The type of windows you choose for your home can have significant effects on energy efficiency, comfort and resale value. Energy-efficient windows Lake Charles LA reduce your utility bills, conserve fossil fuels and make a positive impact on the environment.
ENERGY STAR certified windows limit heat transfer, which reduces your dependence on heating and cooling systems. They also help protect your furniture, carpets and flooring from harmful UV rays.
Double pane windows
If your home has single pane windows, it’s time to replace them with new double-pane windows. These energy efficient windows keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing energy costs. They also reduce noise from the street or other homes.
Other energy-efficient window options include Low-E glass, which reduces the amount of heat that enters your home through your windows. They also offer UV protection, which helps protect your furniture and carpet from fading due to harmful sunlight.
Another option is triple-pane windows, which have an extra layer of glass that provides more insulation. They are a great choice for homeowners who want to save money and contribute to a sustainable future. These windows are often ENERGY STAR certified, meeting stringent energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. government.
Bay and bow windows
Bay and bow windows jut out from your home, creating an eye-catching feature that increases natural light and offers an expansive view of the outdoors. These window styles also provide storage space that can be used for seating, shelving or a reading nook.
Both bay and bow windows increase sunlight indoors, which helps your HVAC heat the home more efficiently. They are ideal for rooms that need more natural lighting, such as the living room or kitchen.
Unlike standard window styles, both bay and bow windows are made up of multiple panes of glass that allow for plenty of customization options. Choose from a wide variety of stain-grade woods for trim and seat boards, frame colors, grilles, hardware and more to get a look that fits your style.
Jalousie windows
Jalousie windows are also known as louvered windows and are a style that dates back hundreds of years. They consist of parallel slats, usually made of glass, but can also be found in metal, wood, or other window materials that open and close with a crank.
These windows offer a great amount of ventilation and can be paired with other window styles like casement or awning. They can be difficult to clean though, requiring the use of ladders or professional cleaning services.
The frame is typically composed of aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass or composite. Safetyline louvre windows feature Marine Grade EPDM seals on each horizontal transom and polyethylene brush gaskets on the upright sections to help restrict air leakage. This improves energy efficiency and performance while keeping water, dust and insects out.
Sliding windows
The wide expanse of glass in sliding windows makes for a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors. This type of window also lets in plenty of natural light and reduces the need for excessive heating and cooling.
Unlike double-hung windows, sliding windows aren’t prone to air leakage. This is because the sashes have less moving parts, resulting in fewer opportunities for leakage and wallet drainage.
Additionally, these types of windows are more energy efficient than double-hung windows because they’re designed with a spacer that contains a dense gas like argon. This helps prevent heat transfer and block harmful UV rays. Moreover, these windows are available in wood, aluminum, and vinyl. These materials are corrosion-resistant and offer durability. They’re ideal for homes with a contemporary style.
Picture windows
The most energy-efficient windows of all are picture windows, which offer panoramic views of the landscape while letting in a lot of sunlight. This natural light brightens the interior, reduces your reliance on artificial lighting, and potentially lowers your electricity bills. However, this can be a disadvantage as the sunlight may warm the interior of your home in the summer.
Because these windows do not open, they do not have the same seal issues that other windows with openings do. Therefore, they do not need to be lubricated or resealed as frequently. They are also often paired with double- or single-hung windows to offer the advantage of ventilation without the drawbacks of solar heat gain. Moreover, these windows are easy to clean because they do not have moving parts.