The winters in Montana are frigid. When your windows let heat escape, you may still feel cold inside the home despite the setting on your thermostat, or experience elevated energy bills. To help you get cozy and save money, here’s more information about how heat loss works.

How Does Heat Get Lost Through Glass?

The average home loses 25 to 30% of its heat through the windows during the winter. This can happen via air leaks around the seals, as well as through the panes of the glass.

When warm air strikes a cold window, it loses energy until it becomes so dense that it sinks to the ground. The air might regain some of its energy as it circulates throughout the house, but once it strikes another fixture, it will drop in energy and temperature once more. As such, the HVAC doesn’t work efficiently. The more heat is lost, the harder the HVAC system has to work to maintain a comfortable temperature. 

How Can I Minimize This Issue?

The most effective way to mitigate heat loss is by replacing single-pane windows with ultra-high-efficiency glass that has an R-value of at least five. In simple terms, the R-value refers to a surface’s ability to resist temperature transfer. For reference, models with efficient Energy Star® ratings typically have R-values of three. Double- or triple-pane windows are not only thicker, but also contain gas fillings that further reduce heat transfer.

If replacing all the fixtures before the winter isn't in your budget, there are other ways to reduce heat loss. For example, you can seal any cracks around each frame using caulk or weatherstripping. Eliminating drafts will help you save between five and 30% on your energy bills. Hanging thick drapes will also serve as thermal barriers, preventing warm air from getting chilled by the glass. 

If your home is due for new windows, turn to Shepard’s Glass, Inc. for the most energy-efficient models on the market. Operating out of Kalispell, MT, this family-owned and -operated contractor has been serving homeowners and businesses in the Flathead Valley and the surrounding areas since 1959. From skylights and glass shelves to windows and shower doors, they offer all types of fixtures. Visit their website to learn more about their products or call (406) 755-4540 to schedule an appointment.