Windows are an important part of every home. They offer us a view, they allow in sunlight, and they can be opened for a nice, fresh breeze. However, during the summer and winter, our windows can prove to be the weakest link in our home’s insulation. That’s why having updated windows is so important. New windows mean maximum insulatory properties. How does window insulation even work? Let’s take a look, so you can make an informed decision on whether to update your windows or not.
Insulation Basics
To start, let’s talk about some insulation basics. What is it that makes something a good insulator? If we think of things on a molecular level, temperature can transfer through solid objects. It does this because temperature is simply how fast something is “vibrating” at a molecular level. Hotter things have faster vibrations and colder things have slower vibrations.
When it’s really cold outside, the billions of cold, slow, air molecules slow down the vibration of the glass molecules. When it’s really hot outside, the hot, fast, air molecules speed up the vibration of the glass molecules. And, of course, when the glass temperature is changed, it affects the indoor air temperature.
So, the thing that makes a good insulator is something dense, with a lot of molecules, so that those molecules are less affected by external sources.
Modern Window Insulation
Modern windows are able to implement this science in a way that’s extremely creative and unknown to the average person. Our two-panel windows are sealed tight and the space between them is filled with a dense gas. This gas is invisible to us, but is denser than air. That makes it much better than air at preventing temperature changes. Therefore, it’s a great insulator.
How Old Windows Lose Insulation
Over time, the seal on your windows’ glass panes becomes weaker, allowing the insulating gas to escape very slowly. When you’ve had windows for over ten years, the insulating gas has often escaped completely.
This is why old windows are so bad at insulating your home from external temperature as well as noise. Have you ever noticed that, in an old house, you can hear all kinds of noise from outside much louder? It’s because insulation does more than just prevent temperature leakage. Because sound is transferred in waves (vibrations), insulation also blocks out unwanted sound. So, if you’re tired of waking up to your neighbor’s lawnmower sounding like it’s right next to your bed, it’s time to get those windows updated.
Save Money by Updating Your Windows
Updating your windows isn’t just a matter of convenience and comfort; it also saves you money. People spend hundreds of dollars a year on running heating and cooling units longer and harder to make up for poor window insulation. When you replace your windows, you make a noticeable investment in your future expenses. Pay less on heating and cooling by making your home more effective at maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Call us at Aluplex if you need assistance ordering windows for your home. We look forward to helping you improve your quality of life.
