With the hot temperatures that summer brings, it can be hard to resist keeping the air conditioner running throughout the day. While air conditioning provides a level of comfort to escape from the summer heat, keeping the air conditioning on at all times can also lead to higher energy consumption and bills. Equipping your home with energy efficient windows and doors can help you reduce utility bills in the summer.

Windows and doors with the appropriate certifications, such as Energy Star, are those that have been tested and that have met specific performance criteria and standards for energy efficiency. Energy efficient windows and doors are designed to maximize the light that enters your home while minimizing the amount of heat transferred into your home during the summer. Because of this, energy efficient windows and doors can help you maintain a comfortable indoor environment and reduce your household’s energy consumption.

Here are some ways energy efficient windows and doors can help you reduce cooling costs for your home:

Multi-Glazed Glass and Energy Efficient Coatings

Glazing refers to the glass panes used in windows and doors. The type of glazing can determine how well windows or glass doors can insulate against heat. Energy efficient windows are often double or triple glazed. Multi-glazed windows consist of two or three panes of glass with spaces in between that can be filled with a type of insulating gas. These gas-filled spaces create barriers that slow down the heat transfer through the window and reduces the amount of heat that enters your home. Furthermore, energy efficient windows are typically coated with energy efficient coatings, such as Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings. Windows and doors that have Low-E coatings are designed to allow visible light to pass through while blocking out a significant portion of heat. A combination of multiple glazing and energy efficient coatings on windows and doors can help maintain a cooler indoor temperature during the summer and reduce the need for excessive air conditioning in your home.

Insulating Frame Materials

Energy-efficient windows and doors are made with materials that have high insulating properties. Apart from glazing, the choice of frame material for windows and doors can also affect energy efficiency. Frame materials, such as vinyl, fiberglass, wood, and composite, are low-conductive and provide insulation properties that help reduce the transfer of heat between the indoors and outdoors. While wood frames have natural insulation properties, vinyl and composite frames have similar insulating properties and are relatively low-maintenance. Fibreglass frames expand and contract at rates similar to glass, which can reduce the risk of leaks and drafts. Insulated frame materials can withstand extreme temperature variations and can last longer than non-insulated frame materials. Insulated frame materials can complement multi-glazed and Low-E coated glass for energy efficient windows and doors.

Proper Installation Techniques

The effectiveness of energy efficient windows and doors relies not only on the materials used but also on their proper installation. Different types of windows and doors may require specific installation techniques to perform optimally. With proper installation, you can be assured that the intended features of your windows and doors, such as easy operation, proper ventilation, and optimal energy efficiency, are realized. Proper installation ensures that the gaps around windows and doors are sealed effectively. In addition to this, proper installation ensures that windows and doors are properly insulated and sealed against heat transfer. Poor alignment or improper sealing can result in air leaks and drafts, which can significantly affect the indoor temperature and increase the load on air conditioning systems.

By helping maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, energy efficient windows and doors can help you reduce energy consumption in your home and, as a result, can reduce your utility bills and cooling costs during the summer. However, it is important to note that the overall energy efficiency of windows and doors relies on the entire system, including the glass, frames, seals, and design. If you would like to update your windows and doors to increase the energy efficiency of your home, consider obtaining the services of professionals who can assess your goals, needs, and budget. With their skills and experience, these professionals can expertly recommend and properly install the appropriate windows and doors for your home.