Choosing Energy Efficient Windows in Big Lake, MN
Energy-efficient windows will do wonders for your Big Lake, MN, home. Not only will they help reduce utility bills, but they will also add style to your rooms and cut down on noise from outside. When properly installed, they make a big difference in the comfort of your home.
There are a lot of features available to boost the energy efficiency of your replacement windows. Everything from the number of window panes to frame material and gas filling can affect how well your windows help insulate your home. Let’s look at some of the most popular features available and see which ones may be best for your new windows.
Window Panes for Energy Efficiency
Many older homes have single-pane windows. This means the windows have only one sheet of glass for the thickness of each sash. Single pane windows are generally not good at insulating your home, meaning you lose energy from heating or cooling because the window can’t hold it in your home. For this reason, many homeowners choose to replace their old single-pane windows with double or triple-pane options. Extra panes added to the thickness of each sash allows the window to hold your conditioned air much more efficiently than the thinner single pane option.
Double and triple-pane windows are the standard for homeowners today as they help keep the temperature in your home steady without extra work from your heating and cooling system. The gap between each layer of glass allows provides an opportunity to utilize argon or krypton gas fillings for added energy efficiency.
Gas Gillings for Energy Efficiency
As mentioned above, argon and krypton gas fillings are a popular way to increase energy efficiency in your Big Lake, MN, windows. But how do these gases increase windows efficiency? Basically, when pumped into the space between your window panes, they serve as a barrier that helps block the transfer of energy from the inside of your home to the outside.
Argon gas is about 6 times denser than air, while krypton gas is approximately 12 times denser than air. This makes krypton gas two times denser and more efficient than argon gas. Krypton is also scarcer to the source, making it more expensive on average than argon which is more widely used in residential windows. But both are excellent options to increase your home’s energy efficiency and make your windows worth the investment.
Window Frames for Energy Efficiency
Another feature to consider when selecting energy-efficient windows is the type of material used to construct the frame. Generally, aluminum frames are the least efficient choice available. They are also usually the least expensive type of window frame. Vinyl, wood, and fiberglass are your best bets to help properly insulate and hold your windows.
Energy Efficient Window Contractors in Big Lake, MN
Still not sure what you need? No worries. Call our team of experienced window contractors in Big Lake, MN, and let us help you choose the right fit for your home. Our quality workmanship and top-notch window supplier products will make all the difference in your energy-efficient home. Call Elk River Exteriors today at (763) 441-7240.