Windows do a lot of work in a home. They allow light in and provide ventilation and insulation. However, not all home windows are created equal. You may want to consider new energy-efficient windows to reap the traditional benefits of windows, save on your home energy costs and earn an energy tax credit too!

About Energy-Efficient Windows

An energy-efficient window isn’t just a simple pane of glass–it’s a high-tech wonder. Energy-saving windows are actually designed to save energy for a homeowner, translating to economic savings and a possible energy tax credit.

The most efficient windows are designed to meet certain expectations. If your home windows meet the following criteria, they can be classified as energy-efficient windows:

• They keep heat in during the winter
• They keep heat out during the summer
• They withstand pressure from outside forces, water penetration and air infiltration.

How an Energy-Efficient Window Is Made

For an window to be recognized as “energy efficient,” manufacturers must use specific:

• Coatings
• Materials
• Techniques
• Technologies.

Some of these techniques include:

• Combining a clear pane with two coated panes to keep heat inside the home (in a cool climate).
• Using a double metallic coating to reflect the sun’s rays, reducing the damage of UV rays.
• Using a triple metallic coating to keep the sun out and lower cooling costs (in a warm climate).

Adhering to these techniques, manufacturers are able to create the most efficient windows for consumers. As an added benefit, many manufacturers also offer rebates for the purchase of energy-efficient windows.

Choosing the Best Energy-Saving Windows

An energy-efficient window is designed to protect the indoors from external sun damage, as well as lower your utility bills. If you’re thinking of choosing energy-saving windows for your home, consider the following:

• Design: Consider your house design and how window function will be affected by this design.
• Installation: Ensure proper installation so that you get all the benefits of energy-saving windows.
• Selection: Find the energy-efficient window that best suits your needs to get the best value.

Government Programs and Energy-Efficient Windows

There are many government programs that ensure you find the most efficient windows to best suit your needs.

Among programs that offer their own criteria for producing energy efficient windows, Energy Star® is the most recognizable. Energy Star® products pass guidelines ensuring that they have low emissions and save significant amounts of energy. If you purchase an energy-efficient window with the Energy Star® label, you may get a rebate, as well as an energy tax credit when you file your taxes.

The National Fenestration Rating Council offers a list of manufacturers participating in the program, with an energy rating for each company’s energy-efficient windows.