Energy Efficient Windows - McKinney Tx.

Energy Efficiency means different things to different climates.  A replacement window that keeps a house warm in Alaska might not keep a house cool in Texas.  Adams Home Windows is based in Dallas Texas, so lets tackle Hot Climates first.

Three things make your windows inefficient:
  1. Radiation
  2. Conduction
  3. Air Leakage (infiltration)

EMSpecRadiation:

Lets first get an idea of where heat comes from.  All electromagnetic waves contain energy (heat).  Shorter "ultraviolet" waves contain a higher amount of energy (heat) than longer "infrared" waves.  Of course, if we wanted to build the most energy efficient window we would build one that blocks all electromagnetic waves.  We call this a wall (attempted humor).  But if we want to be able to see through our window, of course it is necessary to allow visible light to pass through.  The solution is to add a metallic mixture called "Low E", based of silver or aluminum to the glass.  A measured amount of Low E successfully blocks a high percentage of the hottest UV wavelengths and still allows a high percentage of cooler visible light to pass. The amount that the Low-E blocks UV is labeled on each replacement window as its "U Rating".  If a replacement window has a U-Rating of .30, it has been measured to block 70% of UV (heat).  If it has a rating of .20, it blocks 80%.  Obviously, lower U-Ratings are better for blocking heat but it is very difficult to block more that 75% without also blocking some of the visible spectrum (tinted, dark windows).

Conduction:
If heat is applied to one side, how fast does the other side get hot?  This is "rate of conduction".
  1. 1. Conduction of the Frame:
    Aluminum and Steel window frames are by far the best conductors of heat.  This means that if the outside frame heats to 100 degrees, the inside will quickly conduct to 100 degrees.  The hot frame heats up the cooler air (inside your house) and causes it to rise (hot air rises).  The rising hot air causes a vacuum affect that pulls cold air to the hot window frame.  Even if the window were perfectly sealed from the inside and out, this process would give the illusion that a breeze is blowing in.
  2. Not only is Vinyl far less conductive but Energy Efficient Vinyl Replacement Windows are built with large air pockets incorporated into the frame.  This allows the inside of the window to remain room-temperature while the outside vinyl never heats to nearly the outside temperature.  Wood is by far the most energy efficient window frame material.  Billions of tiny air pockets within wood make it a terrible conductor of heat or sound.
  3. 2. Conduction of Glass:
    There are other products that are being tested to one-day replace glass in windows but we are far away from that becoming reality.  For now, Glass is king and the king is highly conductive.  All Energy Efficient Replacement Windows are built with at least two panes of glass and in direct summer sunlight, the outside pane of glass is GOING TO GET HOT.  There is nothing that we can currently do about that.  The question becomes, "how can we keep that heat from transferring through the outside pane of glass, through the airspace between the two panes and through the inside pane of glass?"  The answer is Argon Gas (or any dense gas).  Filling the airspace between the two panes of glass with Argon Gas insulates the unit and reduces the speed that hot air rises and cold air falls.  This greatly increases the amount of time that it takes for heat to transfer through to the inside piece of glass.  It is important that the material that is used to hold the two pieces of glass apart (the "Spacer") is made of a material that isn't conductive.

Air Leakage (infiltration):
In the world of "Energy Efficient Replacement Windows", this is often the most overlooked factor, yet it's the one that is easiest to understand.  Any window that opens relies on seals and weatherstripping.  It doesn't matter how efficient the glass is or what the frame is made out of if hot air can infiltrate the window around the sides and under the bottom.  Picture windows are the most energy efficient because they don't open at all.  There is no weatherstripping.  Casement Windows open and close like a refrigerator door and can be sealed more tightly than other styles.

Be careful!  It is possible for a terribly inefficient window to achieve great efficiency ratings because manufacturers are usually only required to measure the efficiency of the glass.  If you can move the window sash around even after you close and lock the window, air infiltration could be completely negating the benefits of efficient glass.

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The most Energy Efficient Home Windows at Affordable Prices

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U-Value measures the rate of thermal transfer. That is, how quickly hot and cold temperature stransfers through the closed window and begins to effect the interior temperature of the home.

 

Lower the better! A window with a U-rating of .4 is approximately 30% more energy efficient than one with a .5 rating. The example to the right displays a U-Rating of .3 - This window would qualify for the Energy Star Rating (.3 or lower) and is considered an Energy Efficient Window.
If an Energy Efficient Window meets NFRC standards, it will be tagged with a sticker that displays that specific windows rating.

 

The label should display the manufacturer, the details of the window (type of glass and gas fill) and a measurement of Thermal and Solar transfer.

The SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) is a measurement of solar energy. This indicates how quickly solar energy (UV-Rays) penetrate the window.

 

Lower the better! Even among windows that are technically "Energy Efficient", this number can vary wildly between manufacturers and product lines. A .30 earns an Energy Star rating but it's not uncommon to find windows with .17 - .24 SHGC.

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Heating Season Savings

 

In climates with a significant heating season, non-energy efficient windows can represent a major source of unwanted heat loss, discomfort, and condensation problems. In recent decades, windows have undergone a technological revolution. It is now possible to have lower heat loss, less air leakage, and warmer window surfaces that improve comfort and minimize condensation. The graphs below illustrate the simulated savings in heating season costs associated with energy efficient windows for a typical house in a heating-dominated climate. The savings shown do not include possible savings from reduced air leakage. Depending on the condition of the old windows in an existing home, the savings can be higher if window replacement leads to long-term air leakage reduction.

 

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Getting the ball rolling
1. Call or Quick window Quote
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The best way to get started is to call or email our office or save time by filling out our "Quick Quote" form (right).

 

One of our representatives is waiting to help you with your project. We will ask about your specific situation and do everything that we can to help you with your project.

 

Even if you're not sure who to call or what kind of company might handle your work... if we can't help, we will do our best to point you in the right direction.

2. Window Estimates
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Window Estimates are always scheduled at the customers convenience. They are detailed, prompt and always free of charge..

 

At Adams Exteriors we do our best to provide estimates that are valid for a long period of time throughout Dallas and Ft. Worth. We would like to offer every customer the opportunity to consider every option before making a commitment that they might later regret. We DO NOT pressure our potential customers the way that some others do. In return, we ask only for the opportunity to compete for your work.

3. Order, Manufacture & Delivery
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Once the estimate is accepted, the ordering and vinyl window manufacturing process could take two weeks or four weeks, depending upon the product (large windows, tempered glass).

 

Vinyl Windows often take 2 weeks to manufacture. However, Adams Exteriors is commited to the process of correctly ordering and scheduling the delivery of all matericals in a timely manner.

4. Installation & Inspection

Hammer and Nail IconIt is unusual for a window project to take longer than a day for installation. Adams Exteriors is proud to employ some of the best window installers in the area. Adams Exteriors - windows would like each of their customers to feel like their time is valued and schedule is respected.

 

The project is not finished until after a full inspection.

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