5 Important Considerations When Purchasing Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Energy-efficient impact windows and doors help homeowners save money on their electrical bills and protect them from costly hurricane damage. They also reduce noise from traffic, police and fire sirens, railways, and more.
The energy efficiency of a window is determined by its U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Energy Star-certified products have quality frames and low SHGC ratings, meaning less solar heat comes in and less cooling power is needed.
Energy Efficiency
Having energy-efficient Florida windows and doors is an excellent way to conserve power, reduce costs, and be environmentally responsible. The main reason why they are so energy effective is because they help to minimize heat transfer, allowing natural light into a space while blocking out harmful UV rays.
They also prevent air leaks, reducing the energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home. It helps you save money on heating and cooling costs year-round, especially in Florida’s hot summer temperatures.
Additionally, energy-efficient impact windows have better insulation than traditional non-impact products. They are made of more durable materials, such as wood-clad frames that combine wood interiors with aluminum or vinyl exteriors. Combined with the impact glass, this creates a weather-resistant barrier that can help regulate a room’s temperature and put less strain on your HVAC system.
Durability
As with any good, durability is the ability to endure wear and tear without degradation. Durability is often defined as the ability of a product to retain its utility over time, such as the longevity of a home’s windows and doors.
Homeowners can reduce their energy bills and enjoy a more comfortable living space with energy-efficient, hurricane-impact windows. These products’ tight seals and foam-filled frames prevent air leaks and unwanted heat transfer while keeping cool air inside and warm outside.
When purchasing impact windows, always look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGC ratings, which accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire window.
Visual Appeal
Besides keeping cool, conditioned air inside, energy-efficient windows and doors in Florida should also look great. A study found that people form reliable impressions of web page visual appeal in about 50 milliseconds.
They conducted three experiments to see how varying levels of product visual appeal online affect consumer aesthetic appreciation and attitudes toward the brand. Their findings demonstrated that consumers rely heavily on visual appeal when purchasing online purchases and that arousal and processing fluency independently mediate the relationship between product visuals and consumer responses.
They used a classic visual search task to examine whether target icons that participants rated appealing would be found more quickly than unappealing ones and neutral distractors. The results showed that target appeal influenced search performance, but only when defined subjectively based on participant ratings before the experiment.
Security
Energy-efficient impact windows prevent air leaks from your home and help you reduce your energy bills. They also offer shatterproof protection from hurricanes and other severe weather conditions. It means you can remember to cover your windows with shutters or plywood during hurricane season, saving you time and money.
When choosing impact windows, it is vital to consider the U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). The lower the ratings, the more effective your window will be at keeping a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year. Additionally, impact windows can protect your furniture and pictures from harsh ultraviolet rays that cause them to fade. It can save you money compared to buying new items in the long run.
Maintenance
Many older homes in Florida feature single-pane windows that allow significant amounts of heat to transfer into the home, which leads to high energy bills and less comfortable living space. Replacing these windows with energy-efficient impact windows reduces utility costs, makes the home more comfortable year-round, and protects against potential damage during severe weather conditions.
The best energy-efficient windows are framed with quality materials that prevent heat from escaping. For example, clad frames combine wood with vinyl or aluminum, creating an extremely durable material resistant to moisture.
Additionally, Low-E glass reduces long-wave infrared radiation, reducing the amount of sunlight that passes through the window and into the home. It helps maintain indoor temperatures and protects rugs and furniture from faded colors.