Energy-efficient products like windows and appliances have been available for some time and only seem to be gaining popularity. While energy efficiency is a popular buzzword in household consumer goods, that doesn’t mean that their function is as widely understood.

Given this situation, you might be curious about finding out more about what energy efficiency is and how it works – especially if you’re considering upgrading your windows in the near future. If you’re currently in this position, this Energy-Efficient Window FAQ to help you make a more informed decision about your next purchase.

What is Energy-Efficiency?

The term “energy-efficient” might sound self-explanatory, but that name alone doesn’t tell you much about how effective such products are at conserving energy. Energy-efficient windows are explicitly designed to prevent air that has been heated or cooled according to your indoor climate control from escaping. This means that your air conditioner and heating system do not have to use as much energy to maintain your desired temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

One of the best ways to get informed is to find answers to questions people looking for new windows in Toronto have asked about energy-efficient. After all, the chances are that if many people are concerned about one aspect of energy efficiency, then it is something you’ll also want to know.

Do They Truly Help the Environment?

For many, the choice to reduce energy consumption with energy efficient replacement windows stems from a personal investment in reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and contributing to a greener earth.

Unlike the case of electric vehicles that require an additional energy source that could increase demand on oil or coal-burning power plants, energy-efficient windows directly reduce the amount of power that a household consumes. In this case, you know that your decision as a consumer directly impacts the environment; however, the evidence for this impact, however, becomes more apparent when you see the change in your power bill.

Are Energy Efficient Windows Worth the Cost?

Besides working towards a cleaner environment, customers are often concerned about whether the cost of energy efficient windows will be worth their investment and truly help save money. While it is no secret that energy-efficient products often carry a higher initial cost than alternatives that do not offer the same ability to conserve energy, they do have a dramatic impact on heating costs.

In fact, given that merely replacing single-pane windows with a double-pane option that holds an ENERGY STAR approval rating can reduce your heating and cooling costs by about 20% to 30%, homeowners stand to save hundreds of dollars a year in utility costs.

Another cost factor regards rebates for energy efficient windows that you can use to save even more money immediately. For example, Ontario offers incentives through the Green Ontario Fund that allows for extra savings to homeowners, businesses, those upgrading social housing, and indigenous communities that make energy-efficient choices.

What Features Should My Windows Offer?

Not all windows are alike. Those options that offer energy efficiency vary in quality and in the ability to conserve energy. Given that there are several types of energy efficient windows depending on what features they have, you must understand the differences before you choose your upgrade:

  • Double Glazing
  • Insulated Frames and Sashes
  • Low-Emissivity Glass
  • Argon Gas Fill

Will I Get the Same Stylish Design Options?

While the performance of a window is an essential part of considering what option to buy, that shouldn’t be the only reason you choose a particular type of window for your home. If you’re looking for an energy-efficient option that combines a high energy efficiency rating with impressive design options, here at Casa Bella Windows & Doors we offer one of the best options is our premium grade Architectural Plus vinyl windows.

As with any new technology, the surface details don’t tell the entire story. It’s helpful to keep up to date and pay attention to how energy-efficient products work to know whether they will make the best option for your home. When you’re ready for a window upgrade, contact us for more information about the best energy efficient upgrade for your home.