes

Dual-pane designs use an air- or gas-filled space between two panes of glass. This insulates much better than a single pane. A spacer keeps a window’s dual glass panes the correct distance apart for optimal airflow between panes. Too much or too little airflow can affect the insulating glass efficiency. The design and material of the spacer also can make a big difference in the ability to handle expansion and contraction and thus reducing condensation.

For added energy efficiency dual pane windows can be gas filled.  Window gas is several times denser than air and is injected in-between panes of window glass to slow the transfer of hot or cold air.  Argon gas is often an option offered by top window manufacturers.  It enhances thermal performance without getting in the way of the view.  Krypton is another invisible gas that offers higher levels of thermal protection.

Heat-Resistant Low-E Glass Coating

Glass coating technology has helped create more energy efficient windows.  Low-E glass coatings – Low-E means ‘low emissivity’ and describes glass that has a thin solar control coating to improve thermal performance.  A thin coating is applied to one side of the glass inside the window to reflect energy and heat toward the outside in the summer and keep heat inside in the winter. In addition to reducing energy costs, glass coatings can also filter damaging ultraviolet light (UV) to help protect interior furnishings and fixtures from fading.  Energy efficient replacement windows manufactured with low emissivity coating can significantly increase your homes thermal protection and decrease your summer cooling bill.

Interested in energy efficient Low-E windows but already have dual pane windows with clear glass?  We can change the glass to Low-E to make them more efficient for you! *LowE2 = 2nd generation of Low Emissivity glass

Want to learn more about how energy efficient replacement windows can keep you cool in the summer?  Call Dick’s Rancho Glass to schedule a consultation on our energy efficient, low maintenance, replacement windows.  At Dick’s Rancho Glass we have many years of experience in window installation, and we are happy to serve homeowners throughout the Sacramento Area.  To keep your home beautiful and energy efficient, we are proud to offer a large selection replacement windows, including high quality Milgard® windows.  To begin exploring your replacement window options, check out our gallery, give us a call, click Dick’s Rancho Glass to contact us, or visit one of our two glass showrooms in the Sacramento region:

Dick’s Rancho Glass Sacramento at 2900 ROUTIER ROAD

Or call us at (916)363-6554
Dick’s Rancho Glass Fair Oaks at 5349 SAN JUAN AVE.

Or call us at (916)863-2500

~ At Dick’s Rancho Glass our versatility and pride of craftsmanship are keys to our success. Our excellent reputation has been built on the foundations of quality, reliability, and maintaining a dedicated staff. ~