When we talk about energy efficiency in windows, we often focus on the benefits gained during winter. We talk about saving on energy bills by having a more comfortable home free of drafts without the need to blast the heat. But the benefits of energy efficient windows continue well past the melting of the snow and blooming of flowers. Energy efficient windows bring their best benefits in summer too.
It seems like we just said goodbye to winter, and summer is already around the corner. In southern Ontario, we never really know what kind of summer we will get. We've had years when we get to the beginning of September and wonder whether summer really arrived at all. We've also had our years of blisteringly hot summers that kept us cooped up inside with the A/C blasting.
There are plenty of things homeowners can do to avoid worrying about suffering through the heat in their homes while increasing their energy efficiency. Old, outdated windows tend to have poor insulation and ineffective seals, which ends up letting the summer heat seep into our homes while allowing the cold air-conditioned air to escape.
In Canada, when we talk about energy efficiency in windows, we tend to focus on the benefits that come in the winter. It makes sense. No one wants to suffer in our frigid cold winters. But it's just as essential to keep our homes comfortable and efficient in the summer. And we can help.
At Golden Windows, we pride ourselves on our green manufacturing practices and energy-efficient products and the benefits they bring during every season. When you're looking for window companies in Kitchener, you know you'll find quality, environmentally friendly windows and doors from Golden Windows to keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the year.
Important Features to Beat the Heat
There are several features to look for when shopping for new windows that will help keep your home cool and comfortable this summer. When choosing energy efficient windows, the first thing to look for is window energy ratings. Let's look at the different ratings.
Why Choose ENERGY STAR® Rated Products
ENERGY STAR® certified windows are about 20% more energy efficient than the average window, which means significant savings for you and your energy bills. Plus, windows that qualify for the ENERGY STAR® “Most Efficient” designation are “the best of the best” and save up to 55% more energy than standard models.
There are many products that can have an ENERGY STAR® certification, and each have strict technical specifications that must to be met. When it comes to windows, they are rated by either their U-factor, where the lower the number the better, and/or Energy Rating (ER), where a higher number is better. National Resources Canada states that energy efficient windows and doors should have insulated sashes and frames, low-emissivity coatings (Low-E), and the option of triple glazing to further insulate heat.
Golden Windows is a proud ENERGY STAR® participant. You can find our qualifying windows here. This designation means we are committed to manufacturing ENERGY STAR® certified products designed with the highs and lows of the Canadian climate in mind.
Importance of a Low U-Factor
The U-factor involves the heat transfer rate from warm to cold areas. It is either measured in watts per square metre Kelvin (W/m2K) or British thermal units per hour per square foot Fahrenheit (Btu/h x sq. ft. x °F). The critical thing here is that you want the number to be a low one. A low U-factor indicates that the product has better insulating properties.
Low E Windows
Low E windows reduce the amount of heat transfer from hot air and sunlight. It is a microscopic coating made of reflective materials that reflect the sun's infrared light and heat energy.
How Triple Glazed Windows Benefit Your Home in the Summer
Windows that hold an ENERGY STAR® designation, like the triple glazed windows from Golden Windows do, can help reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, keep your home's temperature comfortable, and save money on your utility bills.
Heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. The less efficient the windows, the higher your energy bills will be in winter and summer. Fortunately, replacing your inefficient windows is one of the most effective ways to increase your home's value, comfort, and energy efficiency, especially if done with triple glazed windows.
Triple glazed windows are designed to meet the requirements of the cold Canadian winters, but their benefits extend to summer as well. They are made for optimal thermal comfort, which is helpful in a country that experiences both significantly high and low temperatures. Their high insulation performance is usually the main reason why people choose triple glazed windows. The added insulation helps keep your home at the temperature you set it at. Insulation doesn't just work to keep your home warm and toasty in the frigid colder months; it also keeps the heat out during the sweltering months of July and August.
They are more efficient, but triple glazed windows also offer other benefits. They provide superior soundproofing. Because of their added panes and fills, they reduce sound transmission. If your neighbours are fond of cutting their grass first thing in the morning while you're trying to sleep, kids are outside playing while you're trying to take a work call, or there's a backyard party keeping you awake, triple glazed windows can help to block out the sound. Additionally, they can also act as a security deterrent, discouraging burglary and break-and-entry because of their added sturdiness.
How Golden Windows Products Can Keep Your Home Comfortable
When you're looking to optimize the comfort of your home, Golden Windows is here to help. Our selection of windows in various styles can help to keep your home as cool as you want it.
Types of Triple Glazed Windows
As we mentioned, there are many ways that triple glazed windows can improve your home. With benefits including high insulation, reduced noise pollution, increased safety, and reduced risk of condensation, the question really comes down to what kind of triple glazed windows you should get. If you want to reap those benefits in your home, contact Golden Windows to discuss which of our options will best suit your personal style and home.
Begin by selecting a product line: GoldenVinyl®, GoldenClad® or Performer Patio Door. There are all fantastic products, each with its own unique benefits. After choosing the right one for you, you can browse the many customization options to ensure your windows match your taste and lifestyle.
GoldenVinyl® Triple Glazed Windows
If maintenance-free windows are what you're after, you'll love our series of vinyl windows. The frame is made of a sturdy vinyl compound, so it resists warping and cracking, reducing the likelihood of air leaks and bugs. Vinyl is also an excellent insulator – a perfect pairing for the triple glazed panes.
GoldenVinyl® Triple Glaze is designed with expert thermal capabilities and is available in various unique styles, including casement, awning, and fixed windows. Other customization options include:
- A choice of standard colours: golden white, black, golden sable or taupe
- A choice of 30 optional colours, or can colour match to an existing project
- Four different Low E Options, all include Argon gas
- Multiple grille options to choose from, including grilles between the glass and simulated divided lights (SDL)
- Choose from Colonial, Victorian, Muskoka or Custom Grille Patterns
- Exterior Brickmould and sill nosing are available
- Standard hardware or upgrade to the Encore™ hardware system
Our GoldenVinyl® windows are designed to reduce indoor condensation and improve acoustic insulation.
GoldenClad® Triple Glazed Windows
GoldenClad® windows are popular with homeowners who want a sturdy, efficient window that fits their rustic or cozy décor. Our GoldenClad® product line offers a beautiful wood interior and a maintenance-free, extruded aluminum-clad exterior for homes.
The GoldenClad® product line offers numerous advantages, including its outstanding thermal performance. It is available in casement, awning and fixed styles. Customization options include:
- A choice of standard colours: golden white, black, golden sable, taupe, golden sable, cranberry or green
- A choice of 28 optional or unlimited custom colours that we can match to an existing project
- Wood interior, available in Pine, Oak, Mahogany, or the finish of your choice
- Narrow rail profile available for a more modern style
- Four different Low E options, all include Argon gas
- Multiple grille options including grilles between the glass and simulated divided lights (SDL)
- Choose from Colonial, Victorian, Muskoka or Custom Grille Patterns
- Exterior Brickmould and sill nosing are available
- Standard hardware or upgrade to the Encore™ hardware system
GoldenClad® Triple Glazed windows are expertly engineered windows designed to enhance comfort in the home and provide an aesthetically pleasing exterior. GoldenClad® is designed with greater acoustic insulation to help homeowners on busy streets or in busy cities find peace and quiet indoors.
Performer Patio Door
Sliding patio doors are considered large windows, and you'll be using these regularly to get out into your backyard. Our triple glazed Performer Patio Door makes a gorgeous addition to any home. This exceptionally sturdy sliding door is high-performing and low-maintenance, and there are endless customization options for you to make them your own:
- A choice of standard colours: white, black, sable or taupe
- A choice of 30 optional colours or unlimited custom colours available
- Narrow rail profile available for more modern style
- Four different Low E options, all include Argon gas
- Sash panels are co-extruded with dual flex vinyl which surrounds the entire glass unit for an optimal seal.
- Multiple grille options including grilles between the glass and simulated divided lights (SDL)
- Choose from Colonial, Victorian, Muskoka or Custom Grille Patterns
The Performer Patio Door comes with a wood and PVC frame for exceptional sturdiness and steel-reinforced stiles for added rigidity. Its screen door has an extruded aluminum frame and fibreglass mesh for increased service life, and the rugged self-lubricating nylon tandem panel rollers ensure easy-sliding patio doors. For added security, you can also choose from an optional twin-point mortise lock that reduces the risk of break-ins.
This is the gold standard for patio doors, offering superior energy efficiency and effortless operation. It is only available at Golden Windows.
Other Ways to Keep Your Home Cool in Summer
In addition to installing new energy efficient windows in your home, there are additional strategies you can use this summer to keep cool. Even when the weather starts to get sweltering, there are ways to minimize your A/C use to cut down on your energy consumption.
- Keep curtains, blinds and shades closed during the day
- Install awnings or blackout curtains to prevent the sun from heating up your house
- Ensure your air conditioning is properly installed
- Use fans to circulate cool air
- Only open windows when outside air is cool
Whether you're trying to keep your home cooler in the summer or warmer in the winter, Golden Windows has the windows and doors you need to make it happen. Browse our selection online and contact us by phone or online when you are ready to get new windows and doors.