Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows in New Orleans | Big Easy Windows

Energy Efficiency Benefits of Vinyl Windows: A Cost-Effective Solution for Your Home

Big Easy Windows is the perfect solution for homeowners looking to save on their energy bills. Our vinyl windows are highly efficient, offering superior insulation year-round and helping you maintain comfortable temperatures in your home without breaking the bank.

Not only do our windows provide excellent energy efficiency, but they also come with a variety of other benefits including improved soundproofing, easy upkeep, and a wide selection of styles and colors to choose from. Investing in vinyl windows is one of the simplest ways to reduce your energy bills and create a more comfortable living space.

Window Glass: Types and Coatings

The type of glass used in vinyl windows can greatly affect their energy efficiency. The insulation and prevention of heat loss or gain in a window can be greatly affected by the type of glass and coatings used. Vinyl windows often use different types of glass such as single-pane, double-pane, and triple-pane glass.

Double and triple-pane windows feature insulating gas fills between the layers of glass, such as argon or krypton, which helps to reduce heat transfer. Additionally, low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings can be applied to the glass to reflect heat and UV rays away from the window, further reducing energy consumption.

Low-E coatings come in different variations, with different levels of reflectivity and shading. A Low-E coating with high solar gain is best for cold climates to allow more heat to enter the home through the window, while a low-solar-gain coating would be better for hot climates as it reflects more heat away from the home.

Frame Material for Energy Energy Efficiency

plastic vinyl windowThe frame material of vinyl windows is another crucial factor that affects energy efficiency. Vinyl frames are known for their superior insulation properties, making them highly energy efficient. These are designed to create a tight seal and stop heat from transferring between the inside and outside of the house.

The insulation effectiveness of wood or aluminum frames may differ based on their construction and design, unlike fiberglass frames which have consistent insulation properties. Wood frames, for example, provide excellent insulation but require regular maintenance to prevent rotting and warping. Aluminum frames, on the other hand, conduct heat and cold more readily, making them less energy efficient than vinyl.

However, advancements in frame technology have led to the development of thermally broken aluminum frames, which feature an insulating material between the interior and exterior aluminum components, significantly improving energy efficiency.

How Different Styles Affect Energy Efficiency

The style of vinyl windows can also significantly impact energy efficiency. Different window styles can vary in their ability to insulate, prevent air leakage, and control solar heat gain. Casement and awning windows, for example, offer excellent insulation properties because they close tightly against the frame and prevent air from entering or escaping the home.

However, sliding windows may have less insulation since their design allows them to slide open and close, potentially causing gaps between the sash and frame. However, the energy efficiency of sliding windows can be improved with the addition of weatherstripping and proper installation. Additionally, window orientation plays a significant role in energy efficiency. Installing windows with shading devices or low-solar-gain coatings can help mitigate the effects of solar heat gain and improve energy efficiency.

Proper Insulation

Proper insulation is a key factor in improving the energy efficiency of vinyl windows. Without proper insulation, windows can allow air leaks, which can result in significant energy loss and discomfort in the home.

To ensure proper insulation, window installers typically use expanding foam insulation to seal the gaps between the window frame and the rough opening. This type of insulation forms an airtight seal, preventing drafts and air leaks. Additionally, weatherstripping is applied to the sash and frame of the window to further improve insulation and prevent air leaks. Weatherstripping is typically made of a flexible material, such as rubber or foam, which compresses when the window is closed, creating a tight seal.

In addition to improving energy efficiency, proper insulation can also enhance the overall comfort of the home by preventing drafts and cold spots. Homeowners should ensure that their vinyl windows are properly insulated and sealed to maximize energy efficiency and minimize energy costs.

Weatherstripping and Sealing

Weatherstripping and sealing are essential components of improving the energy efficiency of vinyl windows. Windows are a significant source of air leaks, which can result in increased energy consumption and discomfort in the home. Weatherstripping is applied to the sash and frame of the window to seal the gaps between them and prevent air leaks.

Proper weatherstripping can significantly improve energy efficiency by preventing drafts and air leaks, ultimately reducing energy costs. Sealing is another critical component of improving energy efficiency in vinyl windows. Windows are typically sealed with caulk or sealant around the perimeter of the frame to prevent air leaks between the window frame and the rough opening.

Expanding foam insulation is also used to fill gaps between the frame and the rough opening to create an airtight seal. Proper weatherstripping and sealing are crucial in maximizing energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption, resulting in a more comfortable and cost-effective home.

Choose Vinyl Windows from Big Easy Windows Today

Big Easy Windows is committed to providing top-of-the-line vinyl windows that offer superior energy efficiency. Our windows feature advanced insulation technology that helps reduce air leakage, control solar heat gain, and ensure optimal comfort for your home.

Our vinyl windows also come with low-solar-gain coatings to reduce the effects of solar heat gain and maximize energy efficiency. For superior energy efficiency in your home, choose Big Easy Windows. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of vinyl windows and get started on your next window project.

What Our clients Say

Morris Tucker

If you’re looking for a reliable company to install your windows, I highly recommend Big Easy Windows. From the beginning of our first conversation until the end of installation everything went smoothly and efficiently – no problems whatsoever!

Helen Turner

I was really pleased with my last couple of installations from Big Easy Windows. The salesman and workers were so nice and I’ll definitely be using them again when I replace more windows in the house. I can’t say enough good things about them!

Thomas Hitt

The experience I had with Big Easy Windows was great. The windows were installed quickly, and the salesman that came out to measure my home even helped me find ways to save money by getting more than one set of double hung windows. Highly recommend.

Free Estimates