Choosing the correct type of windows can make a huge difference in your energy costs. However, many people never consider how important their windows are for an energy-efficient home. You might not even realize that there are different types of windows available.
This article details a few types of specialty glass West Palm Beach for you to consider. Keep reading to make an informed decision about what is best for your home.
Multi-Glazed Windows
Modern homes do not use single panes of glass anymore. Windows with multiple glass planes are called Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The glass is not set directly next to each other but with some space in between for an insulating gas.
The standard for IGUs today is double-glazed, and some new homes even have triple-glazed windows. However, the cost of triple-glazed windows is likely not worth it for what you save on energy costs. The only time they are practical is in frigid environments.
What Is the Insulating Gas?
Regular air used to be used to fill the space in between IGUs, but air is susceptible to changes in temperature. Since warm air rises and cold air drops, windows would have hot and cold spots leading to less energy efficiency.
Now, multi-paned windows use odorless, safe, non-reactive gas such as argon or krypton. Argon is more commonly used because it is cheaper. Windows that are filled with argon gas are typically one-half inch thick. Krypton is more expensive, but it takes up less space. If you live in a cold climate and have triple-paned windows, they are likely filled with krypton gas.
If you want to save on energy costs, one aspect you must consider is the windows in your home. Newer homes most likely have multi-glazed windows already installed, but if you live in an older home, contact a professional today for an estimate on new windows.
