Are your windows drafty? If so, energy efficient impact windows can help. It seems crazy to talk about keeping your home warm in FL. Most people think of the Fort Myers, FL area as being warm and sunny year-round. But if you live here you know that fall and winter mornings can get cold, dropping down into the 40’s. And if your existing glass windows are drafty then your home will definitely be cold. But replacing your existing windows with high impact, energy efficient windows can help. We discuss what they are and how they can help your home stay warm and be more energy efficient.
What are insulated energy efficient impact windows?
Energy efficient impact windows have all the storm protection benefits of regular impact windows. They are high impact resistant. But that have an additional layer vs. regular impact glass windows. This extra layer acts as an insulation barrier between the inside of your home and the extreme heat and cold of the outside. In other words, it keeps your home comfortable from both the heat and cold outside.
Options to maximize the energy efficiency of your hurricane windows
Insulate the window with Argon
You can opt to fill your insulated hurricane windows with a gas such as argon in place of air. Argon, which is denser than air, improves the insulation performance of the windows. According to The Balance Small Business, argon gas helps “slow the transfer of heat through the window.” In addition to better insulation it also has other benefits. These include reduced condensation issues common with air filled windows and soundproofing, among other things.
The Balance Small Business states that argon is “non-toxic, colorless, and odorless gas that occurs naturally.”
Opt for a low-emissivity (low-e) coating
A low-E coating can be applied to your window’s glass to improve the windows’ energy efficiency. This is a very thin, clear, silver coating that is applied to the glass.
According to Vitro Architectural Glass, low-E coatings “minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that can pass through glass without compromising the amount of visible light that is transmitted.” In other words, the coating blocks UV rays from coming into your home without reducing your home’s natural sunlight.
Conclusion: insulated impact windows help keep your Fort Myers home warm (and cool)
Energy efficient impact resistant windows are a good option to replace your existing, drafty windows. Installing insulated impact windows can provide your home and family with both impact resistance and increased energy efficiency. In other words, they help provide both comfort and peace of mind.
