Modern windows are pretty cool – and something most homeowners take for granted, because they often don’t need to be replaced over the course of an owner’s entire time in a single property. Homeowners are in their homes for an average of 13 years, according to the National Association of Realtors, and window manufacturers suggest window replacements every 15-20 years, with well maintained windows potentially lasting even longer.
This means it’s very possible to own a home for nearly a decade and a half and not think about your windows at all before moving on to your next address, even as heat, cooling and money leak out of them.
How Has Window Technology Changed?
Modern window technology is marvelously engineered, highly scientific, and as noted above, cool. They’re worth thinking about today – especially if you plan to be in your home for longer than a year or two – because they’re so much more than panes of glass in attractive frames. Your windows are a key factor in heating and cooling your home, as well as boosting your home’s energy efficiency.
There have been several significant advancements in window technology: environment-specific glass coatings, noble gas fills between windows, and advanced frame construction.
Environment-Specific Glass Coatings
Today’s windows are manufactured with special “Low-E”, or low emissivity, coatings and glazings. These transparent microscopic layers are applied either when the glass is made or fitted when the windows are cut, depending on their purpose. Depending on the desired effect, these coatings can reflect ultraviolet and infrared light coming through windows, reducing solar heat generation, or when applied on inside layers, reflect heat back into the house to keep it in.
Every home is different due to sun exposure, heating systems, etc., so window specialists can dial in the exact right mix for your house to create the comfortable environment you’re looking for. Since new windows are at least double pane, and often now triple pane, that provides four to six opportunities for speciality Low-E coatings to get it right.
Noble Gas Fills
That leads us to the second technology: noble gas fills. Since the 1980s, windows have come with layers of either argon or krypton gas pumped in between the panes. Because argon and krypton are denser than air, they reduce heat transference between the glass. With triple pane windows growing in popularity and the rise of the Low-E coatings, this means there are now two layers of gas, plus better heat blocking, further boosting the effectiveness. (Fun fact: if you breathe in argon, it has the opposite effect of helium – your voice gets very low. Please don’t drill holes in your windows to suck out the argon, the few seconds of goofy voice isn’t worth ruining your windows!)
Advanced Frame Construction
The last improvement is frame and sash construction. Frames are the outer structure of the window holding the sash in place, while the sash is the glass and framing around the glass.
These two key structural pieces have received more and more attention as energy efficiency has become a key component to the function of a window. Now, frames and sashes are constructed with high quality vinyl with thick walls, multiple air chambers, and advanced sealants and weatherstripping. Like the gas fills between panes, these air chambers reduce heat transference and boost overall insulation.
What Impact Do Modern Windows Have on Homes?
All these factors combined mean that modern windows have a huge impact on the temperature of your home, and therefore the cost, comfort and energy efficiency. If your windows haven’t been replaced in the last 15 years (and somehow that’s 2009, which feels like just yesterday) – then you really ought to consider at least scoping out what new windows might do for your home. If your windows haven’t been replaced this century, there’s a good chance you have single pane glass, and you qualify for some significant incentives from the Mass Save program.
Are You Interested In New Windows?
If you plan to make any energy efficiency upgrades to your home – including updating your heating and cooling systems, adding insulation, adding solar panels, upgrading electrical panels or adding smart home technology – then have an expert come and check out your windows as part of the process. There’s a big opportunity for energy and cost savings, and a dramatic increase to your comfort.
Save on energy efficient windows with Mass Save rebates!* Call (781)618-6711 or contact us to learn more with a no-cost Home Energy Assessment!
*Some restrictions apply. Offers are subject to change or cancellation. Visit MassSave.com/HEA for full details.