Insulated Windows
Save Energy and Reduce Costs with Modern Technology
When thinking about insulation, things like glass wool (fiberglass), down jackets and foam often come to mind instead of windows. However, modern fenestration technology can offer tremendous energy savings compared to the past. This reduces monthly heating and cooling bills and your carbon footprint while providing more consistent and comfortable interior temperatures. Imagine pouring hot coffee into a standard glass versus a thermos. The difference between regular and insulated windows is similar.
Construction of Insulated Windows
The design and structure of modern windows is what sets them apart from their outdated single-pane predecessors. First and foremost, they feature a minimum of two panes of glass with three being increasingly common. Each pane is installed individually in the window frame and separated by a 0.4 to 0.8 inch (10 - 120 mm) air cavity. This may be filled with an inert gas like argon or dry air. Along the edges, a spacer bar or warm edge holds each pane in place and separates them. As a whole, they are often referred to as IGUs, or insulating glass units, regardless of whether in doors or windows.
Thus, the major features are:
- Multiple glass panes (double or triple glazing)
- Gas-filled spaces between panes
- Use of a spacer bar between panes
- Optional solar control coatings (e.g. low-e)
- Low U-values
Replacing old single pane windows with modern insulating glass can significantly cut heat loss and prevent cold air around windows. This leads to more consistent room temperatures and can make heaters and vents near windows and doors unnecessary.