Our 2025 Guide to Energy Efficient Windows

The guidelines laid out by the EPA as part of the ENERGY STAR rating certification process vary by region and climate zone. The department breaks the country out into four geographical categories—Northern, North-Central, South-Central, and Southern. To ensure the windows you are looking to buy are considered ENERGY STAR, look for the blue label shown below. You should also ask your professional window contractor whether or not their windows are ENERGY STAR, or ask for guidance on where to find them if they do not offer them. We focus on future-proofing your home by using durable materials and flexible designs.
This sub is for discussion and questions concerning all aspects of the home building process - whether in a development by a large builder, custom homes, or DIY projects. While the windows perspective is generally that of the homeowner, topics from builders and contractors are welcome. Smart home technology and strategic shading enhance overall cooling efficiency.

How much you save depends on the window type you’re upgrading from and your local climate. If replacing your windows is on your home improvement to-do list, consider windows that help you save energy. Energy-efficient windows can improve home comfort, lower energy bills, and reduce your carbon footprint. Another method is to use a clever financing strategy, where you recover the cost of your financing repayments via the energy savings you’re making. And remember, this is an upgrade investment for your home, so no bank anywhere is going to tell you it’s a bad idea.
But not all window treatments are created equal when saving energy. As a blogger who writes about house windows, I’ve seen firsthand how effective these films can reduce heat gain during hot summer months. They keep your home cooler, reduce glare, and protect furniture from fading due to UV rays. While these materials are still popular today, there are now more options available that offer better insulation properties. Low-E coatings are another popular choice for those seeking energy efficiency in their windows.

We are overwhelmed with the quality, innovative design & technology of the uPVC systems. They have reduced our power bills & north facing, we have significantly noticed the difference both in summer & winter, including noise reduction. We highly recommend Ultimate Windows & would certainly go with them again. The new coatings on energy efficient windows block out the harmful ultraviolet rays, which cause fading.
Water heating is the third largest  energy expense in your home, typically accounting for about 12% of your utility bill. Also consider using less hot water, turning down the thermostat on your water heater, and insulating your water heater. An energy professional can use an infrared camera to pinpoint where air leaks and drafts are occurring in your home or building. These infrared photos clearly show in color where energy losses are occurring. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can also increase the value of the property.
When it comes to energy-efficient windows, one of the most critical factors is glazing technology. This refers to the type of glass used in your windows and how it’s constructed. Another option is low-E coatings – which reflect heat into your home during winter while keeping out unwanted solar radiation during summer. But perhaps one of the most innovative new technologies in this area is aerogel-based insulating materials.

By significantly cutting down the energy required for heating and cooling, these windows contribute to a substantial decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. This means less strain on your heating and cooling systems, as they don’t have to work as hard to compensate for heat loss in winter or heat gain in summer. At their core, energy-efficient windows are designed to prevent unwanted heat gain and loss, ensuring your home stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The Solar Comfort™system is a cost effective way to keep homes at a comfortable temperature all year round, acting as extra insulation from outside elements.
Now you know what Energy saver does in Windows 11 and how it helps your laptop, PC, or 2-in-1 device use less power and save battery. You also know why this feature was renamed from Battery saver to Energy saver, and how to customize it. Before closing this guide, I’m curious to learn what you think about Energy Saver and whether you consider it a useful feature. Also, is there anything you would like Microsoft to improve about the way it works? Lower screen brightness when using energy saver - turning this setting On is a good idea, because it doesn’t sacrifice screen visibility by a lot, and increases battery life.

This is because windows, doors and skylights allow energy to pass through them. Older traditional windows let the sun heat your home in the summer and allow warm air to escape in the winter. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows is one of the best ways to save energy year-round. For every tonne of glass recycled, over a tonne of raw materials is saved, and the amount of waste sent to landfills is reduced by about 315 kg.
Nearly 35% of residential heating and cooling energy is lost through windows, but energy-efficient windows can help reduce this loss. D. Install and set programmable thermostats that save energy by automatically regulating your home or building's temperature when you are home, asleep, or away. You can save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10% to 15% for 8 hours.
This innovation reduces energy costs by returning heat to its source, ensuring interiors remain cool in summer and warm in winter. These materials contribute to environmental conservation and offer durability and longevity, making them a smart choice for homeowners and businesses. Moreover, these windows are typically made from sustainable materials like vinyl, fibreglass, or wood, which have a lower environmental impact. Also, thetype of glazingand glass material (e.g. thermally efficient glass), frame, design, window treatments or coverings you use can all impact the total performance of your windows.

They resist weathering and don’t require painting or staining, making them ideal for those who prefer minimal upkeep. An alarmingly high heating bill that made me realize the importance of investing in windows with a low U-factor. Embarking on the journey to find the perfect energy-efficient windows can feel like navigating a maze with numerous paths and choices. The noise reduction benefit of energy-efficient windows is a boon, especially for those living in bustling urban areas or near busy streets. Rooms that were once prone to chilly drafts or overheating became consistently comfortable, creating a more pleasant living space.
Of course, payback periods will vary depending on the type/amount of heating/cooling and therefore cost of energy used. With creative design, you can minimise the cost of energy-efficient glazing. If the windows are not too big, thinner glass can be used, saving cost and weight.