The most expensive glass doors and windows you can own could be the ones you currently have. Poor-performing glass windows and doors can lose up to 40 percent of your heating energy in winter. With the high cost of energy, that’s a lot of money going right out the window (or door)! Even worse, poor-performing doors and windows can lose up to 50 percent of your home’s cooling energy in summer. It’s expensive to have worn-out or inefficient windows and doors.
Why You Need Energy Efficient Doors and Windows
Energy efficient windows and doors can help reduce your utility bills and make your home more comfortable. According to ENERGY STAR, “Replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR certified windows lowers household energy bills by an average of 12 percent nationwide. Lower energy consumption also reduces greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and homes.” So, not only are saving money on your bills but with energy efficient doors and windows you’re helping the planet by minimizing environmental impact. Also, some of the energy efficient windows and doors we use have Florida State Product Approval and have been tested to AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2.7 specifications. They have also been designed to meet additional test standards. If you have any questions about our products and certifications, let us know.
How Energy Efficient Windows and Doors Can Enhance the Look of Your Home
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, your choices are abundant when it comes to selecting beautifully designed energy efficient doors and windows. Not only are today’s products created with superior performance in mind, but they provide stunning architectural details to any style of home. Today’s door and window options let you express your creativity and dramatically increase your home’s curb appeal with grid options, trim colors, glass types, and more. Even some of today’s most on-point trends (think black window frames) come in energy efficient options. One of our partners, PGT, describes their line EnergyVue® as, “We’ve built this line with beautiful designs capable of handling high design pressures, all with exceptional standards for energy efficiency.”
Types of Energy Efficient Doors and Windows To Consider
Certain types of doors and windows are more energy efficient than others. The most common styles of energy efficient windows and doors include:
- Double hung energy efficient windows: You’ll find double hung windows in a lot of homes across the country. With double hung windows, the bottom slides up to open. They can be energy efficient choices, but in extreme climates, they may not be the best option because of the potential for air intrusion between the sliders. Double hung windows also have a tilt sash design that allows for easy exterior cleaning.
- Casement energy efficient windows: Popular in climates where wind and hurricanes are an issue (like Florida), these windows have a crank that swings the window outward to open. Casement windows seal themselves off tighter when the wind blows in towards your home. Another benefit of casement windows is that they provide excellent ventilation.
- Picture energy efficient windows: These usually don’t open and come in many different shapes and sizes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be energy efficient — glass choice and gas-filled interiors are especially crucial in this larger style of windows. Another benefit of picture windows is that they allow the maximum amount of light into your home.
- Energy efficient sliding glass doors: According to our partner, CGI, “Sliding glass doors are common in many houses, particularly as an entrance to the patio and backyard.” Not only are sliding glass doors space savers but they also can have a glass pack and insulated frames to offer better energy efficiency than the traditional French doors.
Other Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows and Doors – Comfort
It’s sometimes apparent on a cold or hot day that your windows and doors need upgrading. You may also feel this monthly when paying your energy bills. Energy efficient doors and windows make your home more comfortable, as their performance determines how much heat and cold comes in and escapes out through your glass doors and windows. You also may be able to take advantage of tax credits and other incentives when buying energy efficient windows and doors. These types of incentives and credits change often, so stay up-to-date by visiting www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits to learn more. By making your home comfortable inside with energy efficient windows and doors, you may also be able to put more money in your pocket.
All Glass & Windows offers a variety of energy efficient Sarasota glass windows and doors that can help you achieve long-term performance and energy cost savings, in any climate. Contact us to see how we can help improve the look of your home and lower your energy bills.
