Table of Contents
Best Energy-Efficient Windows
Are Energy-Efficient Windows Worth It?
Energy-Efficient Windows Bottom Line
Best Energy-Efficient Windows
- Picture Windows
- Casement Windows
- Awning Windows
- Insulated Windows
- Low-E Windows
- Energy Star Windows
1. Picture Windows
The best energy-efficient windows are picture windows, which offer airtight seals and excellent weatherproofing, helping to help maintain indoor temperatures and save on energy bills. Since picture windows are fixed windows, meaning they do not open, there is minimal air leakage as you will never break the airtight seal.
Another advantage of picture windows is that they let plenty of natural light shine in, making rooms feel larger and airier while requiring less artificial lighting. If you don’t need windows that open, picture windows are the best energy-saving windows you can choose.
2. Casement Windows
Casement windows are another type of energy-efficient window that provide tight seals and minimal air leakage. Plus, casement windows can be opened so that you can enjoy some fresh air or ventilate a room.
Casement windows offer better energy efficiency than more traditional types of windows that can be opened, like double-hung and sliding windows. Simply put, casement windows are the best energy-saving windows that you can open. Overall, they offer a superb balance of energy efficiency and convenience.
3. Awning Windows
Awning windows are also one of the most energy-efficient windows. They are very similar to casement windows and provide the same energy-saving benefits. They also offer excellent seals that improve energy efficiency and can also be opened easily.
The main difference between awning windows and casement windows is that they swing up when they are opened as opposed to swinging out, and this makes them less effective at ventilating a room.
Besides being energy efficient, awning windows are typically very easy to operate. You can open them with just one hand, making them popular choices in hard-to-reach areas that need ventilation, like kitchens and bathrooms.
4. Insulated Windows
Insulated windows are another type of energy-efficient window you can use in your home. An insulated window is a multipane window with an insulating gas between the panes.
Double pane windows are the most common type of insulated windows and have been popular since it was discovered that they provide great weatherproofing. However, if you don’t mind spending extra, you can opt for triple-pane windows for the best energy savings.
Insulated windows are suited for pretty much any need as they come in all types of varieties, including casement windows and picture windows.
5. Low-E Windows
Low-E windows, short for low emissivity, are energy-saving windows that use a unique coating on the glass to block ultraviolet and infrared light. By blocking both ultraviolet and infrared light, Low-E windows prevent heat from the sun from entering your home.
Although it might seem like Low-E windows are ideal for cold climates, this type of energy-efficient windows can also keep heat in your home by reflecting it back rather than letting it escape. There are different types of Low-E windows out there, all engineered for different climates, so it’s easy to choose an energy-saving window that will be suitable for your home.
6. Energy Star Windows
One of the best ways to easily find energy-efficient windows is to purchase windows with the Energy Star logo. Energy Star windows receive ratings and certifications from the government, so any window with the Energy Star certification will be highly energy efficient.
There are four categories of Energy Star windows, each based on geographic location and climate. If you’re in the northern US, Energy Star estimates you can save between 9% and 22% on your annual energy costs by installing certified windows, while their energy-efficient windows can save homeowners in the Southern US zone between 17% and 31%.
Another perk of installing energy-saving windows certified by Energy Star is that you might be eligible for local and federal tax credits. For 2022 and 2023, most homeowners installing Energy Star windows should qualify.
Are Energy-Efficient Windows Worth It?
Energy-efficient windows are worth the investment as they save between 8% and 15% on energy bills, depending on where you live and the type of windows you are replacing. While they can be costly, they will pay for themselves over time.
Installing energy-saving windows can also make your home more desirable and increase its value, should you choose to sell it.
Energy-Efficient Windows Bottom Line
There are many types of energy-efficient windows, using various technologies to provide weatherproofing for your home. Some work by creating airtight seals and providing extra insulation, while others use special coatings to prevent UV and infrared sunlight into your home. And many of the best energy-efficient windows combine these technologies for the best performance. For example, you can also easily customize casement windows to fit your needs and make them more energy efficient.
Installing energy-saving windows to make your home more environmentally friendly and save on utility bills is a great idea. Still, function must also be considered when choosing the best window type for your needs. While picture windows provide the most energy efficiency, casement windows offer the best all-around performance while giving you excellent energy savings.