What Hybrid cars and Windows have in Common
Monday, March 30th, 2009Hybrid cars work because they use the best of both worlds. They use efficient gasoline engines combined with electric motors to enhance the performance and use less gas to get you were you want to go. Good replacement windows do the same. They use the framework of vinyl which is a product that doesn’t transfer heat or cold , fusion weld it to make it strong and then combine it with the best glass systems that make up 85% of the window.
Technology is advancing even in the glass world. We have had LowE glass for some 15 years or more. It was first used in the North to help capture the winter sun’s heat in not let it escape back out the window. When it was brought to the South it was combined with tinted glass and used to reflect the heat from entering during the long cooling season we have. LowE2 then came out using two coats of Low Emissivity to strengthen the protection from radiant heat. Glass manufacturers have not developed LowE3 or cubed to enhance it even more. This combined with exotic gases like Krypton or Xenon have raised the bar of efficiency even higher. New technology does cost more initially but pays higher savings in the long run. The question you need to ask is how long to you plan on being in your current house? If this is to be you retirement home and you have no plans on moving going with this new technology definantly makes sense as it cost 15-20% more.
As fuel cost continue to increase and when the economy improves this should be high on your list of home improvements. Think of your windows as a hole would be in your car’s gas tank. No matter how energy efficient the engine is it can’t perform correctly with the lead. Your windows are like holes in your house that are leaking your energy savings out. Meet with one of our energy consultants to show you how you can put together a stage program of how to make you house truly energy efficient.
Gregg Graham-Owner Plano, Texas
