Energy Efficiency and Windows Explained
Windows play a major role in how comfortable and energy-efficient a home feels throughout the year. They bring in natural light and provide views, but they are also part of the barrier separating your home’s conditioned interior from Idaho’s hot summers, cold winters, wind, and changing temperatures.
If you’re building a new home or considering replacement windows, understanding a few basic energy-efficiency terms can make comparing your options much easier.
At Patriot Door and Millwork, we help homeowners, builders, and contractors throughout Southern Idaho select windows that fit the needs, style, and budget of their projects. We proudly supply Western Window Systems and can also supply Andersen windows, giving our customers access to a wide range of window styles and configurations.
What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient?
Energy-efficient windows are designed to reduce unwanted heat transfer between the inside and outside of your home.
Several parts of the window work together to accomplish this, including:
- The glass
- Frame construction
- Insulating glass
- Low-E coatings
- Spacers and seals
- Overall window design
- Proper installation
Rather than focusing on a single feature, it’s important to consider how the complete window system performs.
Understanding U-Factor
One term you’ll frequently see when comparing windows is U-factor.
U-factor measures how well a window prevents heat from passing through it. Generally, a lower U-factor means better insulating performance.
This can be particularly important in Idaho, where winter temperatures can place significant demands on a home’s heating system.
What Is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient?
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much solar heat passes through a window.
A lower SHGC means the window allows less solar heat into the home, while a higher number means more solar heat can enter.
The right choice can depend on several factors, including:
- Window orientation
- Amount of direct sunlight
- Climate
- Home design
- Shading
This is one reason window selection shouldn’t necessarily be identical for every project.
How Low-E Glass Helps
Low-E, or low-emissivity glass, has a thin coating designed to control heat transfer through the glass while still allowing natural light into the home.
Depending on the glass package, Low-E coatings can help:
- Reduce heat transfer
- Improve indoor comfort
- Limit unwanted solar heat
- Reduce UV exposure to interior furnishings
- Improve overall window efficiency
Different Low-E options are available, so the best glass package depends on the needs of the home.
Double-Pane and Insulated Glass
Many modern energy-efficient windows use two panes of glass separated by an insulating space.
Compared with traditional single-pane windows, insulated glass can provide better thermal performance and help reduce temperature transfer through the window.
Depending on the product, the space between the panes may also contain an insulating gas to further improve performance.
Window Frames Matter Too
Glass receives a lot of attention when discussing energy efficiency, but the frame is another important part of the window system.
Window frames are available in several materials and configurations, each with different advantages related to:
- Durability
- Maintenance
- Appearance
- Thermal performance
- Cost
The best choice depends on the design and performance requirements of your project.
Air Leakage Can Affect Comfort
An efficient window should also help limit uncontrolled air movement.
Drafty or poorly sealed windows can make certain areas of a home uncomfortable even when the heating or cooling system is working properly.
Quality products combined with proper installation help create a tighter building envelope and reduce unwanted air leakage around window openings.
Proper Installation Is Just as Important
You can purchase a high-quality window and still experience performance problems if it isn’t installed correctly.
Proper window installation helps ensure:
- The unit is level and square
- The window operates correctly
- Gaps around the opening are properly addressed
- Water is directed appropriately
- Air leakage is minimized
- The window can perform as designed
For that reason, product quality and installation quality should always be considered together.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Idaho
Idaho homes experience a wide range of weather throughout the year.
Depending on the area, homeowners may deal with:
- Freezing winter temperatures
- Snow and ice
- Hot summer afternoons
- Strong sunlight
- Wind
- Large temperature swings
Windows selected with the local climate in mind can help maintain a more comfortable indoor environment throughout the seasons.
Will Energy-Efficient Windows Lower Your Utility Bills?
Energy-efficient windows can help reduce heat loss and heat gain, which may decrease the amount of work required from your home’s heating and cooling systems.
However, the actual savings will vary from home to home.
Factors such as insulation, HVAC efficiency, the condition of existing windows, home size, window area, and installation all influence overall energy consumption.
For many homeowners, the benefits aren’t limited to potential energy savings. New windows can also improve:
- Indoor comfort
- Appearance
- Natural light
- Operation
- Weather protection
- Overall home value
Western Window Systems
Patriot Door and Millwork is proud to supply Western Window Systems.
Western Window Systems is especially well known for expansive window and door designs that can help create open spaces and strong connections between indoor and outdoor living areas.
For projects with contemporary architecture, large openings, or an emphasis on natural light, Western Window Systems can provide some impressive options.
Our team can help determine which products and configurations make sense for your specific project.
Andersen Windows
We can also supply Andersen windows, giving our customers access to another broad selection of window styles and options.
Depending on your project, Andersen offers choices for different architectural styles, applications, materials, and performance needs.
Having access to multiple window manufacturers allows us to help builders and homeowners compare options instead of trying to force every project into the same solution.
What Should You Look for When Choosing Windows?
When comparing windows for a new home or replacement project, consider more than appearance alone.
Look at:
- U-factor
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
- Glass package
- Low-E options
- Frame construction
- Window style
- Warranty
- Operation
- Installation requirements
- Overall quality
Most importantly, choose windows that make sense for your specific home and application.
The most expensive window isn’t automatically the right window, and the same product isn’t necessarily ideal for every opening.
Window Solutions Throughout Southern Idaho
At Patriot Door and Millwork, we work with homeowners, builders, and contractors throughout:
- Twin Falls
- Boise
- Idaho Falls
- Pocatello
- The Magic Valley
- Surrounding Southern Idaho communities
Whether you’re selecting windows for a new construction project or considering replacements for an existing home, our team can help you compare products and determine the right solution.
In addition to windows, we provide doors, door hardware, millwork, and professional installation services to help simplify your project with one dependable supplier.
Talk to Patriot Door and Millwork About Your Window Project
Energy-efficient windows aren’t about choosing a product based on one number or feature. It’s about finding the right combination of glass, frame, performance, design, and installation for your home.
With access to Western Window Systems and Andersen windows, Patriot Door and Millwork can help you explore your options and find windows that fit your project’s performance goals, architectural style, and budget.
Contact Patriot Door and Millwork today to discuss windows for your new construction or replacement project in Southern Idaho.