Summary: Choosing the best energy efficient windows for your home isn’t hard to do with a little education and research. First, you need to know how much sun exposure your home gets. If you live in a shady area (lot’s of trees like The Woodlands and Kingwood) you won’t require the same level of solar heat gain specifications as a home (or a side of your home) in full sun. Then, it’s a matter of learning the features and benefits of each brand and each material available.
Best Frame Material For Energy Efficient Windows
There are several types of window frames available in the market. Aluminum, Vinyl, Wood, Fiberglass, and Composite. Each offers unique characteristics that contribute to energy efficiency. The concern is the materials Thermal Conductivity. For best performance, look for the frame material with the lowest thermal conductivity.
- Vinyl Framed Windows: While being the least expensive type of windows, Vinyl tends to have a thermal conductivity rating of Low to Moderate. Quality vinyl frames may also have foam insulation within the channels reducing the ability to transfer heat. Vinyl offers a good performance to cost ratio. Consider our Anlin Windows and Doors line
- Wood Framed Windows: Wood is a natural insulator so qualifies for a rating of Low thermal conductivity rating. Wood also requires the highest maintenance since there is the regular need to repaint periodically to protect the surface from dry rot and insect infestations. For all wood windows, turn to Pella, Marvin or Sierra Pacific.
- Wood Clad Windows: Wood clad windows offer the benefits of wood’s insulating properties along with having Aluminum on the exterior facing side of the frame reducing or eliminating the need for periodic maintenance. Our clad offering is from Sierra Pacific Windows.
- Aluminum Framed Windows: Aluminum framed windows have the highest thermal conductivity rating. Window manufacturers improve thermal ratings on aluminum windows by separating the exterior from from the interior frame with a “thermally broken” composite binding the two frame surfaces together. Our favorite aluminum windows is offered by Western Window Systems.
- Composite And Fiberglass Framed Windows: Composite windows, while still rated Low to Moderate on the thermal conductivity scale, outperforms wood and vinyl. Our favorite composite framed windows are from Infinity from Marvin. Infinity windows are made from what’s called “pultrated fiberglass strands” and is registered to Marvin under the name Ultrex.
How Important Is Installation for Energy Efficient Windows?
If you’ve watched more that just a few of Jeff’s Videos, you know that even A Great Window Installed Poorly, is a Bad Window! The first step to a professional installation is an accurate measurement. Measurements must be taken at several places in order to get the best, tightest, and best sealed window.
Window opening prep is crucial as well. Removing the old windows and preparing the opening for the new window takes careful consideration for the flashings and the both level and plumb window installation. Top of the line sealants and caulks are then applied for a complete seal that earns our exclusive “Lifetime Leak-Free Guarantee”! After all, this is really what you’re after…a long lasting, energy efficient window installation that does not leak!
Glass Considerations For Best Energy Efficient Windows
Should you choose Double Pane or Triple Pane Windows? Triple pane windows as better in colder climates because you can get great U-Factor (insulating) ratings. In the north, they typically have more cold months than Houston. In Houston, we are more concerned about blocking solar heat gain from the blazing hot sun!
Double pane windows with an NFRC rating for SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) of below 0.30 to meet minimum Energy Star ratings is the important specification to watch for. Lower numbers are better so if your home gets a lot of direct sunlight, look for the lowest possible SHGC rating you can get. Usually, you’ll get the best numbers from Cardinal Glass LoE3 glass. Houston Window Experts carries almost exclusively Cardinal Glass.
For the best performing energy efficient windows, consider adding inert gas fills like Argon gas or Kryton gas between the panes. These are denser than air and increase the insulating properties of the window. Other great options are laminated glass and asymmetrical glass (one pane thicker that the other) for even more performance while also increasing the STC (sound transmission class). This is the windows ability to block out sound making your home quieter.
Ready To Find Our More?
Schedule a home visit or a visit to our Houston Showroom to find out how we can help make Energy Efficient Windows a reality for you. Our estimates are completely free and without obligation. You’ll get a no pressure estimate and an education on what is best for your home based on style, exposure, and budget!
