Energy costs can be a big part of a household budget, especially in Colorado Springs where the weather can swing from cold winters to warm summers. One of the most effective ways to manage these costs and improve home comfort is by focusing on your windows. Old, drafty windows can be a major source of energy loss. Upgrading to modern, energy efficient replacement windows Colorado Springs can make a real difference. We will explore how windows affect your home’s energy use and how choosing the right windows and doors Colorado Springs can lead to significant savings and a more comfortable living space.
How Windows Impact Your Home’s Energy Use
Windows can affect your home’s energy efficiency in several ways:
- Heat Loss in Winter: Heat naturally moves from warmer areas to cooler areas. In winter, the warm air inside your home can escape outside through inefficient windows (glass, frames, and seals). This makes your heating system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Heat Gain in Summer: In summer, the sun’s heat can pass through window glass and warm up your home. This is called solar heat gain. While some passive solar gain can be nice in winter, too much in summer forces your air conditioning to run more, increasing energy use.
- Air Leakage: Cracks and gaps around window frames or sashes can allow outside air to leak into your home and conditioned air to leak out. These drafts can make your home feel uncomfortable and waste energy.
Well designed, energy efficient windows work to minimize these issues. They help keep your heated air in during winter and unwanted solar heat out during summer.
Decoding Energy Performance Ratings for Windows
When you look for energy efficient windows, you will see labels with specific ratings. Understanding these can help you make smart choices. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) provides these ratings:
U-Factor
The U-factor measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping your home. It indicates the rate of heat flow through the window. The lower the U-factor, the better the window is at insulating and keeping heat in. This is very important for staying warm during Colorado Springs winters without overworking your furnace.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much of the sun’s heat passes through the window into your home. The SHGC is a number between 0 and 1. A lower SHGC means less solar heat is transmitted. In Colorado Springs, you might want a balance. A lower SHGC is generally good for keeping your home cooler in the summer and reducing air conditioning costs. However, in winter, some passive solar gain can help warm your home. Your window professional can help you choose an SHGC that makes sense for your home’s orientation and shading.
Visible Transmittance (VT)
Visible Transmittance (VT) measures how much visible light comes through the window. It is also a number between 0 and 1. A higher VT means more natural daylight enters your home. This can reduce your need for artificial lighting during the day, saving a bit of energy and making your home feel brighter. Modern energy efficient windows can offer a high VT while still having low U-factors and SHGCs.
Air Leakage (AL)
Air Leakage (AL) rates how much air will pass through the window assembly. A lower AL value means less air leakage. Look for windows with an AL of 0.30 cfm/ft² or less. Reducing air leakage is key to preventing drafts and saving energy.
Key Features of Energy Efficient Windows
Several technologies and design features contribute to a window’s energy performance:
Multiple Panes of Glass
Most new energy efficient windows have at least two panes of glass (double pane). Some even have three (triple pane). The space between the panes acts as an insulating barrier. This significantly reduces heat transfer compared to single pane windows.
Low-E Glass Coatings
Low-Emissivity (Low-E) coatings are microscopically thin, transparent layers of metal or metallic oxide applied to the glass surface. These coatings help control heat transfer. In winter, they reflect your home’s heat back into the room. In summer, they reflect the sun’s infrared heat away from your home. This helps keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer without blocking visible light. There are different types of Low-E coatings designed for different climates.
Gas Fills
The space between the glass panes in double or triple pane windows can be filled with an inert gas like argon or krypton. These gases are denser than air and are better insulators. This gas fill further reduces heat loss through the window.
Insulated Frames and Spacers
The material of the window frame (like vinyl, wood, or fiberglass) and its construction also affect energy efficiency. Frames with built in insulation or those made from less conductive materials perform better. The spacers that keep the glass panes apart are also important. Warm edge spacers are made of materials that conduct less heat than traditional metal spacers, reducing heat loss around the edges of the glass.
ENERGY STAR® for the Colorado Climate
When choosing replacement windows Colorado Springs, look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR certified windows meet specific energy performance criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for different climate zones. For Colorado Springs, which is in the Mountain climate zone, ENERGY STAR windows are optimized for our specific weather patterns, helping you save energy and money year round.
The Role of Proper Installation
Even the most energy efficient window will not perform well if it is not installed correctly. Proper window installation Colorado Springs is essential to ensure an airtight seal and prevent drafts. Make sure you hire a qualified and experienced window installer. They will ensure the window is correctly fitted, insulated, and sealed around the frame.
Finishing Thoughts
Investing in energy efficient replacement windows Colorado Springs is a smart move for any homeowner in the area. It not only enhances the comfort of your living space by reducing drafts and maintaining more consistent indoor temperatures but also contributes to lower energy bills month after month. By understanding features like U-factor, SHGC, Low-E coatings, and the importance of ENERGY STAR ratings, you can choose windows and doors Colorado Springs that will serve you well for years. This upgrade is an investment in your home’s value and your long term comfort and savings.
