Winter has officially arrived in Utah and we are seeing a rise in energy costs as homeowners switch on their furnaces instead of their air conditioners. Windows with the right insulating values can help to trap the heat inside the home, making it more comfortable, and reduces the strain on the heater. The inside surface of a well-insulated window will be warmer and you won’t find yourself feeling cold when you sit next to the window. Approximately 35% of the heat in your home will escape through the walls and through gaps found around the doors and windows. Failure to have windows with proper installation can lead to air gaps, which will drastically increase your energy costs.
High insulating value windows will improve comfort while also reducing the amount of condensation you see on or around the windows. Condensation will occur when the warm indoor air comes into contact with a cold surface, thereby leaving condensation on and around the window. With the ever-changing weather of Utah, we recommend better insulating value windows to reduce your energy costs.
Most homeowners notice almost immediately when a window has been replaced in the home as you can stand next to the new window and won’t feel the “breeze” effect that often occurs when heat escapes your body and is drawn outside. A standard double-pane glass window holds a temperature of approximately 44°F when it is 0°F outside. High-performance windows will be able to keep your windows around 56°F.
How Much Heat Does a Window Allow Through?
The summers in Utah can change rapidly and can climb up over 100°F for several weeks. High-efficiency windows are designed to prevent the cool air from escaping the home and allowing the hot air to enter. A lower U-factor will mean you have a better-insulating window. When deciding on new windows for your home, we will discuss the U-factor and how it will have a direct result on your energy bill.
The U-factor of a window pertains to different parts of the window from the frame and edge of the glass along with the center of the glass. Each window we sell and install will come with an information sticker to show you the official U-factor rating of the whole window.
Different Types of Windows
There are multiple options available for homeowners and business owners when replacing windows. The windows we use will depend on your needs. Commonly we can work with the following window options:
- Wood
- Vinyl
- Aluminum
We do recommend double-paned windows as they can trap a layer of still air, and allows for adequate insulation between the window panes. The double-paned windows are capable of insulating twice as much as a single-paned window.
Some other things we can do to help reduce your heating and cooling costs is to use a gas fill insulator between the panes. The panes can be filled with argon or krypton gas will insulate better than air and tends to be more effective, but can be more expensive due to the benefits it provides.
Adding Low-Emittance Coatings
One of the ways to keep your heating and cooling costs under control is by adding a low-emittance coating to the window. Low-emittance coatings are designed to trap the heat inside the home and allow heat from the sun inside, but not the cold air.
Better Frames and Spacers
Window frames are one area of the window that need special attention. A small gap between the windows can make a massive difference in your energy costs. The frame of a window can account for approximately 15% of the energy loss in a home. Wood, vinyl, and fiberglass are better insulators and recommended over the standard aluminum frames if you want to keep your energy costs under control. Urethane foam insulation is also used to keep the gaps of windows from allowing outside air to come inside.
To learn more about window temperatures and if your home needs window replacement in Northern Utah, contact Moyes Glass today.