Bay Windows, Picture Windows ,and Energy Efficiency

Are large windows energy efficient? Whether you plan to add a bay window, picture window, or other larger window to your home, take a look at what you need to know about over-sized options and overall energy efficiency.

What Do Windows Have to Do with Energy Efficiency?

The HVAC system and wall or attic insulation aren't the only energy efficiency influencers in your home. Windows also play a major role in how well your home holds in heat/cold and keeps out the weather. Even though windows are solid pieces of glass, a single pane model can easily allow air in and out of your home.

While a slight draft may not seem like a major problem, over time window leaks can seriously impact your home heating or cooling bill. Between 25 and 30 percent of the average American home's heating/cooling energy use comes from window-related heat gains and losses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Single pane windows are more likely than multi-pane models to let drafts in and have other energy efficiency issues. Like the name implies, multi-pane windows are made from multiple panes of glass. Not only do these windows have additional pieces of glass to keep drafts out, but they also have gas pumped between the panes as insulation.

Does More Space Equal More Leaks?

A bay or picture window typically fills a larger space in comparison to double-hung, single-hung, casement and other popular styles. The added area can allow the exterior air to creep in and interior air to escape out - especially if you have older, poorly installed, or single-pane windows.

If you have existing bay, picture, or other larger windows or you want to install these over-sized alternatives as an aesthetic addition to your home's interior space, consider an upgrade to a multi-pane model. The multiple layers of glass and gas inside can balance the effects of the extra space. While a multi-pane model won't guarantee low home heating/cooling bills, this option can significantly increase overall energy efficiency.

Who Should Install a Larger Window?

Even though the number of panes and insulation in between the panes play major roles in the larger window's energy efficiency, these aren't the only factors to consider. Failure to correctly install a window can impact its ability to keep in the heating/cooling and stop the sun, warmth, or winter-time cold from coming inside.

Any window, whether it's over-sized or not, requires a professional installation. A window contractor has the expertise, experience, and equipment to correctly place and seal the window. This decreases heating and cooling losses and can increase your home's energy efficiency.

Before you hire a window contractor, discuss the company's ability to help you choose and install the most energy efficient window. The contractor should have access to a full stock of multi-pane options. Along with the number of panes and gas insulation, look for a model with a low U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).

The U-factor is the rate at which heat is lost. Homes in colder areas need low U-factor windows to keep the winter-time warmth indoors. In contrast, SHGC is the amount of heat each window allows in. If you live in a warm climate or want to reduce summer home cooling costs, choose a window with a low SHGC value.

Don't worry if you have little to no U-factor and SHGC knowledge. A qualified contractor can help you to learn more about the right types of bay and picture windows for your home.

Are you ready to upgrade your home's bay, picture, floor to ceiling, horizontal, or other over-sized windows? Contact Wadsworth Glass Inc. for more information.