Glasswing® Double Hung Windows

What Are Energy Efficient Windows?

7 minutes

Energy efficient windows are a key component in creating an energy-efficient home. They are designed to minimize heat transfer between the indoors and outdoors, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs. These windows are built with advanced technologies and materials that enhance insulation and reduce air leakage. By effectively sealing out drafts and maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, energy efficient windows can make a significant difference in the overall energy efficiency of a home.  

Understanding Energy Efficiency 

Energy efficient windows are a vital component of a sustainable and energy-conscious home. They are designed to minimize heat transfer between the inside and outside of a building, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. These windows are constructed with advanced materials and technologies that provide insulation and prevent drafts, resulting in significant energy savings and numerous other benefits. 

One of the primary advantages of energy efficient windows is their ability to enhance the overall comfort of your home. By minimizing heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer, these windows help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, ensuring a cozy and pleasant living environment throughout the year. 

Not only do energy efficient windows improve comfort, but they also offer various economic benefits. By reducing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home, they can lead to lower utility bills. Additionally, these windows can help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system by reducing its workload, resulting in potential savings on maintenance and repair costs. 

Key Features of Energy Efficient Windows 

When it comes to energy efficient windows, there are several key features that contribute to their performance. These features not only help in reducing energy consumption but also enhance the overall comfort and sustainability of your home. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important features: 

Insulation and Thermal Performance: Energy efficient windows are designed with advanced insulation materials and techniques to minimize heat transfer. This helps in keeping the interior of your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. 

Low-emissivity (Low-E) Glass: Low-E glass is coated with a thin, virtually invisible layer that reflects heat while allowing light to pass through. This helps in reducing heat gain during hot summer months and heat loss during cold winter months, resulting in improved energy efficiency. 

Multi-pane and Gas-filled Windows: Energy efficient windows often feature multiple panes of glass with an insulating layer of gas, such as argon or krypton, in between. This combination provides additional insulation and reduces heat transfer, resulting in better energy efficiency and noise reduction. 

At DaBella, we offer a range of energy efficient windows that incorporate these key features. Our windows are expertly crafted to provide exceptional thermal performance, helping you save on energy bills while creating a more comfortable living space. Contact us today to learn more about our energy efficient window options and how they can benefit your home. 

Choosing the Right Energy Efficient Windows 

When it comes to selecting energy efficient windows for your home, several factors should be taken into consideration. Here are some key points to keep in mind: 

Considerations for climate and region: The climate and region where you live play a crucial role in determining the type of energy efficient windows that will work best for your home. For example, if you reside in a cold climate, windows with low U-values and high insulation capabilities are recommended to prevent heat loss and keep your home warm. 

Window frame materials and durability: The choice of window frame materials affects both the energy efficiency and durability of your windows. Common frame materials include vinyl, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as maintenance requirements, insulation properties, and resistance to weather conditions. Consider your preferences and budget when choosing the right window frame material. 

Energy ratings and certifications: To ensure the energy efficiency of your windows, look for energy ratings and certifications such as ENERGY STAR®. These ratings indicate that the windows meet specific criteria for energy performance. ENERGY STAR® certified windows are designed to reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and contribute to a more sustainable environment. 

At DaBella, we offer our brand of Glasswing vinyl windows that can help you achieve optimal energy savings for your home. Our windows are energy-star rated and are specifically designed to enhance insulation, eliminate drafts, and improve overall energy efficiency, all while adding beauty and value to your property.  

Installation and Maintenance Requirements

Proper installation techniques are crucial for ensuring the energy efficiency of windows. When installing energy efficient windows, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure a proper fit and maximize their performance. 

One key aspect of installation is sealing and weatherstripping. This helps to prevent air leakage and maintain the desired indoor temperature. Properly sealing and weatherstripping the windows can significantly reduce energy loss and improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. 

Regular cleaning and maintenance of energy efficient windows is also important to ensure their long-term performance. Cleaning the windows regularly helps to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can accumulate on the glass surface and obstruct the natural light. It is recommended to use non-abrasive cleaning agents and a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the glass or damaging the window frames. 

In addition to cleaning, it is important to inspect the windows periodically for any signs of wear or damage. Check for cracks, gaps, or broken seals and address any issues promptly to maintain the energy efficiency of the windows. Regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of energy efficient windows and ensure their optimal performance over time. 

How to Make Old Windows More Energy Efficient  

Improving the energy efficiency of old windows is essential for reducing utility bills and enhancing comfort in your home. Here are some effective strategies to make old windows more energy-efficient: 

  • Weatherstripping: Apply weatherstripping around the window frames to seal any gaps and prevent air leakage. Weatherstrips are available in various materials, such as foam, vinyl, or felt, and can be easily installed along the edges of windows to create a tight seal. 
  • Caulking: Use caulking to seal cracks and gaps between the window frame and the wall. Silicon or acrylic caulking is suitable for sealing small gaps and cracks, helping to prevent drafts and air infiltration. 
  • Window Treatments: Install energy-efficient window treatments, such as cellular shades, honeycomb blinds, or insulated curtains, to reduce heat transfer and improve insulation. These window coverings create an additional barrier against heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer. 
  • Storm Windows: Consider installing storm windows as an additional layer of protection against drafts and thermal transfer. Storm windows can help improve insulation and energy efficiency by creating an extra air pocket between the existing window and the storm window. 
  • Window Films: Apply window films or tinting to reduce heat gain and block harmful UV rays. Low-emissivity (Low-E) window films are designed to reflect infrared radiation while allowing visible light to pass through, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption. 
  • Insulating Window Inserts: Install insulating window inserts or panels to enhance thermal insulation and reduce heat loss through old windows. These inserts are placed on the interior side of the window frame and can be easily removed during warmer months. 

These are all more or less band aid fixes. If your windows are getting to a point where you are constantly having to address issues like drafts, condensation, or difficulty opening and closing, it may be time to consider investing in window replacement.  

Contact the Replacement Window Experts at DaBella 

Upgrade your home with DaBella’s premium window replacement services today! Our Glasswing vinyl windows are meticulously crafted to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, keeping it comfortable year-round while reducing energy costs. With trained installers ensuring precision and quality, you can trust DaBella to deliver superior craftsmanship and lasting results. Benefit from over a decade of experience in transforming homes, making us the go-to choice for all your window replacement needs. 

Experience the DaBella difference firsthand and elevate your home’s energy efficiency with our state-of-the-art Glasswing vinyl windows. Schedule your consultation today by calling us at 844-DaBella and let our expert team guide you through the process of enhancing your home’s comfort and value with our top-quality window replacement services.  


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Steven Shortridge

District Manager

Portland, OR

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1-844-DABELLA