An expensive upgrade you may need for your home at some point is new windows. While it is tempting to select a window that is cheap and affordable, this is one situation where it is worth it to spend the money on a high-quality product. Windows are a source of poor insulation in homes. If you spend money on the right one, you can reduce the costs to heat and cool your home. Here are some options for new windows that will be energy-efficient and cost-effective.

Multi-Pane Glass

You most likely notice that new windows come in several different varieties when it comes to the glass panes in them. While one glass pane is the bare minimum, you can also get a window that has 2 or 3 panes of glass in them as well. These panes allow special argon gas to be trapped between the glass. Without it, the glass can absorb the heat that your furnace produces during the winter. The argon gas will work as additional insulation.

The great thing about using argon gas between glass panes is that it is cheap and effective. The gas has a thermal conductivity that is 67% of what normal oxygen is. While krypton gas will do a better job, the gas costs much more money to put between the window panes. While argon gas isn't free, this feature will easily pay for itself in terms of energy efficiency.

Window Film

During the summer time, UV rays from the sun will enter your home through the glass, causing your home to heat up faster and make your air conditioner work harder. The best way to prevent this from happening is to cover the glass with a UV window film. This film allows sunlight to enter your home but will stop those UV rays that heat it up as well.

Window film also works in the winter as well, by reflecting the heat away from your windows on the inside. It keeps the heat in where it belongs, rather than letting it escape through the glass. Window film could decrease the use of your heating and cooling systems by 25% and 23% respectively.

For more info about having either of these features installed with the new windows for your home, speak to a local window contractor. They can provide you with information on these features when pricing out replacement windows for your house.