With today’s high energy costs and concerns for the environment, many are taking added steps to reduce their energy usage in homes and businesses. Fortunately, with improvements in building technology, insulation, energy saving appliances, and more, comfort and convenience does not have to be compromised in order to significantly lower the “carbon footprint.” For new construction, energy conservative materials can be utilized in the design to make the structure more energy efficient. Home improvements can be made over time to existing structures to diminish energy requirements.

One such home improvement is window replacement. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that windows in homes cost homeowner’s over $30 billion a year in air conditioning and heating expenses. Replacing double-paned wood windows in an averaged sized house with weather shield windows can reduce that energy usage by 15 to 30 percent per year. Additionally, replacing old windows with energy efficient windows may qualify for 30 percent of the cost or up to $1500 in tax credits.

When choosing new windows, there are two factors to be considered when determining performance: U-factor and Solar Heat Gain. The U-factor measures the rate of heat loss through the glass. For those in colder climates, choosing windows with a lower U-factor means there will be less interior heat lost to the outside. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) indicates the rate of heat gained through the window. In warmer climates, a lower Solar Heat Gain rating means that less heat will enter through the windows, thus reducing air conditioning load.

Weather shield windows are Energy Star rated for performance, ensuring energy efficiency and savings on energy bills. The glazing process for these windows utilizes a low-e, or low emissivity, coating on the glass that blocks the sun’s energy to reduce solar heat gain. Blocking the UV rays from entering has the added benefit of protecting the home interior from the damage UV light can do to furnishings, draperies, flooring, and art that may be exposed. These windows block as much as 99 percent of UV light while still allowing in natural light. The coating also offers an exterior surface that repels dirt, allows the water to “sheet” to reduce water spotting, and is easy to clean.

When considering home improvement projects that reduce energy usage, thus paying for themselves over time in reduced energy costs, add replacing old, inefficient windows with weather shield windows on your priority list. They will reduce costs while adding value to your home investment.

Cialis />Author Bio: M & W Glass Company offers a full line of weather shield windows for your home. (http://www.mandwglass.com/products.html)

Category: Home
Keywords: window glass replacement, weather shield windows, storefront glass