How to Choose Energy Efficient Windows for your Home

Image

October 23, 2018 is ENERGY STAR® Day! Milgard is proud to be an ENERGY STAR partner by manufacturing high-quality windows and patio doors that adhere to ENERGY STAR requirements.

Tested to be an ENERGY STAR Partner

Did you know that ENERGY STAR products are independently certified? Each partner must go through rigorous testing to ensure their products save energy without sacrificing features or functionality. When you see the ENERGY STAR label, that’s a sign that the product can save you money on your energy bills, which can also help protect our environment.

ENERGY STAR Saves Money

How do ENERGY STAR Windows Help?

Windows and patio doors that carry the ENERGY STAR logo are designed to meet tough thermal and solar requirements where you live. Improved energy performance helps you enjoy a more comfortable home year round. Old windows can be leaky and poorly insulated which results in energy loss as you spend money to heat or cool your home.

What Should I Look for in an Energy Efficient Window?

What Should I Look for in an Energy Efficient Window?

When shopping for energy efficient windows and patio doors, consider the following:

  • Number of Panes: Many older windows only have a single pane of glass. Newer, more energy efficient windows offer dual or triple pane glass (or glazing). This provides better insulation and helps to reduce energy usage.
  • Low-E Glass Coatings: Low-E stands for “low emissivity”. That refers to the solar control of the glass regarding its ability to improve thermal performance. Homes with Low-E glass windows and doors enjoy more consistent temperatures all year long. Plus, your carpet and furniture can find protection against UV rays which can cause colors to fade. Milgard offers SunCoat® (Low-E2) and SunCoatMAX® (Low-E3) coatings for better levels of protection.
  • 4th Surface Glass Coating: Consider adding a 4th Surface coating to your double-pane windows to enhance the U-factor (how well a window can withstand heat). Ours is a durable Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) coating that actually reflects heat back into the home.
  • Window Spacers: Spacers keep a window’s dual glass panes the correct distance apart which aids in insulation. You need just the right amount of air space to ensure the proper efficiencies. Milgard® EdgeGardMAX® spacers offer superior insulating properties with an advanced design that helps stop the heat flow while reducing condensation and improving energy efficiency.
  • Gas-filled Space Between Glass Panes: Milgard uses either Argon or Krypton gas between the panes to enhance thermal performance while still maintaining your view. Argon is standard. Choose Krypton for the highest levels of thermal protection.
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): The SHGC is measuring the amount of solar radiation that can be transmitted through a window. The lower the number, the better. 

If you are ready to help your home become more energy efficient and want to learn more about ENERGY STAR replacement windows, download our Energy Brochure or find a Milgard Certified Dealer near you today.

More Helpful Articles

Image

How to Find the Best Sliding Glass Doors

Read this before you shop.

Image

Top 10 Signs It’s Time for Replacement Windows

Is it time for change?

Image

A Guide to Glass Options for Home Windows and Patio Doors

Get acquainted with glass enhancement options

Image

5 Hot Choices in Patio Doors for Indoor Outdoor Living

Ideas to transform your patio space into an extended living room.

Image

5 of the Best Patio Doors for 2023

We’ve got five of the best patio door options for 2022 that you have to see to believe.

Image

Single Hung vs. Double Hung Window: What’s the Difference?

Learn the key differences here

Image

What is a Double Hung Window?

And how it compares to a Single Hung Window

Image

Buyer's Guide on Sliding Patio Doors: Answering Frequently Asked Questions

Read this before you shop

Image

Can You Replace a Sliding Glass Door with French Doors?

Refresh your home!

Image

New Windows that Completely Change the Look of Your Home

Quick tips and ideas.

Add a comment

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.