Windows do more than just provide light, warmth, and ventilation. They directly affect your home’s energy efficiency and monthly utility costs. Heat gain and heat loss through windows account for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Outdated windows let heat slip away in the winter or flood your home with excess warmth in the summer, driving up energy bills.
The good news is that upgrading to energy efficient Milgard windows or improving your existing ones can significantly reduce energy loss, lower those bills, and keep your home comfortable. Here’s everything you need to know to make the right choice for your home.
Types Of Windows And Their General Energy Efficiency
The way windows open and close can significantly impact their energy efficiency. A home’s architecture often guides which styles are the best fit, practically and aesthetically. Certain window types are better at preventing drafts and reducing energy costs, while others may not seal as effectively.
Here are the most common types of windows to consider:
Awning: These windows open outward and hinge at the top. Their design ensures the sash presses tightly against the frame when closed, reducing air leakage compared to sliding windows.
Single and Double-Sliding Windows: The sashes of single and double-sliding windows move horizontally. A single-sliding window has one movable sash, while a double-sliding window allows both sashes to slide. Like single—and double-hung windows, they typically have higher air leakage rates than projecting or hinged options like awning or casement windows.
Fixed: Fixed, or picture windows, have panes that do not open and are airtight when installed properly. However, they are less suitable for areas that require ventilation, such as warm or tropical climates.
Single and Double-Hung: In double-hung windows, both sashes slide vertically, while in single-hung windows, only the bottom sash moves upward. These styles have higher air leakage rates than projecting or hinged windows.
Casement: Casement windows hinge at the sides, and the sash is pressed against the frame when closed, creating a tighter seal. This design reduces air leakage rates, making them more efficient than sliding windows.
Improving The Energy Efficiency Of Existing Or Older Windows
The type of windows you choose matters, but it's equally important to assess the performance of your existing windows. Older windows often let energy slip away through gaps and drafts, both visible and hidden, leading to higher utility bills. While replacing them with energy efficient windows is the best solution, there are cost-effective upgrades that can still make a noticeable difference.
Caulking stationary cracks, gaps, or joints less than a quarter-inch wide is a great first step. Caulking involves applying a sealant to these areas to block air leaks and prevent drafts. It’s a quick, cost-effective fix that works well for non-moving window frame parts.
Weather-stripping is a better option for moving components, such as doors and operable windows. This process involves adding flexible materials like foam or rubber around the edges to create a tighter seal and reduce air leakage.
Ultimately, replacing outdated windows with energy efficient options is the smartest long-term investment. Over time, reducing heating, cooling, and lighting costs can offset the upfront expense, making your home more comfortable and your energy bills more manageable.
In most cases, if your windows are old and repairs aren’t cutting it, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Especially if your energy bills keep climbing despite your efforts, investing in new, energy efficient windows will provide long-term savings and a more comfortable home environment.
What to Consider When Choosing New Energy Efficient Windows for Your Home
Windows are more than just a way to enjoy the view. The wrong choice can leave your home sweltering in summer or freezing in winter. Here are the most important factors to consider to save on energy costs and improve your home’s efficiency.
Number of Glass Panes
If you’re wondering how many panes of glass your windows should have, think of it this way: more panes, more savings. Each additional layer of glass adds insulation, helping to keep your home comfortable while cutting energy costs.
Single-pane windows, common in older homes, are the least efficient option. They allow heat to escape in the winter and seep in during the summer. Double-pane windows, with two layers of glass and an insulating gas like argon or krypton between them, create a more substantial barrier against temperature changes. This design helps maintain indoor comfort by slowing heat transfer.
Gas Fillings In Energy Efficient Windows
The space between window panes does more than separate the glass. It’s often filled with inert gasses like argon, krypton, or xenon to improve insulation and energy efficiency. These gasses help reduce heat transfer, keeping your home comfortable and cutting energy costs.
Both argon and krypton are odorless, non-toxic, and effective insulators. Argon, six times denser than air, is a cost-friendly option for double-glazed windows, providing strong insulation without breaking the bank. On the other hand, Krypton is six times thicker than argon, making it ideal for narrower spaces in triple-glazed windows where maximum performance is needed. For premium applications, xenon is the top choice. It offers exceptional insulation but comes with a higher price tag.
Energy Efficient Window Coating Options – Low-E (Low-Emissivity)
Plain, single-pane windows don’t just let in light. They also allow heat and harmful UV rays to enter and escape unchecked. These inefficiencies can reduce energy performance while fading carpets, furniture, and hardwood floors over time. Energy efficient windows often feature Low-E coatings to combat these issues.
Low-E, or low-emissivity, coatings act as a solar control layer, reflecting long-wave heat energy and absorbing short-wave heat energy. This technology helps block infrared rays, which increase indoor heat while reflecting ultraviolet rays outside to protect your interiors from fading or discoloration.
For even greater energy efficiency, consider 4th Surface coatings. Transparent Conductive Oxide coatings function like an extra pane of glass, reflecting heat into your home during colder months to enhance insulation. With U-factor ratings between .20 and .30, they effectively resist heat transfer, while the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much solar heat passes through the glass.
A Medium-solar-gain 4th Surface coating allows 41% of solar heat to enter, while a Low-solar-gain version cuts that down to just 27%. Both options are particularly useful in warmer climates where reducing cooling costs is key. Despite their efficiency, 4th Surface coatings let in plenty of natural light, keeping your home bright and inviting.
Window Placement and Home Design
When selecting energy efficient windows, your home’s layout and design significantly impact their performance. While ENERGY STAR® ratings offer guidance for different climate zones, they don’t fully address factors like window orientation or architectural details. In cooler climates, south-facing windows capture solar heat during the winter. Overhangs can help reduce heat gain in the summer. In San Diego’s warm, cooling-focused climate, it’s better to prioritize north-facing windows. Adding shade to south-facing windows also helps keep indoor temperatures comfortable and energy costs low.
Choosing the Best Material for Your Energy Efficient Window Frames
An energy efficient window is only as good as the frame supporting it. Pairing a high-performance window with a subpar frame can seriously compromise its efficiency. That’s why choosing the right frame is as important as selecting the window.
Vinyl
Given its low-maintenance nature and general cost-effectiveness, vinyl or PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) stands out as the best option for an energy efficient window frame. Cleaning these frames is simple, and they maintain their shape well over the years. Unlike typical wood frames, there's no need to worry about swelling, rotting, or warping.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is another great choice for window frames, made from materials similar to glass. This material, made from small glass fibers and resin, expands and contracts at the same rate as glass panes, which reduces the risk of warping or cracking. Like vinyl, it’s low-maintenance, easy to clean, and retains shape over time. Plus, it is affordable without the swelling, rotting, or warping problems common with wood.
Aluminum
Aluminum frames are known for their strength and reliability, making them a solid choice for many homeowners. They’re also affordable, which adds to their appeal. However, aluminum may not be your best bet if you live in a coastal area with salty air—like San Diego. The material is highly prone to corrosion in these conditions, compromising its durability over time.
Another consideration is insulation. Aluminum conducts heat and cold efficiently, making it less effective at maintaining indoor temperatures than other materials.
Additional Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows
We've talked a lot about the benefits of energy-efficient windows but there's even more to enjoy with window replacements. You probably didn't get to choose the windows before you moved in but now's the time to order exactly what you're looking for. From better sound control to block out noise, privacy options where needed, and safety glass for key window locations, we've got you covered with expert advice for any configuration.
Noise-Reduction Options for Energy Efficient Windows
If you’ve ever struggled with noisy neighbors, traffic sounds, or the constant hum of a busy street, you know how much it can affect your peace of mind. Luckily, energy efficient windows offer more than just savings on your energy bills; they can also help quiet your space when properly set up for sound control.
They work by adding mass and thickness to the window panels, helping to block out unwanted sound. The space between the panes allows sound waves to dissipate, preventing them from making their way into your home. For the best soundproofing, talk to your sales team member to discuss any sound control needs greater than those in standard windows, ensuring that your home remains a quiet retreat, no matter what’s happening outside.
Safety Glass
Property crimes, such as burglary, remain a significant concern for homeowners, particularly in areas where homes are more vulnerable. Nearly half of all property crimes in San Diego are residential burglaries, making it essential to take proactive steps to secure your home—starting with your windows.
Safety glass plays a crucial role in enhancing home security. Unlike regular glass, which shatters into sharp, jagged pieces that can cause serious injury, safety glass breaks into small, pebble-sized fragments. These fragments are consistent in size and shape, reducing the risk of hidden glass splinters that can cause harm during cleanup. Plus, post-breakage cleanup becomes easier and safer, as the round edges of the pieces are much less likely to cause cuts compared to sharp glass shards.
Tempered glass, a type of safety glass, is created by heating regular glass and then cooling it rapidly. This process puts the glass under tension and compression, making it four times stronger than standard glass. When it does break, it shatters into small, round pieces instead of sharp shards, further enhancing safety.
For even more protection, laminated glass is a great option. It consists of two layers of glass with a plastic layer in between. This structure makes laminated glass tougher, and even if it cracks, the plastic layer holds the glass together, reducing the risk of injury and providing added security.
Privacy Options
Privacy is as important as energy efficiency, especially in spaces like bathrooms or bedrooms where you want to keep things private. These windows offer a blurred effect, allowing you to enjoy natural light without worrying about prying eyes. For instance, frosted glass is a popular choice. Its opaque finish blurs the view while still letting in light. It's perfect for bathrooms, where privacy is necessary, but natural daylight must also filter through.
Another effective option is textured or patterned glass. With designs like rain, waves, or abstract patterns, these windows create a unique look that enhances privacy while adding a touch of visual interest. They provide excellent privacy without sacrificing style, making them great for bedrooms or living rooms.
Milgard Proudly Partners with Energy Star
If you want to upgrade your home with energy efficient solutions, Milgard windows are a reliable choice. Milgard, synonymous with quality and innovation in windows and patio doors, proudly partners with Energy Star to bring energy efficiency into your home. As a homeowner, you can trust that Milgard products undergo rigorous testing to meet the highest energy performance standards.
Energy Star, backed by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy, ensures products meet stringent standards to help Americans save energy and lower costs. ENERGY STAR-certified windows can cut your annual energy bills by 7–15%, translating to savings of $71–$501, depending on your location and the type of window replaced.
Trust US Window and Door for Expert Energy Efficient Window Installation
When it comes to your home, you deserve nothing but the best. The wrong windows or improper installation can cost you more, from higher energy bills to expensive repairs and frustrating do-overs. That’s why it’s so important to trust the pros. At US Window and Door, we’ve been San Diego’s go-to Milgard Certified Dealer for over 36 years. Milgard windows offer the perfect combination of energy efficiency, modern design, and durability, all backed by a lifetime limited warranty.
Our expert team ensures the right windows for your home get installed correctly the first time, saving you money and headaches. From consultation to installation, we’re here to provide quality you can rely on. Contact US Window and Door today to get started.
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