The Science Behind Energy-Efficient Windows

A lot of time and effort has been put towards engineering top notch windows over the years. Windows of the past, which usually broke down easily and were not at all energy efficient, have been changed to last a lifetime and deter solar heat gain. So what exactly goes into making a window that is supremely energy efficient? In today’s article we’re going to talk about the science behind Home Windows, and what engineering tools they used to create a window that lasts a lifetime and stays energy efficient.

Given the ever-increasing price of electricity, heating and cooling the home is of some concern for homeowners on a budget. I don’t know about you, but I keep a close eye on my energy bill and try to reduce it as much as possible. Did you know that windows often account for the most energy loss in one’s home? Single pane, drafty windows can be the cause of your highest energy bills.

Double Pane Windows

Double pane glass was engineered in modern home windows along with gas fill. The double panes and gas create insulation between the glass giving you better protection against heat and cold, and deter air infiltration which can drag down your home’s energy efficiency. Gas is a better insulator than air – which is all that used to be between the panes.

Spacers

Window spacers are an important scientific development in new home windows and are a crucial component in keeping the windows energy efficient. Spacers are placed between the windows double panes and they seal the unit together. In addition, these spacers hold all that precious gas between the panes. Window spacers are made with high thermal prohibitive materials today, because in the past spacers could melt or peel away from the sides of the windows. At Conservation Construction of Texas our Platinum Elite spacers are revolutionary in that they are engineered to keep gas in place while not deteriorating. In fact, they hold up better than most other spacers on the market today.

Low-E Glass Coatings

Probably the most essential feature to new modern energy efficient windows is their revolutionary coatings. The science behind low-e glass is that it uses metals in its makeup to reflect heat and cold equally during the summer and winter months. These thin metallic coatings are placed on the glass and prevent harmful UV rays from entering the home. At Conservation Construction of Texas we use a specialty coating called Low-E Glass which is even more energy efficient than other Low-E glass on the market. It gives you all the solar control and high visibility.

Quality Insulation

The last revolutionary technology that is placed in these windows cannot even be seen by your eyes. Energy efficient vinyl frames are just as essential as the glass itself. Frames have come a long way, too, from old wood and metal which were not energy efficient and could expand and contract with heat; to vinyl which holds up better over time and is more energy efficient. Even more than the frames being energy efficient, they are filled with a foam to ensure they get better insulation. This is another huge scientific discovery that has come out of the past decade. Here at Conservation Construction of Texas our frames are filled with foam so you get better insulation too.

Weep System

This last quality you want and need out of your new home windows is a weep system. One of the problems with old windows was that they would allow water to sit in the track and cause damage like mold, mildew, rot or warping. Our Conservation Texas Frames have a custom weep system at the bottom of each window frame to ensure that if rain comes, water will drain out and not cause any damage to the window. They won’t rot or warp like old wood or vinyl frames. You’ll get better protection for life.

Final thoughts

It is all these scientific tools used and developed over the past few decades that have made new windows more energy efficient and durable than ever before. We hope you’ve learned a lot today about the science behind energy efficient windows. You can visit our website here to request your free quote. Get new Texas windows and start reducing your energy costs today!