Three Types Of Energy-Efficient Windows
Posted on: 2 February 2016
Energy-efficient windows are one of the best ways to reduce the amount of heat that leaks out of your home during the winter (and into your home in the summer). There are many different types of energy-efficient windows, all of which operate in different ways to bring the same feature to your home. Understanding what the main types of energy-efficient window models are can help you choose the one that best fits both your home's appearance and your family's needs.
Fixed Pane Windows
Fixed pane windows are the most common type of window on the market, and they offer a great deal of energy efficiency to your home. This is because, like their name suggests, the pane in the window does not move and is sealed all the way around. This prevents any air from seeping out of your home and also helps reduce noise pollution from outside. Fixed pane windows tend to be easy to clean, require less maintenance when compared to windows which open, and cost less initially (though the exact cost will depend on the glaze and grade of glass, as well as window size).
However, fixed pane windows do not provide any ventilation to your home, which can be a problem, especially if you live in a humid climate. Furthermore, they only offer a plain aesthetic to your home and won't stand out.
Casement Windows
Casement windows, sometimes called crank windows, are windows which open sideways in a similar manner to a door and are operated with a hand crank. They offer energy efficiency second only to fixed pane windows, and they offer superior ventilation to your home when compared to their fixed counterparts.
However, casement windows are designed only for use in windows that are higher than they are wide, and can malfunction in larger windows, limiting their application in your home. Furthermore, they can reach extremely high prices, especially when compared to fixed pane windows.
Awning Windows
Awning windows operate in much the same manner as casement windows, but swing open upwards instead of sideways. These are a fairly uncommon window model, and thus they offer a unique aesthetic to your home that other windows do not. Furthermore, they provide the best ventilation of these three energy efficient windows while still protecting your home from heat exchange, making them ideal for climates that have severe summers and winters. However, awning windows are the most likely of these three types of windows to require repairs, as their moving parts are placed under more stress and are thus more likely to fail.
Contact a company like Nu-Vue Products for more information on which windows are right for you.
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