Best Insulated Windows for Cold Weather

Why Choosing the Right Windows is Crucial for Cold Weather

Cold weather can cause drafts and other problems throughout the winter. The colder the weather, the harder it is to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. This is especially true in homes with older windows.

Older windows have poor insulation and can be made from materials that leak heat. Single-pane windows are bad for your home's energy efficiency because single-pane windows offer almost no insulation from the cold outside.

Choosing modern windows with the right features for your home can protect your home's interior from extreme temperatures. Today's windows come with special glazing and glass coatings, as well as insulated frames to help keep out the chill. Choosing the right windows can make all the difference.

Top Window Types for Maximum Insulation and Efficiency

There's a lot to consider when you're trying to find windows that provide maximum efficiency during Chicago's cold winters. Below are some window options that can help insulate your home.

Double Glazing

Dual pane windows are the most popular option in Chicago homes. The space between the two panes has an insulating effect, so your home can stay warm even as the temperatures outside drop. Dual pane windows are also more affordable than triple pane windows, which makes them the go-to window product for many people.

Triple Glazing

If you want maximum protection from the cold outside, triple-pane windows are your best option. Triple-pane windows may offer better protection from the chill, but they're also a higher cost window product. These are factors to consider as you try to decide whether triple glazing is right for you. If you're interested in triple pane windows, talk to the experts at Woodland Windows and Doors.

Low-E Coatings

Low-E glass reflects heat to keep it inside in the winter. This helps keep your home warmer than other types of glass.

Window Frames that Provide Optimal Insulation

Some window frames offer better insulation than others. Choose window frames that provide optimal insulation from Chicago winters. Fiberglass frames are among the most popular material types to offer optimal insulation for your Chicago home.

Other types of frames, such as wood and composite wood, also offer good insulation. Talk to the experts at Woodland Windows and Doors to learn more about which brands and material types are best for your budget and home.

Comparing Double and Triple Pane Windows for Cold Climates

Triple pane windows are the most energy-efficient window type for cold weather climates. Triple-pane windows contain three panes in each sash, with two insulated spaces per window. The spaces in triple-pane windows can be filled with air or gas. Triple-pane windows are also the least susceptible to condensation in homes with condensation problems.

If triple-pane windows do not fit in your budget, double-pane windows still offer excellent energy efficiency. Double-pane windows have two panes of glass and one insulated space between the two panes. Dual pane windows are highly efficient and effective for most Chicago homes.

The Role of Low-E Coatings in Enhancing Window Insulation

The term "low-e" stands for low emissivity. Low-e coatings prevent certain wavelengths from traveling through the glass. This is how low-e coatings prevent heat from escaping your home during the winter.

Also worth considering is that your low-e windows will also prevent heat from entering your home during the summer because the low-e coating will reflect heat away from the home during the warmer time of year. This makes the low-e window option an excellent one for many Chicago area homes.