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Construction Monday – Windows

It’s that time again….Happy Construction Monday! There are a lot of different ways to make a home energy efficient and one important way is by installing energy-efficient windows. At Everett Custom Homes, we install high-efficient windows with a minimum U-0.30 value. Standard code is U-0.35. The U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer and tells you how well the window insulates, generally ranging from 0.25 to 1.25 and are measured in Btu/h·ft²·°F. The lower the U-factor, the better the window insulates. Every 0.01 reduction in u-value equals a 3% reduction in heat loss. The heat loss from a U-0.29 window is 18% less than a U-0.35. Windows are the weakest link in the exterior envelope of the home, so Everett Custom Homes believes in the importance of providing a lower U-value window for maximum efficiency.

Another energy-efficient feature to the windows installed in an Everett home is the low-E glass with dual-insulation. When the interior heat energy tries to escape to the colder outside during the winter, the low-e coating reflects the heat back to the inside, reducing the radiant heat loss through the glass. The reverse happens during the summer time. This also contributes to lower monthly energy costs. Also, every window installed into an Everett Custom Home is photo-documented to ensure our strict installation requirements are met to minimize air leakage and water intrusion. If you’re curious about energy-efficient windows or want to compare different types of windows, this is a handy link for further information: Efficient Windows Collaborative. Tune in next week for another tidbit of construction news!

 

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