Are Impact Windows More Energy Efficient?

Impact windows will be significantly more energy efficient than older windows. Traditionally, Mister Window,  replaces or upgrades windows that are anywhere from 10 to 40 years old. Typically, Mister Window will typically remove a single or double pane window and replace these with an impact window.

More Efficient Are a Combination of Three Things:

1. The additional layers and overall density of the glass
2. The coatings that are placed on the surface of the glass
3. The gas that is within the air space of the window itself

For the sake of this answer, it is best to keep those elements generic because each manufacturer has different names associated with those applications. Overall, an impact window has four pieces of glass and a piece of laminate. When all of that is put together to make one unit, there is now a true barrier in between the outside and inside of your home.

Material Matters for Energy Efficiency

The other side of energy efficiency is moving away from what traditionally has been built into homes- the older style aluminum window frames. To make the home more energy efficient, these older windows need to be replaced with vinyl or an aluminum window frame that is thermally broken.

To further break that down, a vinyl window frame is a nonconductor of heat- meaning heat does not pass through. The vinyl does not heat to a temperature where the heat would radiate off the frame itself. In laymen’s terms, if the outside is hot, the inside of the frame will be cool. If someone touches a metal aluminum window in the middle of the day, it will feel very hot. A vinyl product will be the same temperature of inside of the home.

Aluminum Frames are the Most Energy Efficient

Mister Window has the ability to install thermally broken aluminum frames. With these types of frames, there is both an inside and outside piece of the frame as well as a piece of composite in between that act as a washer from the outside to the inside. The outside aluminum will heat up, but that heat will not be radiated to the inside of the frame because of a consistent, composite barrier that the two sides are fastened through. 

Lower Cost Option for Energy Efficiency

Approximately 90% of people in the Greater Tampa Bay or Sarasota areas go with a vinyl product because it is less expensive. Thermally broken aluminum is by far the most expensive, high-end product on the market. It should also be noted that most aluminum products are not thermally broken. If you get an aluminum product from a big-name vendor and the price is not significantly higher than the vinyl, it is a solid aluminum frame, and you will miss out on a significant amount of energy efficiency. You will still get lots of heat radiation through the frame.

Going with a vinyl product with an energy efficient, low-e coating and argon gas air fill will result in huge savings on your energy efficiency, especially if you have a ton of windows. If you have less windows, you will see a smaller margin of savings, but you will still be more energy efficient than you would with alternate options. Your savings will also correlate with how often the sun pounds on your windows.

The Difference

One Mister Window client said that they felt like their house was actually sealed off for the first time after we installed new impact windows and doors. When asked what she meant,  she went on to tell us how much cooler the area was. They couldn’t previously use a breakfast nook in their home before the upgrade because of the direction their home faced. After the replacement, they’ve eaten breakfast there every single day. They no longer feel the heat pounding on them and have a much more comfortable space. Mister Window gave them additional square footage in their home that they did not have prior to having the energy efficient impact windows.

Make the Upgrade to Save Energy 

It may be the right time for you to replace your windows and doors to have a more energy efficient home, but how do you know? And how do you choose the best option for your home?

Selecting the right replacement windows or doors can be challenging. Many people find themselves chasing down estimates or sifting through product catalogs when they should be enjoying the benefits of new doors and windows, such as maximum energy efficiency.

Replacing windows and doors can be much easier. You can eliminate much of the stress of repairs and replacements with five key components that we deliver: a free home consultation, a highly detailed proposal on what to expect, final measurements and order to the manufacturer, a seamless installation that’s always on schedule, and a follow-up visit to make sure everything is completed to your satisfaction.