Glazing:
This generally refers to the number of panes or layers of glass. The number of panes affects the efficiency of the window by helping to reduce heat loss and heat gain. The industry standard is double-glazed, but you can choose triple-glazed which can help to lower your energy bills even more.
Low-E2 coatings and gas fills:
A thin, invisible double coating of reflective metal applied directly to the glass surface as it is being made helps reflect heat energy while allowing visible light to pass through. This helps keep your home comfortable by locking heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer. Gas fills like Argon and Krypton are denser than air and provide greater insulation, thereby helping to reduce heat loss and gain.
Warm spacers:
Thermal Glass Spacers are the structural tracks found in double and triple pane glass units. Spacers can be made from metal or non-metal materials. Spacers made from metal materials can reduce the energy efficiency performance of windows affecting the insulating performance by up to 20%. Plus, metal spacers are cooler and are more likely to have condensation. Spacers made of non-metallic materials can help reduce condensation and contribute to energy efficiency.
Weather stripping:
The more durable and flexible your weather stripping is, the more airtight the seal will be. Compression seals made of neoprene rubber can be squeezed tightly between the frames and may also resist cracking and distortion over many years.
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®Reproduced with permission of the Minister of Natural Resources, Canada 2005
What To Consider When Buying New Windows
