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Rising energy costs and a shift to “green” building have led to major improvements in the energy-efficiency of windows. Over the last century, windows have advanced from thin, drafty panes to state-of-the-art, glazed and coated glass units. If you are considering switching to more energy efficient windows in your Dayton, OH home, you might be interested to know just how many advances have been made in window technology in the last several decades.
The Infancy of Window Energy-Efficiency
As skyscrapers became the norm in major U.S. cities throughout the 1920s and ‘30s, architects began to consider how windows affected the comfort of buildings. This was when double-glazing of windows began, leading to the development of the first insulated glass units (IGUs). Iron-rich glass, also took advantage of its green tint to reduce the amount of heat from the sun that entered buildings.
The Energy Crisis Leads to New Advances in Window Technology
As the energy crisis of the 1970s emerged, the government started funding research for the development of glass that could reduce the amount of energy that leaked out of buildings. The Department of Energy determined that around 25% of residential heating costs at that time were the direct result of energy-loss from windows. During the 70s, multi-paned windows reached the marketplace and manufacturers began marketing energy efficient windows for the first time.
Low-emissivity (low-E) windows also emerged in the 1970s. The first low-E coatings were made using thin layers of gold, which produced a green hue. In 1981, the first colorless low-E coatings, using silver layers, were manufactured.
Today’s Technology
The demand for even more energy efficient windows has only increased over the last two decades. Advanced, high-performance glass products are now available that offer energy efficiency without compromising style. Not only have windows themselves improved, so have window frames and spacer materials. With all of the options available today, there is no need to deal with discomfort and high energy costs from inefficient windows.
If you are interested in replacing the panes in your Dayton, OH home with new, energy efficient windows, reach out to the team at Renewal by Andersen. We offer an extensive selection of windows that meet or exceed the ENERGY STAR® performance criteria. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation and learn more about how windows from Renewal by Andersen can help you significantly reduce your energy costs and keep your home more comfortable.