How Energy Efficient Are Aluminum Windows?

How energy efficient are aluminum windows?

1. What are energy efficient windows
2. The history of energy efficiency in aluminum windows
3. Factors that make aluminum windows energy-efficient 

If you’re looking to upgrade your windows, you’re likely wondering which type is the most energy-efficient. There has been a sharp increase in energy prices due to global supply and demand and you likely want to keep your bills as low as possible. 

As societies also strive toward a cleaner and more sustainable environment, it has never been more crucial to have energy-efficient homes. Some types of aluminum windows are energy efficient, helping curb large energy bills and support sustainable efforts. 

But the question is: How energy efficient are aluminum windows? How thermally protective are aluminum windows? Continue reading on to learn more about this!   

What Are Energy Efficient Windows?

Energy-efficient windows, also called energy-saving windows, refer to windows that are designed to reduce the amount of energy required to cool or heat a property. These create an insulating layer that prevents cooled or heated air from escaping your home. As a result, your home becomes more comfortable and your energy bills are cut down. 

The History of Energy Efficiency In Aluminum Windows 

For decades, aluminum windows are known as one of the least energy-efficient home improvement choices. This is because, back then, aluminum windows expanded and contracted upon exposure to the sun’s heat. In turn, this would damage the window seal, causing condensation and making the seal break away from the glass pane. 

Fast forward to today, the window manufacturing sector became more innovative and was able to introduce aluminum windows that offer exceptional energy efficiency to the market.

Factors That Make Aluminum Windows Energy-Efficient 

Let’s take a closer look at what specific factors and components this type of window has that allows them to be energy-efficient:

Aluminum Casement Windows 

Many homeowners save on their energy bills because of installing aluminum casement windows. These single-side hinged windows have sashes that tightly press against all sides of the window frame once closed. The airtight seal prevents air leakage and improves the energy efficiency of your home. 

Double Glazing

Double glazing, also known as double paning, is where two glass panes are set within the window. This creates an air pocket between the two glass panes which acts as an 

insulator of the room. As a result, all forms of heat transfer are dramatically reduced. Today, there are double-glazed aluminum windows available.  

Choosing to install double-glazed aluminum windows can keep your home warm during the rainy season and cool during the unbearable summer season. Aside from lowering energy bills, some of the other benefits of aluminum windows with double glazing include cost-effectivity, low maintenance, durability, reduced noise pollution, and increased privacy. 

In countries where there are especially cold climates, many homeowners even opt for aluminum windows with triple glazing. 

Warm Edge Spacers

About 80% of energy loss through windows happens at its edge. For this reason, warm edge spacers are a popular addition to aluminum windows. These are made from insulating plastic composite materials and fixed in a double or triple-glazed window unit.

Warm edge spacers minimize the chance of heat loss by sealing the glass panes of aluminum window units. This prevents heat transfer between the window edges and the air space. Warm edge spacers keep the edges of the window warm, hence their name. 

Low-E Glass 

For homeowners on the search for energy-efficient windows, aluminum windows with low-E glass is a must. 

A Low-emissivity glass or Low-E glass is covered with a microscopically thin, transparent coating — which is much thinner than human hair — that reflects heat. It is utilized to reduce the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through your window’s glass pane, without minimizing the amount of natural light that comes through your home. In general, it keeps heat inside your home when it is cold and keeps the heat outside your home when it is cold. 

By changing the way your aluminum window glass pane transfers heat, Low-E glass can help keep your home more comfortable while keeping energy costs down. 

Weatherstripping 

Even the smallest gaps and cracks around the frames of your windows can be the cause of heat loss. Warm and cool air can escape through those holes and make your home less energy-efficient and cause high energy bills.  

Fortunately, weather stripping can be used around your windows to contain interior air. Weatherstripping is commonly used around windows to stop rain or moisture from penetrating openings. However, it can also help reduce your energy bills by as much as 30%. 

Key Takeaway

In this article, we looked closer into energy efficient aluminum windows. In general, there are plenty of solutions for enhancing aluminum windows’ energy efficiency such as weatherstripping, Low-E glass, warm edge spacers, casement windows, and double glazing.   

If you’re looking for the best energy-efficient window solution for your home, get in touch with the experts at AMC Aluminum today. AMC Aluminum is a reputable aluminum profile supplier in the Philippines and we offer energy-efficient window solutions to help clients reduce their hefty energy bills while supporting sustainability efforts.