Living in Florida, we’re no strangers to the dual demands of weathering storms and keeping our energy bills in check. One solution that smartly addresses both is hurricane impact windows. Not only do they protect your home during harsh weather, but they’re also amazing when it comes to saving energy.
Without lifting a finger, here are a few ways to effortlessly save energy with hurricane impact windows and their technologies.
Save More Energy with the Right Window Materials
Did you know that the material of your window frames plays a significant role in energy efficiency? The right choice can lead to substantial savings on your energy bills. Two of the most popular window materials in Florida include vinyl and aluminum. Let’s take a closer look.
Vinyl Windows: A Smart Choice for Florida Homes
Vinyl windows are an excellent option for energy-conscious homeowners. These frames are not just affordable–they’re exceptional insulators!
Unlike metal, vinyl does not conduct heat, ensuring your air conditioning stays inside where it belongs. Their durability and low maintenance are just cherries on top.
Aluminum Windows: Combining Strength and Efficiency
Aluminum windows have come a long way. Today’s versions are equipped with thermal breaks (plastic strips that separate the inside and outside of the frame) drastically reducing heat transfer.
They’re a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something lightweight, strong, and energy-efficient.
Advanced Technologies for Better Savings
Windows are more than a frame with a pane of glass. Modern hurricane impact windows come with features that significantly boost energy efficiency. It’s one of the most effortless ways to save energy in your home while improving indoor comfort.
Low-E Coatings: The Invisible Shield Against Heat
Low-Emissivity (Low-E) coatings are a revolutionary advancement in window technology, especially vital in sun-drenched regions like Florida. These coatings are applied to the glass in extremely thin layers and are nearly invisible to the naked eye. Yet, their impact on your home’s energy efficiency is anything but subtle.
How Low-E Coatings Work
Low-E coatings work by reflecting infrared and ultraviolet light. While these coatings are transparent to visible light, allowing your home to remain bright and sunny, they are reflective to the types of light that carry heat. This means that the sun’s warmth and harmful UV rays are reflected away, rather than being absorbed into your home.
The Benefits in the Florida Climate
In a state like Florida, where the sun is intense and air conditioning is not just a luxury but a necessity, Low-E coatings are especially beneficial. By reflecting the sun’s heat, these coatings keep the interior of your home cooler. This means you don’t need to constantly crank the air conditioning.
Protecting Your Interiors
Another advantage of Low-E coatings is their ability to block UV rays. These damaging rays are responsible for fading fabrics, paintings, and carpets. By filtering out these rays, Low-E windows protect your valuable interiors from sun damage, preserving their color and integrity for longer periods.
A Range of Options
Low-E coatings come in various grades and types, allowing you to choose the level of insulation and sunlight transmittance that best suits your needs. Some coatings allow more solar heat inside, benefiting homes in cooler regions. But in Florida, coatings that focus on reflecting heat are more advantageous.
Energy Savings Year-Round
While the primary benefit in Florida is keeping the heat out during the hot months, Low-E coatings also help maintain warmth during the milder winters. The same technology that reflects the sun’s heat outward in summer works in reverse during cooler months, reflecting indoor heat back into the house. This dual action makes Low-E coated windows a smart investment for year-round energy efficiency.
Energy-Efficient Gasses: The Unseen Protectors in Your Windows
If you are serious about how to save energy with hurricane impact windows, inert gasses like argon and krypton in double or triple-pane windows can’t be overlooked. These glasses, sealed between the window panes, are key players in enhancing window insulation.
Why Argon and Krypton?
Argon and krypton have excellent thermal insulation properties. These gasses are denser than air, meaning they conduct less heat and cold. This reduced conductivity is pivotal in minimizing the amount of heat that enters or leaves your home through the windows.
Enhanced Insulation with Argon
Argon is the more commonly used of the two gasses due to its cost-effectiveness and availability. It’s particularly effective in standard double-pane windows, where it can significantly reduce heat transfer. For Florida homeowners, this means that the harsh outdoor heat is less likely to penetrate your home, easing the load on your air conditioning system.
The Superior Insulation of Krypton
Krypton offers even better insulation than argon but is usually found in higher-end window models due to its higher cost. It’s particularly effective in triple-pane windows or in spaces with a narrower gap between the panes. While krypton-filled windows might be a bigger initial investment, they can offer substantial energy savings in the long run.
A Barrier Against Heat and Noise
Besides reducing heat transfer, these gasses also offer the added benefit of sound insulation. They can minimize outdoor noise, a boon in busy neighborhoods or for homes near high-traffic areas.
Longevity and Environmental Impact
These gasses are stable, non-toxic, and non-reactive, which means they don’t pose a health risk and have a minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the seal used in these windows is designed to last, ensuring that the gas doesn’t escape over time, maintaining the window’s insulation properties for years.
The Impact on Energy Bills
Insulating gasses are responsible for regulating indoor temperature all year long. In Florida’s climate, where air conditioning systems often run for extended periods, this can translate into noticeable reductions in energy bills.
Save Energy with Hurricane Impact Windows: Practical Tips for Florida Homeowners
When shopping for hurricane impact windows, consider the following tips:
- Look for windows with a high Energy Star rating.
- Ensure proper installation by hiring experienced professionals.
- Regular maintenance, though minimal with vinyl and aluminum, is key to long-term performance and energy savings.
When you want to learn how to save energy with impact windows, contact Storm Pro Window and Door. Our expert installers make your home more energy, efficient, as well as stylish, with many different window styles available. Reach out to us today for a free estimate.