The efficient windows collaborative has a great website to help you understand the effect of the window frame materials on energy efficiency.
Efficient non vinyl window.
If glass area is such an issue why do people buy vinyl replacement windows.
The material you choose for the window frame vinyl fiberglass wood or cladding over wood will affect the overall thermal characteristics of the window.
This material has many advantages including being virtually maintenance free.
Advantages of vinyl frames extremely durable non corroding virtually maintenance free exceptionally energy efficient vinyl frames are made primarily from polyvinyl chloride pvc.
Vinyl and wood are comparable in u value a.
Two reasons first vinyl replacement windows are typically the least costly of any replacement window frame type and secondly vinyl window frames are considered the most energy efficient especially when compared to their wood and aluminum counterparts.
There will be differences in the quality of one manufacturer 039 s vinyl compared to another.
Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25 30 of residential heating and cooling energy use.
The energy star most efficient 2020 designation recognizes the most efficient products among those that qualify for the energy star program.
Improving the thermal resistance of the frame can contribute to a window s overall energy efficiency particularly its u factor there are advantages and disadvantages to all types of frame materials but vinyl wood fiberglass and some composite frame materials provide greater thermal resistance than metal.
These vertical slider windows represent the leading edge in energy efficient products this year.