How Many Panes of Glass Are Enough for Your Replacement Windows?

How Many Panes of Glass Are Enough for Your Replacement Windows

?

If your home was build before 2000, it is likely that your windows consist of single pane of glass. That was the standard at the time, inexpensive for builders but not very effective at keep cold air out. We can all recall growing up and avoiding walking near the windows during the winter to avoid the chilly draft!

Now, however, a homeowner in the Boston area and North Shore has many more options when it comes to windows. Studies have shown that replacing single pane, drafty wooden frame windows with modern, energy efficient windows can help reduce home heating and cooling costs significantly. Part of the "secret" of the new windows is the fact that they are comprised of two or even three separate panes of glass.

By creating a glass "sandwich" like this, window manufacturers are adding extra layers between the outside air and the air inside your home. The best windows fill the narrow space between panes of glass with inert gas, which is sealed in to provide yet another thermal barrier to prevent the transfer of heat from inside to outside (and vice versa in the summer).

It makes sense that a triple-pane window offers more insulating properties than a single or even double-pane window. Since the fenestrations (openings) in a home can account for almost half of energy loss, sealing new windows with highly efficient glass can make a big difference in keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

But the glass is not all that goes into making a window. The material and construction of the frame and sash are important, too. Wood may look natural, but it is a poor insulator. Preferred materials today are insulated vinyl or fiberglass, which provide structural integrity with much improved thermal performance.

Finally, your new windows should be custom fit for your home and installed professionally to prevent any gaps that allow air to flow, defeating the purpose of the energy-efficient window. Don't settle for an "off the shelf" window that may not fit securely and snugly.

Replacing your old windows with new, energy-efficient windows is one of the best ways to reduce energy use and cut down on your monthly utility bills.

POST COMMENT

Professional Repairs and Drainage Cleaning Things to consider when choosing double glazing Windows or Doors DIY Wii Repair - Using A Guide To Get Yours Up And Running Again How to Repair a Ceiling Vly Leak Air Conditioning Repair How to Clean Up a Slow Computer With Registry Cleaner? Steps to Repair an Overhead Projector Use extreme caution when repairing dentures Windows Password Lost? Suggestions for you on Lost Windows Password How to reset your lost windows XP/NT/ 7 password Why the Eyes Are Windows of the Soul XP Registry Cleanup Software XP Registry Cleanup on Computer