Energy Efficiency
Save money, improve your home’s value, and reduce your carbon footprint when you choose to use energy-efficient products for your home.
The Technology
Science Behind The Savings
Windows
Doors
Siding
Low-E Glass
Low-E glass is brilliantly engineered to block most UV rays out so your home stays at a comfortable temperature each season.
Warm-Edge Spacer
Intercept™ warm-edge spacer insulates the exterior edges of a sealed unit and can tack on 5% savings on monthly energy costs.
Vinyl Framing
Vinyl window frames are constructed to deliver excellent thermal insulation while sealing out drafts and unwanted weather.
Innovative Weatherstripping
Airtight weatherstripping seals the sides, top and bottom frames of your door to prevent air infiltration.
Insulated Core
An insulated polyurethane core provides an additional thermal barrier for better insulation.
Sturdy Frames
Composite frames resist rotting, rusting and warping to withstand constant exposure to the elements.
Energy-Saving Door Lites
Decorative and ENERGY STAR-compliant door lites are an integral part in a door system’s seal and thermal performance.
Insulated Structure
Built with rigid foam insulation to reduce energy loss and reinforce the siding for smoothness and straight lines.
Energy-Saving Barriers
High-density insulation to minimize outdoor noise for a quieter indoor ambiance and loss of wanted heat or air.
Built to Last
Fully rolled over, double-thick nail hem anchors panels to the wall; tested to withstand harsh weather.
ENERGYSTAR® Qualified SolarZone™ Insulated Glass Package
Since 80% of a window is glass, substantial heating and cooling savings come from improved glass performance. Our combination of UV-filtering Low-E glass (LG), insulating argon gas and the Intercept™ warm edge spacer system creates significant energy efficiency. Together they can cut the damaging effects of the sun, which can lead to faded carpets, curtains and furniture.
The result: your monthly utility bills will reflect savings year round—and that should help make you even more comfortable.
 In winter, a warmer glass temperature is maintained, increasing the R-value by an additional 104%. |
 In summer, a 48% reduction in solar heat gain helps cut air conditioning costs. |
An Inside Look
SolarZone™ Insulated Glass Package
How does Low-E glass (LG) work?
- Low-E glass filters out long-wave radiation from the sun. This reduces solar heat gain from the sun in the hot Dallas-Fort Worth summers.
- During the winter months, Low-E glass lets warm solar rays into your home, then keeps the warm air inside, heating your home naturally.
How does the Intercept™ spacer system work?
- Its one-piece metal alloy, U-channel design creates a thermal barrier to prevent conducted heat loss.
- The sealed one-piece design improves its ability to retain insulating gas when compared to many conventional designs.
How do Intercept™ spacers add to room comfort?
- They keep the edges of the window glass warmer so your home maintains a consistent temperature during the winter.
The temperature difference between the edge of an insulating glass unit with an ordinary spacer and one with an Intercept™ spacer system can be substantial.
How do Intercept™ spacers help windows to last longer?
- LG units expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate.
- In typical insulating glass units, the sealant holding the unit together bears the brunt of this flexing and can cause seal failure and insulating gas loss and leaks over time.
- In an Intercept™ LG unit, the spacer flexes instead of the sealant so it resists spacer movement and premature sealant failure, making this an exceptional investment.
What difference does Low-E glass make?
When comparing the two thermography images, the difference is obvious. The window on the left is a clear insulated glass unit. The heat transmittance, indicated by the green, yellow and orange colors from the heat scale, is far inferior to that of the window containing the Solarban® 60 Low-E insulated glass unit (right).
Climate Requirements
Interested in Becoming ENERGY STAR® Certified?
ENERGY STAR is a government-sanctioned symbol for energy efficiency, credibility, sustainability and cost-savings for the consumer. Window World offers many ENERGY STAR® qualified glass packages. Explore the requirements to become ENERGY STAR-certified below and see what it looks like in your region of the country.
U-Value
R-Value
Your Climate
U-Factor Requirements
U-Factor measures the rate at which heat flows through an object. The lower your U-value, the less heat your windows allow through them.
- Northern: ≤ .27
- North-Central: ≤ .30
- South-Central: ≤ .30
- Southern: ≤ .40
R-Value Requirements
R-Value determines how well the insulation inside your window performs. The higher your R-value, the better insulated your window is.
- Northern: 13 – 21
- North-Central: 13 – 21
- South-Central: 13 – 21
- Southern: 13 – 21
Why You Need A High-Performing Insulated Product
Window World of Central Illinois is located in ENERGY STAR’s North-Central Climate category. To maintain certification here, our windows and doors must maintain a U-Value of ≤ .30 and an R-Factor from 13 to 21.
Glossary Of Terms
Energy Efficiency Terms You Need To Know
Low-E Glass
Low-E glass is a type of glass that has been treated with a microscopic, metallic coating designed to filter certain types of light into your home. The glass blocks heat gain from the sun’s reflected rays in warmer months and allows warmth from the sun’s shorter rays to flow into your home during cooler seasons.
Warm-Edge Spacer System
Our Intercept™ warm-edge spacer system is a new-age technology used to extend the shelf-life of window glass by reducing condensation build-up and edge-to-glass temperatures. Designed to seal in escaping heat, this spacer system is the most effective of its kind.
Argon Gas
Argon is a colorless, odorless and nonreactive insulating property with extremely high density and extremely low thermal conductivity, making it an ideal agent for year-round comfort.
Make Your Home Energy-Efficient
Energy-efficient windows and doors are a smart investment into your home. The payoff is not only significant, but also tangible. You’ll reap the benefits in comfort and cost, as energy-efficient products pay for themselves time and time again.
If you’re ready to see the difference and enjoy being comfortable in your year round, contact the professionals at Window World of Central Illinois today. We are happy to provide you with a free in-home estimate and answer any questions you may have about energy efficiency. Learn more by watching the video to the left and start enjoying the many benefits of our energy-efficient windows by scheduling a free in-home estimate today!