Saving on Monthly Heating Costs with New Modern Windows

Author: Ryan Rollins

Author: Ryan Rollins

There are several ways that heat may be lost from the home, some that center specifically on the windows. While windows are desirable to let in light and permit occupants to enjoy the view, they often allow valuable heat to escape. Modern windows are designed to keep heat in, saving on monthly heating costs.

Modern Windows and R-value

The R-value is the number that indicates the amount of thermal resistance in a particular building material. The walls of a home, for instance, are usually insulated with R-11 to R-19 insulation. A single pane of regular glass has an R-value of about one. This difference in insulative value has a significant impact on the amount of heat that escapes through glass compared to the amount that can be expected to transfer through a wall.

Contemporary windows are designed to slow the transfer of heat and prevent drafts. Modern windows are generally manufactured with two panes of glass separated by a dead space that is usually filled with an inert gas. This updated construction provides a significantly higher R-value than that of older windows. In addition, some modern windows are also coated to reflect radiant heat back into the room.

Ways Heat May Be Lost through Windows

There are three types of heat transfer conduction, convection and radiation. With conduction, interior heat is transferred directly through the windowpane. Convection refers to the transfer of heat by a liquid or a gas, which includes air. When the outside temperature cools the interior side of a window, the air against that window sinks, displacing warm air. This circulation of cold air into the home requires more heat to maintain the desired temperature. The transfer of radiant heat takes place directly between objects, without conduction or convection. Modern windows prevent the easy transfer of heat, regardless of transfer type.

Significant Savings in Monthly Heating Costs

The exact dollar amount that will be saved in heating costs each month depends on a number of variables, such as climate, the size of the house and the number of windows. In northern climates, it has been estimated that modern windows may cut monthly heating costs by 30-40%. Occupants of a home located in such a climate who typically have a monthly heating bill of $200 could realize savings of up to $60-$80 per month. The larger the heating bill, the higher the savings that may be expected.About the Author:

Ryan Rollins is an expert in commercial window installation and home improvement. Learn more about window installation services at his company's website, KC Pella Windows and Doors.

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