5 Things to Consider If You Want Thermal- Efficient Windows Improving a home’s energy efficiency is one of the top reasons homeowners choose to replace their old windows. Thermal-efficient windows make your home more comfortable and help homeowners cut down on utilities, saving energy and money. When shopping for energy-efficient new or replacement windows, these five points you should keep in mind: 1. Energy-Efficient Glass A vital component of any window is its glass. The right glass option, optimized for your climate, can help reduce heating and cooling costs by slowing thermal transfer. With dual-pane or triple-pane glass, inert argon gas can be used between panes of glass to improve insulating properties. Laminated, tinted, and obscure insulating glass can also add ultraviolet protection to help keep your home more comfortable and energy efficient. In addition to energy-efficient glass, keeping curtains open on sunny winter days is another way to improve window energy savings. On colder winter days, closing your curtains can help insulate your home. 2. Window Installation Proper window installation will help prevent air infiltration and even costly water damage to your home. If installed correctly, your windows may need to be fixed. Check the level, square, and reveal to determine if your windows were installed correctly. A tightly sealed and properly installed window helps prevent air leaks which can help reduce heat loss and increase comfort in your home. 3. Window Placement You can increase your window's energy efficiency by selecting specific low- emissivity glass coatings for different areas of your home. These layers of thermal protection inside the insulating glass help to reflect summer heat and retain interior cooling; in winter, it reflects cold and retains interior heat. 4. Energy Efficiency Labels For the tremendous energy-saving potential, look for windows with labelling that indicates their energy-efficient benefits. Windows with energy star and NFRC labels have been thoroughly tested to meet specific performance standards. 5. Window Frame Construction Window's Energy efficiency also depends on the frame in which it is installed.

• Wood windows provide excellent insulation. Wood is a bad conductor of heat, which means wood window frames transfer less heat or cold into your home. • Multi-chambered vinyl window frames reduce heat loss for added energy efficiency and are exceptionally easy to care for. Multiple air-filled chambers have insulating properties to slow heat transfer.