Energy Efficient Doors and Windows

A Smart Investment With Energy-Efficient Windows

At TMC Windows & Doors, we're proud to help you find the best windows for your home. While this has to do with the look and security of your windows, it's also about the right energy efficiency for your home.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaky and inefficient windows, skylights, and doors account for up to 25% of the average household's energy bills. Other sources suggest that could be 40% of your costs. A lot depends on where you live. Cold climates lose energy in the form of heat, and hot climates lose energy in the form of cooling.

The colder or hotter the climate, the greater your heating and cooling costs in general. This means, in these extreme climates, your potential to save money on energy costs is significant. Nearly everyone in Orange County, CA can benefit by replacing leaky, inefficient windows with energy-efficient alternatives.

With that switch, you could cut your costs by as much as 15% depending on your location. Replacing any of your home's windows can be a big investment, but the switch usually pays for itself in just a few years.

How is that possible? Keep reading to learn more or feel free to call TMC Windows & Doors. We offer master installation, and our installation comes with a five-year installation warranty. Call now for a free estimate or to ask about our products.

Improved Curb Appeal and Increased Resale Value

The recent Cost vs. Value Report (a combined effort by Remodeling Magazine and REALTOR Magazine), indicated that homeowners can expect to recoup about 93% of their investment on vinyl or wood replacement windows for the following reasons:

• Reduced heating and cooling costs
• Increased comfort inside the home
• Rebates and tax incentives

The Federal Energy Tax Credit provides $1,500 for any efficiency improvements made to your home. You'll need to save your sales order or NFRC label from the window and check for rebates and tax incentives in your area.

To learn more about the benefits of energy-efficient windows, visit the Efficient Window Collaborative. The window selection tool on this site helps determine an approximate change in annual energy usage given your home type, window type, and geographic region. If you have more questions, TMC Windows & Doors can help.

The Power of Energy Star®

Energy Star® is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Its mission is to help us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.

The EPA and DOE set strict energy-efficient guidelines for products that qualify for the Energy Star label. In 2007 alone, Energy Star helped Americans save more than $16 billion on their utility bills.

To be Energy Star qualified, windows, doors, and skylights must be independently tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council and labeled according to climate zones. Manufacturers like Milgard (an Energy Star partner) tailor the components of their windows to work most efficiently where you live.

For more information on Energy Star products, click on the button below. You can also consult with our experts at TMC Windows & Doors.

Energy Star can also help you take advantage of tax credits introduced in 2009. These federal tax credits were revised by President Obama in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009. The credits were signed into law on February 17, and they supersede previous credits.

Windows, doors, and skylights must now have a U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) less than or equal to 0.30. These ratings must be true regardless of your climate zone. Click on the button below to learn more.

Other tax credits, rebates, and offers may be available. Many states and other governmental bodies, utilities, and organizations offer rebates, tax credits, and other special offers when you buy qualified Energy Star products.

Click on the button below and use the Rebate Finder at the bottom of the page to see what's available in your area.

Energy Star is a registered trademark of the U.S. government. To find out about your local selection of Energy Star windows and doors, call TMC Windows & Doors to start shopping today

Components of an Energy-Efficient Window

Energy efficiency may sound good on a conceptual level, but how do you know what the practical applications look like? If you're shopping for energy-efficient windows, here are the minimum guidelines:

• Double-pane insulated glass
• Heat-resistant (Low-E) glass coating
• Airtight frames
• Energy Star® rating

To better understand this, consider window design with three dimensions. This may vary somewhat from brand to brand. For Milgard windows, it will look something like this:

Frame

The frame material has a big impact on energy efficiency. Two superior options for energy efficiency are vinyl and fiberglass. They do a particularly good job of reducing heat transfer and contributing to insulation value.

Your ultimate decision on which of these to use may be based on aesthetics and cost. In making your selection, look for vinyl or fiberglass that has been specifically engineered for performance.

For instance, both can be designed with chambers within the frame to enhance strength, noise reduction, and insulation value. At TMC Windows & Doors, many options in vinyl and fiberglass are available for your needs.

Glass

Dual-pane designs use an air-filled or gas-filled space between the two panes of glass. This insulates better than a single pane. Special Low-E coating on the glass blocks infrared light to keep heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer. It also filters damaging ultraviolet light to protect interior furnishings from fading.

Spacer

A spacer keeps the window's dual-glass panes the correct distance apart for optimal airflow. Too much or too little airflow can affect the insulating glass efficiency. The design and material of the spacer make a big difference in the ability to handle expansion and contraction, which can reduce condensation.