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The time has come to replace your windows. If you are like most Indianapolis home owners, you are seeking energy-efficient windows that will save you money on both your heating and cooling bills. With so many window options on the market, though, how do you know which window materials, styles, and glass options are the most efficient? Here’s a look.
Most Efficient Window Material: Fibrex® Composite
There are a lot of different window materials out there, from wood, to vinyl, to aluminum. The most energy-efficient of these, however, is Fibrex composite. Made from reclaimed wood fibers, Fibrex composite looks like wood, but it has a lot of qualities that make it superior to wood. It’s also more energy-efficient than aluminum or vinyl.
Unlike aluminum windows, which let heat pass right through them, Fibrex is a good insulator. Its other key advantage is that it’s very durable. Even when the temperature and humidity levels fluctuate wildly, Fibrex remains straight and true. It does not crack or warp like vinyl, so your windows remain efficient and leak-free even as they age.
Most Efficient Glass Option: Low-E Glass
Gone are the days when window manufacturers placed plain glass in window frames. Today, there are specialized glass options designed to offer improved efficiency, which is vitally important since plain glass is such a poor insulator. One of the best types of glass for energy-efficiency is called low-e, or low-emissivity glass. SmartSun™ glass from Renewal by Andersen is a great example.
Low-e glass has been coated in a reflective, metallic material. When heat waves hit this material, they bounce back where they came from, rather than passing through the glass. In the winter, low-e windows save you money by reflecting heat waves back into your home. In the summer, they save you money on air conditioning costs by keeping heat from the sun outside, where it belongs.
Most Efficient Operable Window Style: Casement Windows
Technically, the most efficient style of window is a fixed window, which does not open or close. However, most people do not want fixed windows in all of their window openings. The most efficient style of operable window is the casement window. This is because casement windows latch more tightly into the frame when closed. Casement windows open like doors when you turn a little crank.
But while casement windows are highly efficient, they are not the right choice for everyone. Thankfully, today’s double-hung windows can also be quite energy-efficient. Double-hung windows are more compatible with window air conditioners and a better fit for the architectural style of many Indianapolis homes.
What is most important is that the windows are installed by a knowledgeable contractor. This ensures that it fits properly into the window opening. Double-hung windows that are improperly installed may become imbalanced, which will make them hard to lock and may eventually cause the window material to split and let in cold air.
Choosing energy-efficient windows for your Indianapolis home will keep your energy bills in check. Not only is this good for your wallet, but it’s also good for the planet. Windows with Fibrex frames and sashes and low-e glass will save you a bundle. To learn more about these features or to discover the best windows for your needs, contact Renewal by Andersen of Indiana. We offer free, in-home consultations with our trained, knowledgeable technicians.