Three Important Characteristics of Energy Efficient Windows

Purple flowering violas growing in a stone plant box on a window sill and in front of an old window with glass bars.

 

There are many companies out there that claim they are going to help you with the replacement of your aging windows, placing energy efficient windows to outfit your home. What does it mean for a window to be energy efficient, though? What makes one window more energy efficient than another? It is important to figure out these differences early on so that you can have a firm grasp, an understanding of what having energy efficient windows is all about. Our team here can help you gain clarity around the benefits of vinyl windows for your Jacksonville FL home as the more you know, the better of an educated decision you will be able to make about the replacement project.

 

We all know about the big benefits of energy efficient windows. We understand that these windows allow your home to stay warmer and colder, depending on the time of the year that it is. When that air conditioning is cranking in the hot months of July and August, energy-efficient windows help keep that cool air inside, taking some of the pressure off of the system overall. They do a better job of blocking harmful UV rays, preventing drafts, moisture, among other things from breaking through. There are three essential characteristics to look for in energy efficiency vinyl windows for your Jacksonville FL home, and we will detail them below.

 

Quality Glass

 

You want to make sure that the windows that you are going to as part of your replacement project are made of high-quality glass. Have you ever heard of the term argon gas? If not, it is something that you want to read a bit more on. Argon gas is something that is utilized to help maximize the energy efficiency rating that the windows end up with. It increases what is known as the “R” value of the windows’ glass.  

 

The high-quality glass is imperative as that is what is going to be able to deter those harmful UV rays of the sun from breaking through. Intense heat and cold will also be better blocked, with the interior of your home more well-insulated as a result of the glass being that much superior to what you used to have.

 

Weather Stripping

 

Weather stripping is also a critical component and a characteristic that energy efficient windows should certainly have. The weather stripping is that first line that the windows have to insulate the interior of your home, block water from getting in, drafts from passing through, and so on. The weather stripping is developed in such a way that it is intended to go around all of the edges of the windows. When weather stripping is done right on new vinyl windows for your Jacksonville FL home, the results are going to be breathtaking regarding the added insulation they provide.

 

Low-E

 

Have you ever heard about Low-E glass before?  Low-E is not even really a type of glass; it is a reflective coating that can be added to the glass inside of the window that can do wonders from an energy efficiency perspective.  The Low-E coating is designed to reflect the sun back where it came from essentially. This keeps the heat outside of the house in those summer months where it belongs. With the ability to reflect the UV rays backward, it also protects furniture, flooring, and even your family and pets from the rays beating in and causing extensive damage.

 

There are plenty of characteristics to look for when you are shopping for vinyl windows for your Jacksonville FL home. Think about the benefits of Low-E glass, argon gas, weather stripping, among others. Work with us at American Window Products, and we can help fill in the blanks and be sure you end up with the ideal state set of replacement windows for your residence.