There’s no doubt that the summertime in Virginia can get quite hot and humid. Having effective windows in your home can make a world of difference in how your interior feels throughout the long summer months.
One of the first factors to consider is the style of window. There are many different options out there. However, it’s important to realize that they don’t all perform the same. Awning and casement windows offer the tightest seal when it comes to a functional window that will still open. Picture windows offer the tightest seal because they’re non-functional.
Another option is investing in a low-emissivity or low-E coating for short. This is a thin, transparent layer of metal or metallic oxide applied to the glass surface of your window. It helps reduce heat transfer while still allowing visible light to pass through. This coating is great for keeping the summer heat out while still allowing you to enjoy the natural light provided by the sun.
Another great tactic to implement is to get a window replacement with multiple panes of glass. Both double-pane and triple-pane windows are perfect for offering more energy savings throughout the year. Having multiple panes of glass slows down natural heat transfer and works to reduce outside noise transfer.
When you purchase windows, there’s always the option of getting a gas fill. This is a specialized type of insulation that fits between the panels in your window. With most windows having two to three panels, you may have multiple layers of insulating gas fill.
This is perfect for boosting the energy efficiency of your windows, by allowing more of your cool indoor air to stay indoors. There are a few different types of gas, including argon, krypton, and xenon.
New windows are available in many different material frame options. Some of the most popular include vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum. When selecting the ideal material for your window, you’ll want to keep heat transfer in mind. Materials like aluminum are great heat conductors, meaning they’ll allow heat to transfer into your home. However, materials like fiberglass and vinyl are poor heat conductors, so less of the outside heat will make it into your home.
While low-E coatings can be a great cost-effective choice, spectrally selective tints can take it a step further. These special window tints are specifically designed to block out UV rays and the heat they transfer. While you may not want to budget to include spectrally selective tints on all your household windows, they can be a great option for both your west and south-facing windows that receive the most sunlight throughout the day.
ENERGY STAR certification isn’t just for appliances. Rather, they also offer certifications for windows that are highly rated to provide optimal energy efficiency. Even better, you’ll find ENERGY STAR has ratings specifically tailored for your local climate zone. You’ll want to select a window that meets the minimum ENERGY STAR certification for your specific climate zone.
An innovative option that’s newer to the market is smart glass, also known as electrochromic glass. This type of window glass will automatically change its tint based on the actual sunlight coming into contact with it. These high-end windows can be exceedingly effective in the efficiency that they offer.
Another choice to help mitigate summertime sunlight intrusion is with outdoor overhangs or awnings for your windows. These are great for blocking the high summertime sunlight while still allowing the lower wintertime sunlight to freely heat your home in the winter. Overhangs can also add an aesthetic boost to the exterior of your home.
It doesn’t matter how great the window product you buy is, if it isn’t installed correctly, it’s not going to operate efficiently. It’s vitally important that you have a professional do all your window installations. They will use the right flashing, seal, foam, and caulk to ensure your new window will perform as efficiently as possible.
Quality Window & Door offers expert window installation services for the Merrifield, VA area. We can also help with all your window replacement and door installation needs. Simply call our office today to schedule your next service appointment.
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