Efficiency is one of the biggest reasons our customers buy new windows. As windows age and the weather-stripping in the frames breaks down, the window is far less energy-efficient. New, energy-efficient windows reduce heat gain on warm days throughout the year and reduce drafts or heat loss through the windows on cold nights. At American Window Company, we provide the top brands that you know and trust, along with professional installation designed to last long-term. With our help, homeowners get better energy usage and greater comfort in the home year round.
Non-Solar Heat Flow
During the colder months, homeowners may notice that rooms are quite a bit cooler near the windows, than in the rest of the home. This is due to heat transfer. Heat transfer means that warmer air moves to areas where it is colder. In the winter, heated air inside the home makes contact with the cold glass and drops to the floor, creating the feeling of drafts, while also allowing the cold temperatures to transfer into the home. Windows are a prime source of heat transfer, given their composition and construction. Double or triple panes of glass along with proper air gaps, weather-stripping and high R-value frame materials built into the window can slow the rate of non-solar heat flow. The United States Department of Energy reports that most double-paned windows have a non-solar heat flow rate half that of single-paned windows.
Air Leakage
Measuring air leakage is similar to the measurement of non-solar heat flow. Air Leakage (AL) ratings denote the rate of air infiltration into and out of the home, through the actual window assembly. If our customers have windows with faulty caulking and weatherstripping, this can encourage air leakage. And, air leakage not only promotes heat transfer, it decreases the home’s indoor air quality. When there are leaks around the window, dust and allergens can enter the home unfiltered. Homeowners who suspect that their windows are leaking excessively should contact us at American Window Company for a consultation and potential upgrades. For new windows, the Efficient Windows Collaborative recommends that consumers select windows with an AL rating of 0.30 or less cubic feet per minute per square foot.
Buying new windows can be a daunting task. It is important to consider the rate of non-solar heat flow and air leakage through existing windows, and the potential improvements in new models. At American Window Company, we seek to make purchasing and installing windows in Covina a very simple job for our clients. With these tips, homeowners can make a better decision for a happier home.
