Best Energy-Efficient Windows for Colorado

Shopping for the best energy-efficient windows in Colorado can be confusing. There’s brands to consider, ratings to understand, terms to know, frame materials to think about. It’s enough to make a homeowner’s head spin. But, don’t worry. In this article, we explain in simple terms what energy-efficient windows are, what to look for when shopping for energy-efficient windows in Colorado, which brands make energy-efficient windows and which windows those are.

In the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which energy-efficient windows you’d like us to install for you. Once installed, your home will be one step closer to being more energy-efficient and your utility bill will be a little less.

When you hire Chateau Window and Shower to install your new energy-efficient windows, you can rest easy knowing, not only they’ll be installed correctly, but that we got your back. We offer a 1-year workmanship warranty. An extended 2-year workmanship warranty is available on Andersen windows. Furthermore, once we install your new windows, you can contact us any time should you need repairs, have questions, or additional windows installed.

What Are Energy-Efficient Windows

An energy-efficient window is one that keeps the most heat out during the summer and the most heat in during the winter. This is known as heat transfer. This is accomplished a number of ways.

• Number of Glass Panes
• Insulating Frames
• Argon Gas
• Low-E Coating
• Foam-Filled Frames

Glass Panes

The space between two panes of glass is technically insulation. (A pane of glass is simply a piece of glass.) Two panes of glass will provide more insulation than one. Three will insulate even more. 🙂

Argon Gas

Argon gas also has an insulating effect. This is a naturally-occuring gas found in the atmosphere. The empty space between two glass panes is replaced with argon to further improve the insulating properties of a window.

Low-E Coating

Low-E stands for Low Emissivity. It’s a thin coating that’s applied to the inner part of an exterior pane of glass. It reflects UV light and heat energy back outside.

Frame Material

Some frame materials are better conductors of heat than others. You want one that’s a poor conductor of heat. A material that’s a good conductor of heat will transfer heat better than one that’s poor. An example of a material that’s a good conductor of heat is aluminum. With an aluminun window frame, heat from the outside will easily transfer to the inside of your home. An example of a window frame material that’s a poor conductor of heat is vinyl and wood. With either of these materials, heat from the outside won’t transfer well to the inside of your home. When shopping for energy-efficient windows in Colorado, it’s better to have a window frame that’s a poor conduct or heat, those are vinyl, wood, and aluminum clad wood.

When shopping for energy-efficient windows in Colorado, one quick way to determine if a window is energy-efficient is to look for the Energy Star logo. If you see that on a window, it’s energy-efficient.

Energy-Efficient Window Brands

All of the window brands we install offer energy-efficient options. Those brands are Andersen, Jeld-Wen, Pella, Marvin, and Milgard. What makes a window energy-efficient is the frame material, number of panes of glass, whether there’s argon gas in between the panes, and whether there’s a Low-E coating. Any of the manufacturers we offer, offer windows with any of these energy-saving features.

• Andersen
• Jeld-Wen
• Pella
• Marvin
• Milgard

That said, some window series are more energy-efficient than others. For example, Andersen’s A-Series windows with double or triple-panes and figerglass clad wood, are more energy-efficient than their 100-Series windows. Pella’s Impervia Series are more energy-efficient than their Emcompass Series. Marvin’s triple-pane Ultimate Series in aluminum clad wood are more energy-efficient than their Modern Series.

Most Energy-Efficient Windows for Colorado

Andersen
A-Series with Double or Triple-Pane Glass, Fiberglass Clad Wood

Jeld-Wen
All windows can be made energy-efficient. Start with the type or style, such as sliding or single-hung, and frame material, like composite, wood, clad wood, clad vinyl, or vinyl.

Pella
Impervia Series
Lifestyle Series
250 Series

Marvin
Elevate Fiberglass Clad Wood
Ultimate with Triple-Panes, All Wood, or Aluminum Clad Wood

What To Look For in Energy-Efficient Windows

• EnergyStar label
• U-Factor
• SHGC

When shopping for energy-efficient windows in Colorado, look for the EnergyStar label. The label shows the climate zones where the window will perform best. Also look for the U-Factor and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The U-Factor measure how well a window insulates. It ranges from .20 to 1.20. The lower the U-Factor, the better the window insulates. The SHGC measures how much solar heat passes through the window. It ranges from 0 to 1. As with the U-Factor, the lower the number, the less solar heat passes through a window.

Orientation

Window orientation matters. Here in Colorado, north-facing windows generally receive less sun than south-facing windows. Therefore, you might want a window with a low U-factor on the north side. On the south side, you might want a window with a high SHGC and a low U-factor. As your professional energy-efficient window installers, we can help you decided which windows to install on which walls of your house.

Installation

A highly energy-efficient window can still become drafty and develop condensation if it’s not installed correctly. For example, Andersen offers some of the most energy-efficient windows on the market. However, if it’s installed without insulation between it and the wall, your home won’t be as energy-efficient as it could. With Chateau Window and Shower, you can trust us to install your new energy-efficient windows correctly and professionally. What’s more, we offer a 1-year workmanship warranty on all our window installations. An extended 2-year workmanship warranty is available on Andersen windows.

Are Energy-Efficient Windows Worth It

Energy-efficient windows are definately worth it. For one, they increase your home’s value. Two, if you might list your home anytime soon, prospective buyers will appreciate energy-efficient windows as it’s more move-in ready.

More importantly, according to EnergyStar.gov, energy-efficient windows can save an average of 12% on energy bills each year. If you’re replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows, you can expect to save between $101 and $583 per year. Replacing old, worn-out double-pane windows with new, energy-efficient ones could save you between $27 and $197 per year.