Modern Technologies of the Most Energy-Efficient Vinyl Windows

Have you ever felt hot or cold when sitting next to a window? How about noticing a draft, even when the window is closed? Or touched the glass and felt heating radiating off of the window pane? These might seem like minor issues, but the truth is poor energy efficiency is more than just uncomfortable. This type of heat transfer could cost you up to 30% of your energy bills. Fortunately, with modern advancements in manufacturing, you can cut down on those losses. Energy-efficient vinyl windows will help reduce heat transfer, block damaging UV rays, and put money back into your wallet.

Unfortunately, if you don’t know what to look for, many modern windows appear alike. That is why you need to know some crucial features all energy-efficient vinyl windows have. That way you know if you are looking at a quality product, or just another run of the mill window. Here is what you need to see:

1. Insulating Material
Vinyl is one of the most energy-efficient window materials on the market. The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in the frames is durable, but also does not conduct heat like metal. Instead it slows heat transfer. And vinyl will not warp, rot, scratch, or fade.

2. Multiple Chambers
Vinyl windows should be made of hollow, interlocking chambers of varying size. And the more chambers a window has, the better the energy efficiency. Why? Because installers will fill these chambers with insulation to help block heat even more.

3. Welded Corners
There are two ways to manufacture vinyl windows, and the best way to tell the difference is to look closely at the corners. Some manufacturers use caulking, screws, and brackets to hold the windows together. These are not ideal. You want to see heat-welded corners. This fuses the molecules together and creates an unbreakable seal.

4. Multiple Panes
Today single-pane windows do not make the cut. They do little to protect you and your belongings, providing little protection and almost no insulation. Now the standard is double-, or even triple-paned vinyl windows.

5. Inert Gas Fills
Historically nothing was used to fill the space between panes of glass, just regular air. Unfortunately, due to moisture, the air would still expand and contract with extreme temperatures. So no manufacturers use an inert gas and seal it between the window panes. It does not fluctuate because of temperature, and it has more density than regular air.

6. Glass Coatings
Today you can choose from several window coatings that all serve unique purposes. Some window tints block the natural light. Some allow in light, but specifically block up to 90% of solar heat. Some coatings even work to give you more privacy indoors while still being able to see outside.

7. Energy Star Labels
One surefire way to be sure you are getting energy efficient windows Wilsonville, OR vinyl windows is to look at the labels. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) tests all the products and assigns them a rating based on some categories. The measurements you want to pay most attention to include the U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGS), and the Air Leakage rating.

EnergyGuard Offers the Most Energy-Efficient Vinyl Windows in Lake Oswego, OR
Call us today at 503-554-5500 or visit us at 516 E. 2nd St., Newberg, OR 97132. We can show you the different window styles we provide and give you a rundown on some of these more advanced technologies.