The summer time is a great time to take a look at your home windows. A great indicator of how well your windows are doing is to check your utility bills. If your home is older and you still have the original windows, then it is a good possibility that it is time to think about replacing your windows. You can lose a lot of energy through your windows especially if the seal around your windows is beginning to crack. Replacing your windows can help save you a lot of money in energy bills in a short period of time.

Many times your windows will lose air through small cracks that you may not even know are there. When windows are installed, a thin layer of caulk is added to the outside and inside. This layer of caulk will eventually pull away leaving a gap between the windows and the wall. Air is allowed to follow freely through these cracks if they are not repaired. This will cost you money on your energy bill.

The newer windows that are available these days are energy efficient. This means that they were created to help lower your energy bills by as much as 25 percent. These windows help keep heat out and cool air in during the summer months. Many homes are losing up to 40 percent of their cool air through leaks that have formed over the years.

Energy efficient windows have became a popular replacement unit among homeowners and contractors alike.  Able to manage temperatures better than regular windows, they can facilitate serious reduction in your overall energy use during the summer and winter months.

Have you ever wondered about what components of your replacement windows make them energy efficient?  Read on so you can get a better idea when home’s windows decree it’s time for a change.

1. Frame Materials

The frame materials – whether it’s wood, vinyl, fiberglass or a composite – contribute to a window’s energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer (from inside to outside and vice versa) and providing better insulation.

2. Glass Panes

These days, it’s common to have windows with two or more panes.  They insulate much better compared to just a single pane of glass, apart from providing increased sound isolation and impact resistance.

3. Coatings

Low-E glass panes, which are popular choices nowadays, reflect infrared and ultraviolet lights, allowing you to maintain temperature indoors much better.

4. Gas Fills

Multi-pane windows normally have special insulating gases between the panes.  Typical choices for gas fills are argon and krypton, both of which insulate considerably better than regular air.

5. Warm Edge Spacers

Contrary to what many people believe, edge spacers do more than keep glass panes at a proper distance.  Spacers in modern windows also help minimize heat flow and prevents condensation.