Windows can completely transform a home — from enhancing its look and reinforcing its style, to increasing the natural light that flows through it — but with the hot Austin sun beating down on us throughout the year, adding more windows might seem counterintuitive. With energy-efficient windows, however, you can achieve your design dreams without compromising your in-home comfort, and that's not all.
Here are some of the top ways your Austin home could benefit from an energy-efficient window upgrade.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows for Austin Homes
Keep Temperatures Comfortable Inside and Energy Bills Low
In summer and winter, where Austin temperatures can soar to extreme highs and drop to chilly lows, you might find yourself feeling the seasons even inside your home with ordinary windows. When sunlight warms your interior area, it forces your air conditioners to work harder, raising your monthly electric bill. Weak or broken seals can lead to heat loss, driving winter heating costs up to 25% higher than usual. The use of energy-efficient windows reduces the loss of heating and cooling resources.
Pella offers a wide range of windows with an Energy Star rating, making them highly efficient. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy jointly manage the Energy Star program, which promotes environmentally beneficial energy usage. Every year, consumers save billions of dollars on utility costs by using products with the Energy Star label.
Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal
Not only do energy-efficient windows look great, making your home visually appealing, but their impressive performance and ability to maintain indoor comfort makes your home functionally appealing as well. Together, this means a boost in curb appeal.
Regular windows feature an individual pane of glass, but they also have frames made of aluminum or another highly conductive material. Energy-efficient windows are framed in durable, non-conductive materials like fiberglass, vinyl and aluminum-clad wood. Certain materials are better suited to certain climates, so be sure to discuss frame options for your Austin home with a pro to ensure you make the best choice.
In addition to energy-efficient frame material, your windows should feature multiple panes of glass to minimize heat transfer. Pella's energy-efficient windows have numerous panes of glass with insulation between the panes consisting of harmless gases. Additionally, coatings can be applied to the glass to help regulate the flow of heat to window surfaces. These are frequently referred to as windows with Low-E glass.
Maximize the Value of Energy-Efficient Windows With Correct Installation
Any window's functionality, whether conventional or energy-efficient, depends on the correct installation. Avoid using excessive amounts of expanding foam or sealants, as those materials aren't waterproof and are prone to degrading over time. To avoid water leaks and other issues, choose a professional for caulking and flashing work.
Our goal at Pella Austin is to fulfill your desire for maintenance-free, energy-efficient windows. We have skilled installers on staff, and we can assist you in choosing windows that are ideal for your property. Schedule a consultation or visit our showroom to get your energy-efficient window replacement project started!