5 Essential Window Efficiency Facts Every Homeowner Must Know About R-Value and U-Value
Window Efficiency is something many homeowners begin thinking about when energy bills start rising during the summer or winter months. As a homeowner you may have wondered to yourself, “What the heck does this R-Value exactly mean?” or “What is more important, R-Value or U-Value?”
Because of these questions you may have come to the point where you simply say, “Give me the best bang for my buck and cut down my energy costs!” One of our goals as a home improvement company is to help homeowners understand the products they are investing in and how those products improve Window Efficiency throughout the home.
Fact #1: Understanding R-Value and Window Efficiency
Now back to the question… “What the heck does this R-Value exactly mean?” The answer is simple… resistance. The term R-Value refers to an insulating material’s ability to resist heat flow.
The higher the R-Value, the better the insulation performs. When evaluating products for better Window Efficiency, understanding how insulation works is an important first step.
Fact #2: U-Value Measures Heat Transfer
One question homeowners often ask is, “What is more important, R-Value or U-Value?” The truth is that both are important factors when considering Window Efficiency.
While R-Value measures insulation resistance, U-Value measures the transfer of heat through materials like glass. The easiest way to understand U-Value is simple: the lower the number, the better the product is at preventing heat loss.
Fact #3: Glass Packages Make a Big Difference
There are many ways to improve Window Efficiency depending on the glass package that is selected. Options range from single pane to triple pane glass and can include argon gas or even krypton gas between the panes.
Depending on where you live, some of these options may be unnecessary. Choosing the right balance of performance and cost is key to maximizing Window Efficiency for your home.
The glass package we prefer includes double pane glass coated with triple silver Low-E and filled with argon gas. This package is sealed with a stainless steel spacer and delivers strong Window Efficiency performance with a U-Value around .24.
Fact #4: ROI Matters When Upgrading Windows
ROI… what in the world is ROI? It may sound like some funky 90’s pop group, but ROI actually stands for Return-On-Investment. This refers to the amount of money that can be recouped from your initial investment.
For example, if you invest $10,000 in new windows for your home, you may regain up to $7,800 in value. That means you invested only $2,200 to improve appearance, increase comfort, and enhance Window Efficiency throughout the home.
Fact #5: Energy Savings Add Up Over Time
Many homeowners are surprised at how much glass actually exists on the exterior of their home. If every door and window opening were placed on one side of the house, it would resemble a cardboard box with one entire side exposed to the elements.
Improving Window Efficiency can significantly reduce energy loss. Windows manufactured with Low-E glass and argon gas to replace outdated single pane windows can reduce energy consumption dramatically.
According to one reputable window manufacturer, installing energy efficient windows in an entire home can reduce energy bills by up to 25 percent. If your monthly energy bill is $200, you could save up to $50 per month — nearly $600 each year — all while improving overall Window Efficiency.
To learn more about choosing the right windows for your home, visit our internal guide on
replacement windows and energy performance.
Next time you are interested in making your home more energy efficient take the time to ask these questions to the company that you have estimating your home. You can also explore more homeowner education and improvement tips on our Home Improvement Minute blog to continue learning about products that improve Window Efficiency.
If you live in Southwest Ohio, feel free to give Thrush & Son: Complete Home Improvement Company a call today at 937.833.5136.
From roofing to siding to windows, doors, and more, Thrush & Son has your home covered.
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