What Are High Performance Windows?
What Are High Performance Windows?
There are distinct differences in the cost of replacement windows and patio doors available to you. But, the cost is just one of the important considerations you should have. Another is the energy efficiency and comfort performance of the windows and patio doors.
The U.S. EPA promotes the use of high-energy efficient technologies, materials and equipment in homes and commercial buildings. Homes and buildings with energy efficient high performance windows and doors use at least 30% less energy than the average home. Since windows and patio doors are such a large percentage of any home or commercial building’s “envelope,” there can be no doubt that replacing old low performance windows with high performance Vinyl windows and patio doors will make a significant difference in the energy savings and comfort performance of your home or commercial building. So, exactly what does this “high performance” mean and what are the benefits?
To start with, windows and patio doors typically comprise 10 to 25 percent of the exterior wall area of a home. Research studies report that windows in heating-dominated climates account for up to 25 percent of a typical house’s heating load and that in cooling-dominated climates, windows account for up to 50 percent of the cooling load.
At Jantek, we design and manufacture only high performance vinyl EnergyMiser windows and patio doors. With over 28 years in the window and patio door industry, we have perfected our craft and our expertise. This has resulted in our development of our EnergyMiser Technology which has put our windows and patio doors at the forefront of high performance and energy saving window and door products on the market today. These technologies include improved framing materials, low-emissivity and solar control coatings, low-conductance gas fills, improved thermal breaks and warm edge spacers, and better edge sealing techniques. These technologies can be used independently or in combination, but must be selected based on climate to optimize performance. Read on for a thorough understanding of this important criteria in your decision process.
Windows can improve the thermal performance of homes by minimizing heat loss in heating-dominated climates and by minimizing solar heat gain in cooling-dominated climates. Thus windows with lower U-factors or higher R-values perform better in heating-dominated climates and windows with lower solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC) perform better in cooling-dominated climates. SHGC is a measure of the amount of solar energy that the glass in your window or patio door allows to pass. For a better understanding of SHGC, U-Factor and other important window performance criteria, take a look at our article on How To Compare Energy and Comfort Performance Of Window And Patio Door Brands
The materials and design of the frame also influence thermal performance. Low conductance materials, the least conducting being vinyl, followed by others such as wood and fiberglass, perform better than high conductance materials such as aluminum or steel. will conduct or transfer heat at a slower rate. That means that the summer’s heat will transfer more slowly from outside to inside, and, the heat generated from your heating system will transfer more slowly from inside to out.
Air tightness is another important consideration. Windows are now being tested and rated for air tightness. A rating of 0.2 cfm/ft (cubic feet per minute of air leakage per linear foot of window edge) or lower is considered good.
An effective building envelope is a key element for an energy-efficient home and your comfort. Replacing your old drafty, energy leaking windows with high performance windows can improve the effectiveness of the building envelope and improve comfort.
High-performance vinyl replacement windows can provide many benefits including:
Improved comfort.
Quieter home.
Increased quality. High-performance vinyl replacement windows are often constructed with better quality materials that can result in stronger, easier to operate, and longer lasting windows.
Improved indoor air quality. High-performance vinyl replacement windows and patio doors often have air tightness ratings of 0.2 cfm/ft or less which reduce the amount of unconditioned air leakage into a house.
Lower utility bills.
Reduced obsolescence based on recent trends for improved energy efficiency.
Fewer condensation problems.
Reduced wear on home furnishings. Low-E coatings can block up to 98 percent of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. This radiation causes curtains, window treatments, carpeting, and furniture to fade and wear faster.
Improved resale position.
If you would like to discuss more of your questions with our replacement window experts, or maybe you are ready for a quick no hassle Free TeleEstimate For Vinyl replacement windows and patio doors, you can also give us a call at (609) 564-1030 x13 and we will be happy to help.