The windows in your home play a larger role than most people realize. They recognize the value of having windows for increasing the natural light and making the room feel more open, but homeowners often don’t think about their role in improving heating and cooling efficiency.
When it comes to improving energy efficiency in your home, the very first step should always be replacement windows. Over time, windows can begin to decay. The seals crack, the glass breaks, and the insulation falls apart. At that point, the air inside your home begins to leak out, causing your heating and air conditioning to work overtime.
New windows seal your home tightly so that air stays inside where it belongs. According to Energy.gov, you can reduce heat loss and maximize efficiency by as much as 20 percent by installing new windows.
Beechworth Fiberglass Windows Optimize Efficiency
Not all windows will yield that 20 percent savings, however. Some are built inferior to others, and one of the best options on the market are Beechworth Fiberglass Windows. Beechworth offers a real-wood interior for a beautiful and elegant finish without the downsides of wood window frames, which can crack and lose their efficiency within a few years.
The exterior features a fiberglass seal that keeps outside air where it belongs. It resists the elements and promises long-lasting efficiency.Essentially, everything about this window is focused on optimizing your HVAC system and reducing your energy usage.
A simple Google search will reveal that Beechworth is the number one window in the nation for both aesthetics and efficiency. It has a long-lasting warranty and a guarantee of proper installation. Only a certified Beechworth window contractor can install these windows, so you’re ensured quality work.
Six Window Treatments to Maximize Beechworth Window Efficiency
After you’ve had your Beechworth windows installed, you can do more to increase the efficiency of your home, primarily with your choice of window treatments. These window decorations can help regulate temperature and ensure your windows last longer.
If you’re looking for window treatments that are both attractive and efficient, here are some top choices to consider:
1. Indoor or Outdoor Shutters
Whether you put these sun-blocking treatments on the interior or exterior is a matter of personal style. Either way, they’ll offer protection against the weather, additional security, noise blocking, and reduced heat loss or gain.
Shutters come in all colors, styles, and materials, but if you’re looking for the best defense against poor efficiency, solid shutters are best. The wood panels and vapor barrier fit tightly against the window frame, reducing the space between the treatment and window, restricting undesirable airflow.
2. Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains or other thick draperies can be used on their own or in addition to other window treatments for maximum efficiency. They’re excellent for not only keeping the hot sun from entering your house, but also for keeping the outside air from leaking in. Those who use draperies can reduce heat gains by as much as 33 percent and heat loss by about 25 percent. When installed with Beechworth windows, that’s a significant energy saving.
3. Awnings
Awnings are best when you’re looking for shade protection in the summer. They can reduce heat gain from the sun by about 65 percent on south-facing windows and by about 75 percent on west-facing windows. Although they’re most effective for shade, they can also offer protection from cold weather, limiting the direct impact of wind and freezing air to your windows and doors.
Awnings are made from many materials, from metal and canvas to water-repellant acrylic and polyvinyl laminates. Don’t worry about them fading in the sun or needing replaced after just a few years. Today’s home technology makes it so that your awnings can last for decades without needing replacement, offering incredible efficiency.
4. Blinds
Both horizontal and vertical slat blinds work effectively against summer heat gains and winter heat losses. For the most effective blind installation, look into highly reflective blinds, which can reduce heat gain in the summer by about 45 percent.
Most blinds are installed inside, but some can be mounted on the exterior. This is recommended if you have large windows that need maximum shade or weather protection. These blinds are usually a roller module made of wood, steel, aluminum, or vinyl, and they do an excellent job of protecting rooms from heat loss in the summers.
5. Reflective Films
Some of the best defenses against heat loss and gain are applied directly to the window itself in the form of reflective films. High-reflectivity films are most effective for raising efficiency in the summer when the sun beats against the window. It’s basically a special glaze that will reflect the sun’s glare, allowing you to reduce the need for air conditioning in the house.
Reflective films are great for efficiency, but there are some drawbacks, namely that it can impair outside visibility and increase maintenance. However, it’s one of the more effective ways to permanently lower energy bills.
6. Double-Pane Windows and Insulated Panels
To save on initial installation costs, many homeowners purchase single-pane windows, but that’s where they make a mistake. Single-pane windows have many drawbacks, including higher noise levels, easier to break, and most importantly, reduced energy efficiency. It should be no surprise that a single window pane won’t keep out air as well as a double-pane window. When you replace your windows, make sure you choose a double-pane model.
Double-pane windows can also be insulated around the edges to increase their efficiency. This lining is tightly fitted to the panes of your windows to keep the undesirable air in its place. There can also be an insulating window film in between the two panes to reduce solar heat gain by as much as 70 percent and heat loss by 50 percent. The insulation is a little more expensive in the beginning, but it leads to big savings in the long run.
Make Your Home More Efficient with Lakeside Renovation & Design
If you’re looking to raise the efficiency of your home through windows and treatments, there’s no better service than Lakeside Renovation & Design. We’re certified Beechworth fiberglass window installers who guarantee a quality job and long-lasting savings on every installation.
Windows are just the tip of the iceberg for improving energy efficiency in your home. We also do doors, siding, decks, concrete, and more. For more information about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
