Choosing Energy Efficient Markham Windows as a Homeowner
Window manufacturing companies should ensure rigorous testing of their products to ensure that their products are capable of saving energy while keeping features and functionality. Such windows help to solve energy bill costs as they still play a role in environmental protection.
Energy efficient windows are designed to meet high thermal and solar requirements of your home. This improved performance helps you have an enjoyable home all year round. Old windows need replacement since they can be leaky and have poor insulation which leads in energy loss. This results in more cost for heating and cooling your home. According to the Total Home Windows and Doors, here are some of the things you should consider while looking for energy efficient Markham windows and doors. For more info about these doors and windows, you can call this guy.
1. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient(SHGC)
This refers to the measure of how much solar radiation can be transferred through a window to your home. Windows with a lower number perform better compared to those with a higher number, so choose the former for better efficiency in your home.
2. Window Spacers
Spacers are used to keep the dual glass panes of windows at a correct distance which helps in insulation. A right amount of airspace is needed to provide proper efficiencies. Get Markham windows from companies which not only offer windows with proper insulating properties but also help reduce levels of condensation. You can also choose a design which can stop heat flow and reduce condensation thus improve energy efficiency.
3. Low –E Glass Coatings
Low –E represents low emissivity. This shows the solar control of the glass in terms of its ability to increase thermal performance. Having a home with low – E glass Markham windows and doors enable you to enjoy consistent temperatures all year round. In addition your household items like carpets and furniture are protected from ultraviolet radiation which makes colors fade.
4. A Space Filled With Gas Between The Glass Panes
Choose Markham windows which have either Argon or Krypton filled in between the panes. This improves thermal performance and still improves your view. Though Argon is standard, you should choose Krypton because it has the highest thermal protection level.
5. Number Of Panes
Older windows are made up of a single pane of glass. However, nowadays new energy efficient windows are made up of dual and triple pane glazing. This is of great importance since it gives better insulation and also helps in energy conservation.
6. 4th Surface Glass Coating
On your double pane, add a 4th surface coating. This improves the windows capability of withstanding heat (U- factor). The durable Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) coating is commonly used by manufacturers of energy efficient Markham windows. It is better because it reflects heat back to your home.
If you are ready to have an energy efficient home, select windows which meet all the above features and your home will definitely thank you for that!
7. Energy Star Certification
When a window bears the Energy Star badge, it means it satisfies rigid energy efficiency standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US. Natural Resources Canada is responsible for overseeing the ENERGY STAR certification in Canada (NRCan). Be on the lookout for windows with this accreditation.
An average household energy bill reduction of 12% occurs nationally when outdated windows are replaced with ENERGY STAR-certified windows. Reduced energy use also results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions from houses and power stations.
8. Energy Rating
A window’s overall energy efficiency is gauged by its energy rating. Higher-rated windows are more energy-efficient and can reduce your energy costs. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) in the United States and Canada both offer comparable ratings under the Energy Rating (ER) system and Energy Rating (ER) system, respectively.
9. Frame Material
The window frame’s material may influence how energy-efficient it is. As an illustration, vinyl frames often use less energy than aluminum frames.
Window frames can be composed of wood, metal, fiberglass, or vinyl (which may be clad with aluminum or vinyl on the exterior portions). Better weather stripping on higher-quality (and thus more expensive) windows prevents air from entering the frames. The window glass may have one, two, or even three panes, and it may be coated to reflect heat away from the house in the summer and toward the inside in the winter.
10. Window Orientation
Your windows’ orientation may have an effect on how energy-efficient they are. Windows that face south receive more sunlight and may be useful for wintertime passive solar heating. On the other hand, north-facing windows get less direct sunlight and could need additional insulation to be energy-efficient.