How Energy-Efficient Windows Help You Stay Cool & Save In Denver
Why Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows?
Upgrading to energy-efficient windows is more than just a home improvement—it’s an investment in comfort, savings and sustainability. For homeowners in Denver, where summer temperatures can soar into the 90s and winter nights can drop well below freezing, having windows that can handle extreme conditions is crucial. Here are several reasons why Denver residents should consider making the switch:
- Enhanced Comfort: Energy-efficient windows reduce heat gain during the hot Denver summers without compromising on light. By using windows with low solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC), you can enjoy natural light while keeping your home cooler.
- Significant Energy and Cost Savings: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR® rated double-pane windows can save homeowners between $126 to $465 annually. For Denver’s climate, where both heating and cooling are necessary, the savings could be substantial over time.
- Environmental Impact: By reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, you’re also lowering your carbon footprint. This is particularly significant in a state like Colorado, where environmental conservation is a priority for many residents.
- Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient upgrades are a significant draw in today’s real estate market. Homes with such enhancements, especially in environmentally conscious markets like Denver, often see an increase in property value.
- UV Protection: Denver experiences over 300 days of sunshine per year, which means a lot of ultraviolet (UV) rays enter through your windows. These rays can fade furniture, artwork, and fabrics. Energy-efficient windows typically come with UV-blocking coatings, which help protect your home’s interiors from the sun’s damaging effects.
Understanding Window Energy Efficiency Ratings
When considering energy-efficient window replacements, it’s essential to understand the ratings that measure a window’s effectiveness. These ratings are determined by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and appear on the labels of all certified windows.
- The U-factor measures how well a window can prevent heat from escaping. Ratings typically range from 0.20 to 1.20, and a lower U-factor indicates better insulating properties.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures the fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window. SHGC is rated between 0 and 1, and lower values indicate less heat gain.
- Visible Transmittance (VT) is a measure of how much light comes through a window and is rated between 0 and 1. Higher values indicate more natural light.
- Air Leakage (AL) measures the rate at which air passes through joints in the window. It is rated from 0.1 to 0.3; lower ratings mean less air leakage.
Considering ratings is important in choosing the right energy-efficient window replacement for Denver’s climate. For optimal summer performance, opt for windows with a low SHGC to prevent excessive heat gain. This choice, coupled with a higher VT, ensures your home stays cool while still enjoying plenty of natural sunlight.
Types of Energy-Efficient Windows
Choosing the right type of energy-efficient window can greatly enhance your home’s comfort and energy performance. Here are two popular options, each with unique benefits and considerations:
- Double-pane windows consist of two sheets of glass with an air or gas-filled space in between. This gap provides an additional layer of insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. In Denver, where temperatures can vary significantly, double-pane windows offer a balance of performance and affordability. They are significantly more energy-efficient than single-pane windows and are suitable for most residential applications.
- Low-emissivity (Low-E) windows are coated with a microscopic, thin metallic layer that reflects infrared radiation. This coating helps keep heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer, improving the window’s insulation ability. Low-E coatings can be applied to double and triple-pane windows, enhancing their performance. Given Denver’s sunny days, Low-E coatings also reduce UV light exposure, which helps prevent fading of fabrics and furnishings inside your home.
Considerations for Window Replacement in Denver
Replacing your home’s windows is a significant investment that can enhance both your property’s value and your daily comfort. Before moving forward with this project in Denver, here are several important factors to consider:
- Home’s Architectural Style: The style of your home can influence the type of windows you choose. It’s essential to select windows that complement your home’s architectural integrity. For example, traditional homes might benefit from wood-framed, double-hung windows, while modern homes might look best with sleek, aluminum-framed casement windows.
- Window Orientation: In Denver, the direction your windows face can significantly affect their performance. Windows facing the south and west will experience more heat gain due to more intense sunlight exposure, especially in the summer months.
- Energy Efficiency Requirements: Denver’s climate demands high-performing windows. Consider windows that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® guidelines specific to the Northern Climate Zone, which includes Colorado. These windows are optimized for cold winters and have features designed to reduce heating and cooling demands.
- Local Building Codes and Regulations: Denver has specific building codes and regulations, including requirements for egress, which are designed to ensure safety. Before purchasing new windows, check with local building authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable codes.
- Historical and HOA Restrictions: If your home is located in a historic district or governed by a homeowner’s association (HOA), there may be restrictions on the types of windows you can install. These rules can affect the materials, styles, and even colors of your windows.
- Long-Term Financial Benefits: While the upfront cost of replacing windows can be high, it’s important to consider the long-term savings through reduced energy bills. Energy-efficient windows can significantly decrease heating and cooling costs, which can add up to substantial savings over time.
Get Started On Your Energy-Efficient Window Replacement Project
At Alpha Glass & Window, we have the local expertise you need to choose the right windows to help you save. Our expert window replacement team understands the ins and outs of local building codes and Denver’s climate so you don’t have to. We’re here to help you save and stay comfortable.
Why wait? Get started today! Contact our team online or call 720-729-9880 to schedule service.