The Best Energy-Efficient Windows of 2023

Reduce energy usage and enhance curb appeal with attractive and high-performing energy-efficient windows.

By Jasmine Harding | Published Feb 17, 2023 10:47 AM

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The Best Energy Efficient Windows

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Installing energy-efficient windows can mean major savings when it comes to energy use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows is responsible for up to 30 percent of household heating and cooling energy use. Energy-efficient windows can help reduce this number, which, in turn, means a lower heating or cooling bill.

Energy-efficient windows are designed to reduce heat gain or heat loss, depending on the climate. They can help lower a household’s energy usage and carbon footprint, and they can make interiors feel more comfortable. In addition to selecting the right windows, careful installation and regular home maintenance—for example, caulking and weatherstripping—can help reduce cold drafts in the winter or overheating in the summer.

Buying and installing new windows is a big project, so we’ve rounded up some of the top energy-saving windows for new builds and home renovations.

  1. BEST OVERALL: American Craftsman 70 Pro Series Double Hung Window
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: American Craftsman 50 Series Single Hung Window
  3. BEST AWNING: Jeld-Wen V-4500 Series White Vinyl Awning Window
  4. BEST CASEMENT: Jeld-Wen V-4500 Series Vinyl Casement Window
The Best Energy Efficient Windows

Photo: istock.com

How We Chose the Best Energy-Efficient Windows 

When shopping for new windows or window replacements, consider energy-efficient windows. These windows come with energy-saving features that make them better for both the home and the environment. Only Energy Star–certified products were chosen for this guide to make sure the windows are sufficiently energy efficient and live up to their claims. We also chose windows from some of the most reputable window companies since they are known to manufacture reliable and high-quality windows.

To suit different construction and renovation projects, we chose a few window types, including single-hung, double-hung, sliding, casement, and awning windows for both new constructions and replacement projects. The insulated, double-pane, and low-emissivity (low-e) windows on this list all include features to keep interiors comfortable and reduce energy usage.

Our Top Picks

Whether for a new build or for a renovation project, these picks for some of the best energy- efficient windows can be an energy-saving upgrade when compared to standard windows. One of these might be the perfect choice for your home.

Best Overall

The Best Energy Efficient Windows Option: American Craftsman 70 Pro Series Double Hung Window
Photo: homedepot.com

Attractive and low maintenance, this double-hung window from American Craftsman’s 70 Pro Series is an appealing choice for many home renovators. This window has a vinyl frame and is designed by the brand for easy window replacement, making upkeep and installation straightforward. The window includes a screen, and the decorative traditional frame is plain but well made, adding to a home’s curb appeal.

Several features make this window energy efficient, including insulated double-pane glass with an argon gas fill and a low-e coating. Since it’s double hung, both the top and bottom sash operate to allow airflow into the home.

The window comes with standard locks or can come with indicator locks that show if the window is locked or unlocked so users can check by sight rather than by testing the window. Adding to convenience, tilt-in sashes make the window simple to clean. This window is Energy Star certified in the North-Central, South-Central, and Southern zones.

Product Specs

  • Type: Double hung
  • Frame material: Vinyl
  • Project type: Replacement

Pros

  • Both top and bottom sash are operable
  • Tilt-in sashes simplify cleaning the exterior glass
  • Upgraded locking hardware indicates if window is locked or unlocked

Cons

  • While brand boasts a “colonial profile,” the lack of grid or grille limits use for house styles
  • Not designed for homes in the Northern zone

Get the American Craftsman 70 Pro Series energy-efficient windows at The Home Depot.

Best Bang For The Buck

The Best Energy Efficient Windows Option: American Craftsman 50 Series Single Hung Window
Photo: homedepot.com

Energy-efficient windows can be costly, especially when it comes to outfitting an entire home. This single-hung window from American Craftsman’s 50 Series includes a screen and can be an excellent choice for shoppers on a budget for a new construction project. As a cherry on top, The Home Depot offers a discount for larger orders of four or more windows.

This window’s frame is made from low-maintenance vinyl. With its tidy finish, it doesn’t require painting, reducing home-maintenance tasks. Like the other windows on this list, this window is double paned, argon gas filled, and has a low-e coating. It’s excellent in terms of energy efficiency and is Energy Star certified for all climate zones (Northern, North-Central, South-Central, and Southern).

Product Specs

  • Type: Single hung
  • Frame material: Vinyl
  • Project type: New construction

Pros

  • Energy Star certified for all climate zones
  • Extra discount for bulk orders
  • Bottom sash tilts in for cleaning
  • Reviewers note sturdy construction for an affordable price

Cons

  • Not suitable for window replacement

Get the American Craftsman 50 Series energy-efficient windows at The Home Depot.

Best Awning

The Best Energy Efficient Windows Option: Jeld-Wen V-4500 Series White Vinyl Awning Window
Photo: homedepot.com

Awning windows may have a reputation for not letting a lot of air in, but that’s not the case with this awning window from Jeld-Wen’s V-4500 series. This window has a folding crank handle that opens up the entire sash to provide full ventilation, which is great for when more airflow is needed, like on hot summer days.

This window is suitable for colder climates and is Energy Star certified for all climate zones, including North-Central, Northern, South-Central, and Southern. That’s thanks to its insulated and double-pane low-e glass. It’s suitable for new construction or window replacement, adding even more to this window’s flexibility.

The frame is made of durable vinyl and features a multichamber fusion-welded design to ensure great structural performance. It also comes with a charcoal mesh fiberglass screen.

Product Specs

  • Type: Awning
  • Frame material: Vinyl
  • Project type: New construction or replacement

Pros

  • Entire sash opens to allow adequate airflow
  • Folding crank handle operates smoothly and tucks away on the frame
  • Suitable for both new construction and window replacement
  • Energy Star certified for all climate zones
  • Variety of grille designs are available to work with different house styles

Cons

  • Awning windows are used for specific situations and not used for most home fenestration needs
  • Hand crank may be difficult to release from frame for those with dexterity issues
  • Some reviewers did not receive the screen

Get the Jeld-Wen V-4500 Series awning energy-efficient windows at The Home Depot.

Best Casement

The Best Energy Efficient Windows Option: Jeld-Wen V-4500 Series Vinyl Casement Window
Photo: homedepot.com

Stylish and modern, this casement window from the Jeld-Wen V-4500 Series is also an energy-saving pick. This window has a vinyl frame and comes in a left-handed or right-handed configuration. It’s suitable for both new construction and replacement projects, making it a versatile choice.

Using the recessed folding crank, users can crack the window for a bit of a breeze or open it all the way for more ventilation. Since the entire sash opens, this window lets in a fair amount of air (when it’s wanted—it’s excellent at insulating when it’s closed). When opened, the high-performance screen keeps bugs out while letting air and sunlight in. Due to its double-pane, argon gas-filled, and low-e glass, this window is energy efficient. It’s Energy Star certified for all climate zones.

Product Specs

  • Type: Casement
  • Frame material: Vinyl
  • Project type: New construction or replacement

Pros

  • Entire sash opens for flexible and full ventilation
  • Available in both a left-handed and right-handed design
  • Includes high-performance fiberglass screen, which allows natural light in
  • Energy Star certified for all climate zones
  • Exterior color choices include white, bronze, and black

Cons

  • Some reviewers note the screen can be a bit loose
  • Additional color offerings—in desert sand and almond—and grille options only seem to be available through lumberyard dealers

Get the Jeld-Wen V-4500 Series casement energy-efficient windows at The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

 

What to Consider When Choosing Energy-Efficient Windows

Glass

Energy-efficient windows have at least two panes, which refers to the number of glass layers. Some have three or more for even better insulation. A window with one pane of glass is referred to as single pane, two as double pane, three as triple pane, and so on. “Insulated glass” is another term used to describe windows that have insulating gas between two or more panes.

When it comes to glass and efficiency, there’s no single “best” option (though single pane tends to be the worst for efficiency). A range of features go into making an energy-efficient window, which we explore ahead. To make it easier to find proven energy-efficient windows, look for Energy Star. Energy Star–certified windows are proven to meet energy-efficient guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Beyond energy efficiency, different glass types may appeal for other reasons. For example, reflective, tinted, or frosted glass can offer more privacy while still letting light in. Impact-resistant glass withstands impact and high winds, so it’s a good choice in storm-prone areas.

Coatings

Energy-efficient windows have special coatings to improve efficiency. When shopping, look for windows with a low-e coating. Windows with this coating are also referred to as “low-e glass” or “low-e windows.” Low-e stands for low emissivity. These windows have an extremely thin virtually invisible coating that covers the glass pane. On energy-efficient windows, this coating further insulates the window by limiting heat transfer while still letting light in.

Low-e coatings can be applied to the exterior or interior of a window to reflect heat energy into or out of the house. When it’s colder outside, interior low-e coatings help reflect heat back inside, and exterior low-e coatings reflect outside heat away from the window when it’s warmer outside. Low-e coatings also reflect UV light, which helps protect interior furnishings from fading.

When shopping, consider the solar heat gain coef­ficient (SHGC). The SHGC rating indicates how well the window blocks solar radiation (and therefore, heat from the sun), rated between 0 and 1. Low-SHGC windows reduce heat gain, which is especially good for hot climates.

Gas Fills and Spaces

In energy-efficient windows, the space between a window’s panes is filled with an inert, clear, and nontoxic gas, like argon or krypton gas. Since these gases insulate better than regular air, they improve the window’s overall energy efficiency. Argon gas is most common because it’s inexpensive and suitable for typical windows. Krypton is used in windows with thinner spaces between the panes. It insulates better than argon, but it is more expensive.

Spacers keep the window panes a suitable distance apart to prevent condensation, reduce heat flow, prevent moisture and air leaks, and make space for thermal expansion. When shopping for energy-efficient windows, consider looking for “warm edge” spacers, which improve efficiency and reduce condensation along the window’s edge.

When evaluating windows, consider the U-factor, a rating between around 0.15 and 1.20 that indicates how well the window insulates. (U-factor is the opposite of insulation’s R value, which is thermal resistance.) It’s essentially a measure of nonsolar heat flow or heat loss through the window. A lower U-factor means lower thermal transmittance, which is ideal for colder climates.

The Energy Star program breaks the United States into four climate zones when evaluating window efficiency: Northern, North-Central, South-Central, and Southern. The window needs to meet the minimum U-factor and SHGC rating for the climate zone to be Energy Star certified. More information can be found at the Energy Star website.

Frame

Energy-efficient windows have high-quality, durable frames that help insulate the window area and prevent air transfer. Frame material can have an effect on cold and heat transfer, and each material comes with its own pros and cons in terms of style and efficiency.

  • Vinyl: Vinyl window frames are often seen as the most affordable choice, but that doesn’t mean they’re low performing. There are plenty of Energy Star–certified vinyl windows, which means they meet strict efficiency guidelines. Vinyl is a low-maintenance material that is within many people’s budgets. There are a few downsides: They are less sustainable than other frame types, some shoppers don’t like the vinyl look, and vinyl frames usually only come in a few color options.
    Wood: Wood window frames look stylish, come in a variety of colors, and insulate beautifully. However, wood requires more maintenance than other window materials, especially in rainy and humid areas where they need more regular sealing to prevent rot.
  • Fiberglass: Fiberglass windows tend to be stronger than vinyl and with more style options. They’re also cheaper and more low maintenance than wood windows. They can be well worth the extra cost for those choosing between vinyl or fiberglass windows.
  • Aluminum: As a metal, aluminum transfers heat more readily than other materials, so aluminum frames tend to perform poorly in terms of insulation. However, they’re affordable, strong, corrosion-resistant, and low maintenance, so they’re still a good choice for some homes. To improve insulation, look for aluminum frames with a thermal break (an insulating plastic strip), which reduces heat loss.
  • Composite: Composite frames are made of composite wood products instead of solid wood, sometimes mixed with plastic materials. These blends have a few benefits: They can be stronger, offer better insulation, and are more rot-resistant than conventional wood. They also often come in a range of colors and styles.

Operating Type

There are a variety of window types to fit different house styles and space requirements. Each has a different way of opening, and there are also choices for window hardware, too. Common window types include:

  • Awning: Awning windows have a hinge along the top and open outward. When closed and locked, they tend to have low air leakage since the sash presses tightly against the frame.
  • Hopper: Hopper windows are essentially the opposite of awning windows, with a hinge at the bottom of the window; they open inward instead of out. However, they can have the same efficiency benefits, forming a tight, minimally leaking seal when closed.
  • Casement: Casement windows are hinged along one side like awning and hopper windows.
  • Sliding: Sliding windows have one or two sashes that slide horizontally. Unless locked, these windows generally leak more air than awning, casement, and hopper windows since their sliding parts can allow more chance for air intrusion and make them less energy efficient.
  • Single- and double-hung: Single- and double-hung windows have sashes that slide vertically. This system presents similar issues to sliding windows; when unlocked they have the potential to leak more air than windows without any sliding mechanisms.
  • Fixed: Fixed windows don’t open. Properly installed and energy-efficient fixed windows are pretty airtight, but they’re not suitable in locations where airflow is desired or an operable window is required.

Installation

The window isn’t all that matters—proper installation is just as important to ensure energy efficiency. Improper installation can result in air leaking around the window, rendering the energy-efficient qualities moot. Energy-efficient windows should be installed by a trained professional, so factor this cost into the overall budget from the beginning. They should always be installed according to the manufacturer’s directions to keep the warranty intact.

Some of the top window manufacturers have trained and certified installers for their window brand. Using these certified installers can help ensure the window is put in correctly the first time, also making it easier to deal with any warranty issues if they arise.

The Advantages of Owning Energy-Efficient Windows

Energy-efficient windows are often worth their cost, bringing a host of benefits in the long run. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to Energy Star–certified windows can save a household 7 to 15 percent on annual energy bills (depending on the climate and the old window type). Reduced energy use also means a lower carbon footprint and a more sustainable home.
Benefits go beyond reducing energy usage. Energy-efficient windows can make interiors feel more comfortable. They reduce the air leakage that causes cold drafts or air-conditioned air to leak out. Special coatings can also reduce heat gain, keeping rooms cooler when it’s sunny outside. That’s not all—these special coatings (commonly low-e coatings, which help reduce heat loss and gain) can also reduce UV fading damage on interior furnishings.

  • Reduce energy usage
  • Decrease household energy costs
  • Lower household carbon footprint
  • Maintain a more comfortable interior climate
  • Protect furnishings from UV damage

FAQs

When properly installed and maintained, the right energy-efficient windows can be a huge benefit for your household energy bill and for the environment. Choosing suitable windows can be a daunting task for a home project. Read on for answers to some common questions about energy-efficient windows. The following may help you choose the best options for your home.

Q. How often should house windows be replaced?

High-quality and well-maintained windows can last up to 20 years. However, if any issues arise, they may need to be replaced sooner. Leaky, drafty, broken, or rotting window parts are all indications that a window needs to be repaired or replaced.

Q. What makes energy-efficient windows efficient?

A range of features make energy-efficient windows more efficient than regular windows. Energy- efficient windows have at least two panes (with an insulating gas fill), special coatings that improve insulation, and a high-quality frame that reduces drafts and heat transfer.

Q. What should you look for in energy-efficient windows?

Energy-efficient windows have two or more panes filled with an insulating gas, and the glass has a suitable low-e coating. The window is set in a durable and high-quality frame. Look for Energy Star certification as evidence that the window lives up to its efficiency claims.

Q. What type of window is the most energy efficient?

It’s hard to determine the most energy-efficient window. The best energy-efficient window depends on your home and your area’s climate. Look for the features mentioned above and look for a window that exceeds the minimum U-factor and SHGC rating for your area.

Why Trust Bob Vila

Since 1979, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, and repair their homes. As the host of “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” Bob Vila is synonymous with the DIY spirit. The Bob Vila team continues to share must-know information on building, renovating, and choosing the best-suited products for the home. Our expert writing team thoroughly researches each topic we cover to put together guides that help homeowners and renters live better. Jasmine Harding thoroughly researched energy-efficient windows for this guide, drawing primarily from the U.S. Department of Energy resources to compile the most up-to-date information on choosing energy-efficient windows.