5 Ways to Maximize Energy Efficiency with Windows

Windows add warmth, light, and sustainability to the home

Consider the environmental impacts of the windows on your next build or remodel. Windows can improve ventilation and air quality in addition to reducing energy consumption.

There are so many decisions that go into the energy efficiency of a home. Every detail and design element can contribute to or detract from the home’s overall sustainability. Windows play a big role.

Here are five ways windows can improve the energy efficiency of a home.

Bring in natural light

Windows and patio or sliding doors infuse daylight deep into a home. Warm, natural light is beautiful and welcoming and has the added benefit of lowering energy bills because of the reduced need for artificial lighting.

Add a breath of fresh air

Windows that open encourage and increase natural ventilation and help improve indoor air quality. Consider the number of windows in the design if you’re factoring in mechanical ventilation capacities.

Cut costs with natural ventilation

Back in the old days, before the widespread adoption of air conditioning, windows and home design worked together to take advantage of the best cross breezes to keep air flowing and interiors cool. Those practices are still worth exploring to reduce the use of air conditioning, lower energy bills, and keep homes cool in the event of a power outage during the warmer months.

Use recycled materials

Consider window frames made with recycled vinyl or clad-wood windows available with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)-certified wood. This way you know the wood product in your window comes from a forest that’s managed responsibly. JELD-WEN® W-2500 Clad-Wood windows are available with wood certified under either program.

Choose energy-efficient comfort

With JELD-WEN® windows and patio doors, you can choose from a variety of Low-E glass and double- or triple-pane windows with an insulating gas fill. Most windows also come with several glazing options to improve their efficiency. Not only are these types of windows energy efficient, but they also deliver year-round comfort in all types of climates.

Windows that open increase ventilation and improve indoor air quality

Look for the ENERGY STAR® logo

The easiest way to identify energy-efficient windows is to look for the ENERGY STAR designation. These windows have been independently tested to verify that they meet performance levels in five key areas:

U-factor: The amount of heat transfer
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): How well the unit blocks heat from the sun
Air leakage: Testing the window joints’ sealing capabilities
Visible transmittance: How much light gets through
Condensation: How well the windows resist condensation

ENERGY STAR®* also has its “Most Efficient 2021” designation to indicate those products that are most efficient in their category. For instance, the JELD-WEN® V-4500 Premium® Vinyl double-hung window earned the distinction by offering a U-factor of 0.19 to 0.20 and an SHGC of 0.14 to 0.25.

Designing with windows is a delicate balance. For example, more windows may lower the wall’s overall R-value (i.e., its rating for overall insulating value), but the opportunity for ventilation and daylighting increases overall energy efficiency. That’s a big plus for today’s homes.

* ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.