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.
From Collin County to Tarrant County, we serve the entire DFW metroplex. See all areas we cover and book your free window assessment.
If you live in Plano, we offer same-week appointments for foggy glass repair.
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About the Author
Dan Dover
Co-Owner & Operations Director, Apex Windows & Glass
Dan Dover co-founded Apex Windows & Glass alongside Alvin Paulson, bringing a background in construction management and residential contracting to the business. Dan oversees day-to-day operations, customer relations, and the company's expansion across 50+ cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With deep roots in the DFW construction industry, Dan understands the unique challenges Texas homeowners face — from extreme summer heat that accelerates window seal failure to hail storms that crack glass overnight. He is passionate about educating homeowners on the cost savings of glass-only replacement versus full window replacement, and ensuring every Apex Windows customer receives honest, transparent service.