Installing great looking shutters is definitely a visual booster for the home. However, many home owners still install shutters for weather protection advantages. To insure the maximum protection against the changing seasons it best to invest in high-performance windows. This will improve your home's energy performance as well the benefits of added comfort. When looking for energy efficient windows The U.S Department of Energy has a few useful tips to offer:
Efficient windows may have two or more panes of glass, warm-edge spacers between the window panes, improved framing materials, and low-e coating(s), which are microscopically thin coatings that help keep heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer.
Shopping Tips for Windows
- Look for the ENERGY STAR label.
- Check with local utilities to see what rebates or other financial incentives are available for window replacement.
- High-performance windows have at least two panes of glass and a low-e (low emissivity) coating.
- Remember, the lower the U-factor, the better the insulation. In colder climates, focus on finding a low U-factor.
- Low solar heat gain coefficients (SHGCs) reduce heat gain. In warm climates, look for a low SHGC.
- In temperate climates with both heating and cooling seasons, select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings.
- Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass, or COG, U-factors and SHGCs. Whole-unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product.
Source:U.S.Department of Energy
