Get a Free Estimate 
With the intense heat and variable weather patterns here in Texas, the electricity bills can run high throughout the year. As a homeowner, are you finding it hard to keep up with the rising utility costs? You need to be sure that your home is equipped with the right features that make it easier to manage indoor climate control.
One option is to invest in energy-efficient windows for Texas homes. The reality is that your windows are either working for you or against you. It’s worth the investment to ensure that you have windows that are keeping the heat out of your living space.
Why Quality Windows Matter So Much for Texas Homes
The climate zone here in Texas means that your home is facing intense solar heat for a large portion of the year. Even though there is an upfront cost for energy-efficient window replacement, it’s often worth the expense when you look at the long-term numbers. According to the Department of Energy, the estimate is that heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for 25-30% of residential energy use because of heating and cooling.
You need windows that reduce heat and hold the air conditioning inside. If your home is older and you have inefficient windows, then it means that the HVAC system is working overtime to cool the home. Not only will your utility bills go up, but the long-term wear on the HVAC unit can shorten its lifespan and result in future replacement expenses.
Understanding Window Performance Ratings
If you don’t know much about the replacement window industry, then it can be confusing to compare the different products that are available. Here are a few things to consider:
- Window U-Factor Explained: This rating shows how well a window prevents heat from escaping or entering your home. The lower the U-factor number, the better the insulation. What U-factor is best for the Texas climate? The ENERGY STAR program recommends a U-factor of 0.30 or lower for most climates.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This measurement indicates the amount of solar radiation that can pass through the glass. In Texas, this rating is often considered to be more important than U-factor. Having a lower SHGC means that there is less heat entering the home. In hot climates, ENERGY STAR recommends 0.25 or below.
- Air Leakage: The best energy-efficient windows for Texas homes have air leakage ratings that are below 0.3, which indicates that the window is well-sealed. Proper sealing is critical to minimize heat from coming into your home.
Best Glass and Frame Materials for Windows That Reduce Heat
The quality and type of materials used in your windows will have an undeniable impact on energy efficiency. We recommend low-emissivity (low-E) coatings that help to reflect infrared heat from the sun without blocking visible light from coming through. Additionally, argon gas between window panes adds an insulating layer that helps with both U-factor and SHGC performance.
Double pane designs are the standard choice for energy efficient windows for Texas homes since they deliver reliable performance at a reasonable cost. If you want even better results, then you might consider triple-pane windows, but the additional benefits are marginal in hot climates (such as Texas). Triple-pane windows are more valuable in cold-weather climates, which is why we don’t often recommend them for homeowners in Texas because the added cost might not be worth it.
Our team at Infinite Roofing can help with different types of window frame materials. The most common choice is vinyl because it’s affordable, low-maintenance, and offers thermal efficiency. Fiberglass frames are another great choice since they are highly durable and stable, especially in extreme heat. We don’t recommend aluminum frames because they conduct heat and make it harder to control the indoor climate.
How Much Do Energy-Efficient Windows Save in Texas?
When looking at the cost of energy-efficient windows for Texas homes, you might be wondering if the expense is worth it. Every situation is unique, which is why it’s best to consult with our experienced team for personalized recommendations.
If you replace single-pane windows with double-pane windows that are ENERGY STAR rated, then your cooling costs can decrease by 10-25% annually (depending on the size of your home and type of insulation).
Make sure that you are looking at more than just the initial out-of-pocket expenses. Long-term ROI can often be significant when you consider lower utility bills, reduced wear and tear on your HVAC system, potential rebates through utility providers, and even the increased value of your home when you decide to sell in the future.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows
Is it time to invest in new windows for your home? Here are a few signs that you might benefit from replacement windows:
- Drafts coming from the window frames
- Visible condensation between panes
- The windows are hard to open and close
- Utility bills are going up
- Visible damage to the seals or frames
FAQs
What U-factor and SHGC is best for Texas?
In Texas, the general recommendation is a U-factor of 0.25 to 0.30, the lower the better. SHGC should be 0.25 and below. A low SHGC is one of the most important factors that will keep solar heat out of your Texas home.
Do triple-pane windows make sense in hot climates?
We generally don’t recommend triple-paned windows in Texas because these windows perform best in cold climates. In the hot weather here in Texas, triple panes offer minimal performance improvements over double panes.
How long do energy-efficient windows last?
Properly installed vinyl or fiberglass windows usually last between 20 and 40 years. Stay consistent with maintenance. Typically, the window seals will fail before the frames start to deteriorate.
Personalized Recommendations: Energy Efficient Windows for Texas Homes
If you are trying to decide whether it’s worth the investment to replace the windows in your home, then reach out to our team for personalized recommendations. We will schedule a no-obligation consultation to evaluate the quality and current performance of your windows and whether the investment is worth it.
Infinite Roofing offers trusted care and durable materials for homeowners in Texas. In addition to replacement windows, we can also assist with a range of other exterior services, such as roofing, solar installation, gutters, and more. Contact us to talk to our expert team and learn more about your options.