Texas homeowners know that keeping a house cool in the summer is one of the biggest household expenses. What many don't realize is that their windows play a crucial role in how much energy their home uses.
Understanding Window Energy Ratings
When evaluating window energy efficiency, there are several key metrics:
U-Factor
Measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping. Lower numbers are better. For Texas, look for U-factors of 0.30 or lower.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Measures how much solar radiation passes through the window. In Texas, where cooling is the primary concern, you want a LOW SHGC (0.25 or lower) to keep solar heat out.
Visible Transmittance (VT)
Measures how much visible light passes through. Higher numbers mean more natural light.
Low-E Glass: The Game Changer
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass has a microscopic metallic coating that reflects infrared radiation while allowing visible light to pass through. For Texas homes, Low-E glass can:
- •Reduce cooling costs by 25-50%
- •Block up to 99% of UV rays that fade furniture
- •Maintain clear views while reducing glare
- •Keep your home more comfortable year-round
Argon Gas Fill
The space between double-pane windows can be filled with argon gas instead of regular air. Argon is denser than air and provides better insulation, reducing heat transfer by an additional 15-20%.
The ROI of Energy-Efficient Upgrades
For a typical 2,000 sq ft Dallas-Fort Worth home, upgrading to Low-E glass with argon fill can save $200-$400 per year on energy costs. With our glass-only replacement approach, the upgrade typically pays for itself within 3-5 years.
Making the Upgrade
At Apex Windows, we offer energy-efficient glass upgrades as part of our foggy glass replacement service. When we replace your failed glass units, we can upgrade to Low-E glass with argon fill at a modest additional cost — giving you both clear windows and better energy performance.
Contact us at (214) 263-3008 to learn more about energy-efficient window options for your home.