Are Casement Windows in Cincinnati Energy Efficient?
July 12, 2021
By increasing the energy efficiency of your Cincinnati home, you can reduce your energy bills, save money, and do some good for the planet. There are many ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home, and replacing old windows is one of the more popular methods for Ohio homeowners. When it comes to home window replacement, you might be wondering, “are casement windows energy efficient?”
What’s special about casement windows?
Casement windows are the most energy-efficient style of window that’s meant to be opened (picture windows are more efficient, but they’re designed to stay closed). Casement windows offer high levels of energy efficiency because of the design: these windows have a strong seal on all four sides. When a casement window is closed, the sash presses tightly against the frame so the frigid Cincinnati air can’t pass through. A strong gust of wind can actually press the sash and frame closer together. Other types of windows are not designed to seal so tightly because of the way they open by sliding along a track. While modern replacement windows like black vinyl windows from Window Nation are all designed to be energy efficient, older windows in need of replacement can be a source of unwanted energy leakage. It’s like the pothole-filled roads of Cincy: the more they’re ignored, the more costs they’ll incur over time. When a window doesn’t seal securely, air can leak in between the sash and the frame. In the winter, cold air from outside can leak into your home while heated air can escape. To stay comfortable, you’ll need to turn up the thermostat. In the summer, the reverse happens, (though in Ohio, it’s a bit less of a concern) and you might need more air conditioning to stay comfortable. The more heat or air conditioning you use, the larger your energy footprint and the higher your energy bills.Choosing energy-efficient windows.
While casement windows are already highly efficient due to their design, you can make them even more energy efficient. Just select windows that complement their energy-efficient traits as well as orange compliments black.- Low-e glass: Low-e or low emissivity glass coating is designed to bounce the sun’s rays away from your Ohio home in summer, to reduce solar heat gain. The same coating reflects the heat inside your home so that it doesn’t leak through the window.
- Argon gas infill: Argon gas infills insert argon gas between panes of the window. Argon is less conductive than normal air, so it actually reduces the amount of heat or cold that passes through the window. It can be a real lifesaver for the humid Cincinnati haze.
- Double or triple pane casement windows: Adding additional panes of glass to a casement window increases its energy efficiency by sandwiching more layers of insulating air or gas between the inside and outside of your home.
- Energy Star label: Look for the Energy Star label to indicate casement windows that are constructed using best design practices and energy-efficient materials.