Windows and doors are key to your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Outdated or failing windows are responsible for a large percentage of the wasted energy in homes and other buildings.
In the winter, windows can leak heat or block too many of the sun’s warming rays — meaning you burn more fuel and pay higher utility bills. In summer, poorly performing windows let cool air escape and fail to reflect outdoor heat.
Today’s windows and doors are far more energy-efficient than those of even 10 years ago. Modern, energy-efficient windows and doors can save you 15 to 25 percent on your monthly heating and cooling bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Where single sheets of clear glass once ruled the day, there are now windows with multiple glass layers. Special coatings on the glass reflect sunlight and ultraviolet rays without dimming the view. Gases injected between panes create extra insulation. Advanced framing materials and innovative design provide further efficiency gains.