When the time comes for replacing windows in your home, one of the most important factors to consider is the energy efficiency of the replacement windows you ultimately choose. How to go about deciding which ones to select can be slightly confusing since there are so many options to consider.

So let’s try to make things a little more simple for those of you searching for the best windows to install in your home. The following are your most common and popular alternatives:

Multiple Pane Options

One of the more effective ways for increasing energy-efficiency in your windows is through stacking multiple panes of glass. You can find options that incorporate double and triple panes, which are designed to provide additional barriers against warm or cool air escaping through your windows.

Since glass is a very poor method of insulation, multiple panes along with inert gas work together to maintain the highest levels of efficiency on the market today.

But be advised, these windows can get expensive and choosing double or triple pane solutions can have a major impact on your window buying budget. Consider which parts of the home are the most vulnerable to energy loss and install these types of windows in those areas alone instead of the entire structure. That can help you save energy and money at the same time.

Argon Gas Options

Windows that use argon gas in between the panes bring an additional layer of insulation that makes them more effective at preventing your climate-controlled air from escaping out and the outside air from coming in.

Argon is a non-toxic gas that is perfectly safe for any home and only brings the benefits of improved energy efficiency.

Foam Options

Some replacement windows bring increased energy efficiency to your home through the use of foam, which is injected into the frames and sashes of your new windows as a way to lower thermal conduction and keep your warm or cool air inside.

Much like with gas, the foam is an additional component that is entirely safe and you will never see it. The material is contained within the structure of the window frame and you won’t even know it’s there except when you realize your heating and cooling costs have gotten lower over time.

Energy Star Certifications

When you go shopping for your replacement windows, the thing you should be looking at most closely is the Energy Star certification statistics. These ratings will tell you all you need to know about the efficacy of the windows you are considering for purchase.

There are five overall components to the certification which tell you the rate of heat transfer and how effective the window is at insulating the home. You can also learn how much light the windows will let in and the levels of resistance against condensation.

Pay close attention to these ratings as they are a useful indicator that you are choosing the best windows for your home and the level of energy efficiency you can expect to enjoy once they are installed.