Low-Emissivity Storm Windows and Why They May Be Right for Your Home

Increasing a home’s energy efficiency can be a challenge, particularly if the home is older or contains serious preexisting flaws that inhibit energy savings. However, one action that homeowners can take to increase efficiency is installing storm windows. These modern windows are built with low-emissivity (“low-e”) glass, and their low cost means they will pay for themselves in just a few years.

Below is more information about low-emissivity storm windows and why they may be the right choice for your home.

What Is Low-Emissivity Glass?

Only approximately 15 percent of heat energy that strikes ordinary window glass is reflected back toward its source; an overwhelming amount of the heat is transferred into the glass itself, where it is ultimately lost. This reflection and transference is clearly a problem when you’re considering how to increase energy efficiency, For example, most of the interior heat during winter is effectively lost when it strikes the windows. Vice-versa, during summer, a lot of heat is permitted to pass into homes rather than be reflected.

To counter this problem, storm window glass is specially treated to reflect more of the wavelengths that carry heat. As a result, most of the energy that was previously lost as radiated heat is now reflected by these low-emissivity windows. Combined with the structural design of storm windows, the use of low-emissivity glass makes these windows incredibly energy efficient by regulating the heat energy flow into your house.

How Do Storm Windows Work?

Much like storm doors are fitted to exterior doors, storm windows serve to augment a preexisting window. Storm windows are attached to either the exterior or interior of windows and increase the efficiency of the combined unit by reflecting heat energy and using the air gap between glass panes to further reduce heat transfer. Storm windows are designed to be permanent, and once they are installed, they do not need to be removed for maintenance or storage.

What Are the Advantages of Storm Windows?

Storm windows bring several advantages to the table, such as the following.

Enhanced Appearance

Storm windows are an ideal way to renovate existing windows and cover outdated or worn frames. They can immediately add an attractive, fresh new look to your home for a lower cost than adding entirely new windows. If your windows are still in relatively good physical condition, then storm windows are an eye-catching, yet wallet-friendly, option that you should consider.

Ease of Installation

Storm windows are simple to install, and even a dedicated do-it-yourselfer can perform the installation in many instances. The installation of storm windows does not require the same level of work that full window replacement demands, so that easy feature makes for a shorter and simpler process.

Quietening Effect

If you live in an area where outside noise is elevated and disturbing, storm windows can help lessen exterior noise. Storm windows provide sound insulation alongside reduced heat transmission, which doubles the benefits received as a result of their use.

Lower Energy Bills

Of course, the bottom line for using storm windows is the reduction in heating and cooling costs. Compared to using single-pane windows alone, low-emissivity storm windows can save homeowners up to a third on their energy bills if the windows are properly installed. Even storm windows without low-emissivity glass can cut energy costs by up to one-fifth.

If you are interested in installing storm windows, then contact your local window specialist for help. These experts will be happy to make recommendations, present options, and provide installation services if you decide to purchase storm windows. Should your current windows not be suitable for storm windows, your window specialist can also help you make decisions about replacing old windows with newer, energy-efficient options.