Energy-Efficient Window in Tucson, AZ

With ever-rising electricity and natural gas costs, now is a good time to trade in your old windows for energy-efficient versions. At Open Enclose, we offer a full line of high-performance windows from many of today’s best manufacturers. Not only do we offer energy-efficient windows for residential homes, but we have commercial windows for Tucson, AZ businesses, too. Replacement windows are available in a wide range of styles, sizes, and materials. We’re happy to walk you through your options so you can confidently select the windows that are best for you.

To start saving money on energy bills, schedule your window installation for your Tucson, AZ home with Open Enclose today!

Characteristics of Energy-Efficient Windows

The easiest way to identify energy-efficient windows is to check for the ENERGY STAR® label. This designation means the window meets stringent EPA performance guidelines. ENERGY STAR® windows block solar heat gain, have a low heat transfer rate, and reduce air leaks. While ENERGY STAR® does not currently label commercial windows for energy efficiency, you can still get energy-efficient commercial windows in Tucson, AZ businesses! Most energy-efficient windows share the same features to accomplish these beneficial characteristics, including:

• Low-E glass: A low-emissivity coating is a microscopically thin layer of metal that reflects UV rays without affecting your view out the window. The purpose of low-E glass is to reduce solar heat gain and keep your Tucson home or business cooler during the Arizona summer.
• Double- or triple-pane glass: Single-pane windows pale in comparison to double- and triple-pane options. By simply adding a pocket of air between the panes, the window’s insulating capabilities improve tremendously.
• Gas infill: Multi-pane windows perform even more efficiently when the pocket between the sheets of glass contains a dense, non-toxic gas such as argon or krypton. A tight window seal keeps these gases in place for years to come.
• Warm-edge spacers: The perimeter of the window is the most vulnerable place for heat transfer to occur. Warm-edge spacers maintain a precise distance between the panes and insulate the edges of the window at the same time.
• Energy-efficient frame: Some of the most popular window materials include vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and aluminum-clad wood. All of these can earn the ENERGY STAR® label, provided the manufacturer constructs them with quality and performance in mind.

To learn more about energy-efficient commercial windows for your Tucson business or window installation for your Catalina Foothills, AZ or surrounding area home, contact Open Enclose today!

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

Because of the extra design effort and engineering that goes into them, energy-efficient windows often require a greater investment than regular windows. However, the cost is worth it when you begin to realize these benefits:

• Lower heating and cooling bills: The biggest drive for many home and business owners to install energy-efficient windows is the chance to earn a return on investment. This is possible because the superior performance of these windows helps to noticeably decrease your utility bills, especially if you’re upgrading from single-pane windows.
• More comfortable home: Have you grown tired of drafts and solar heat gain that make it difficult to keep every room in the building the same temperature? Inefficient windows could be to blame. Put a stop to the discomfort by upgrading to tightly sealed, UV-blocking windows.
• Preserved furnishings: Blocking UV rays reduces heat gain, but it also prevents your carpet, upholstery, curtains, and other furnishings from fading. This is just another way your investment in energy-efficient windows pays you back.
• Environmental benefits: Energy-efficient windows don’t just save you money—they also help conserve resources, which benefits our planet. With so many home and business owners wanting to go green these days, you can rest assured that installing energy-efficient windows is a solid investment for your Tucson, AZ property.

Best Energy-Efficient Window Brands

We install energy-efficient windows from several other top manufacturers, including:

• Milgard
• Heritage
• Masonite
• Western
• Trulite
• Simpson
• And many others

Schedule an Energy-Efficient Window Installation in Tucson, AZ

When you’re ready to start saving money and doing your part for the environment, consider upgrading the windows in your Tucson, AZ home or business. Open Enclose has more than a decade of experience helping our customers select the best windows for their needs and budget.

To find out more about energy-efficient windows, or to schedule a free estimate, please call Open Enclose today at (520) 485-4546.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is insulated glass?

The term “insulated glass” is used to describe a configuration of two or more panes of glass that are sealed around the edges, with an air-filled space between the panes. This is an effective way to reduce the transfer of heat through the glazing between the indoors and outdoors. When combined with other energy-saving features such as low-E or coated glass, insulated glass can help to reduce energy usage while adhering to local building codes.

What is a low-E window coating?

A low-emittance, or low-E, coating is a microscopically thin, invisible metallic film that is applied to the glass to enhance thermal performance. The coating works to reduce glare and the transfer of heat and harmful ultraviolet rays while allowing light to filter through.

What are the differences between R-value and U-value?

While each is used to determine the insulative properties of various materials, R-value is used in reference to wall or ceiling insulation, while U-value is used to gauge the thermal efficiency of windows, according to the rate of heat transfer. Unlike an R-value, however, where a higher number is better, a lower U-value is more desirable, as it indicates a slower transfer of heat between the indoors and outdoors.

What is a gas fill?

Inert gases such as argon or krypton are commonly used in place of air to fill the void between two or more panes of glass. These inert gases are odorless, colorless, non-flammable, and non-toxic, and because they are heavier than air, they help to maximize the energy efficiency of the windows when used in conjunction with low-E glass.

What are the benefits of low-E glass?

Standard glass has no coating, which allows for fast and easy absorption and transmission of heat from a hot zone to a cool zone. In the winter months, this can result in a loss of heat from the interior to the exterior, and in the summer months, the outdoor heat may be transferred to your interior living space, driving up the cost of heating or cooling your home. The benefits of low-E glass include:

• Energy savings
• Cost savings
• Increased comfort
• Increased return on your investment
• Reduced risk of condensation, as the interior panes remain closer to room temperature
• Reduced risk of mold or mildew growth
• Lower carbon footprint

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