Power Smart Windows

Power Smart windows are ENERGY STAR® labelled windows. Energy Star windows can reduce condensation and outside noise, reduce heating costs, and increase comfort by regulating temperature in hot and cold seasons.

ENERGY STAR® Labeled Windows

This long-term investment offers many benefits in the way of comfort and value to your family.  Certified by an independently accredited agency for quality and energy performance, ENERGY STAR® windows can reduce condensation and outside noise, reduce heating costs, protect from sun damage and fading, increase comfort by regulating temperature in hot and cold seasons.

ENERGY STAR® is an internationally recognized symbol that indicates superior energy-efficiency in its class.

Energy Efficient Windows

Many older homes were built with single-paned windows with little insulating value or resistance to heat flow.  Some windows have metal frames, which act as a heat conductor into the home in hot months and out of the home in cold months.  Energy-efficient windows have a thermal break in the frame to prevent this, and using technologically advanced materials such as vinyl (PVC) for the frame have made a real difference in maximizing window insulation properties.

Low-E Windows

Since heat easily passes through clear glass, one way to reduce heat loss through the glass is to coat the window with a very thin, transparent layer.  This low-emissivity coating, called Low-E, reduces the amount of radiant heat and ultraviolet rays that pass through the window, resulting in a reduction in sun damage and fading to objects, and energy economy.  This Low-E coating is usually applied on the surface of one of the panes nearest the trapped air space (area 2 or 3 on the following diagram).
 
A window coated with Low-E has the approximately the same insulating value as an uncoated triple glazed window; Low-E improves the value from R-2 to R-3 to R-4 depending on the coating type.

Low-E coatings are available in two types: northern or hard-coat, which maximizes solar heat gains and reduces heat loss at night, or southern or soft-coat, which reduces solar heat gain and heat loss at night.  House Smart Home Improvements is professionally qualified to assess and determine which type of Low-E window is best for your home.

Advantages
Low-E windows will return on their investment in a reasonably short period of time, as well as provide a reduction in energy bills for years.  There is increased personal comfort near windows, a reduction in the furniture and window treatment fading, and in mildew and deterioration of the window frame.