If your Florida home was built before 2004, it may have single-pane or double-pane windows rather than impact windows. However, there is a reason that Florida started requiring impact windows on new construction in 2004. Impact windows are a necessary precaution for Florida where hurricanes and severe weather with high winds is normal.
Although impact windows are designed with safety in mind, they are also very energy efficient when compared to single-pane and some double-pane windows. The differences lie in how the windows are produced and how much light and heat they can keep out of your home.
Double-pane windows are primarily used throughout the country when people want an energy efficient window. But with the regulations for Florida homes, it is better to get impact resistant windows. Double-pane windows are made of two panes of glass with an air pocket in the middle.
Impact windows are made with two panes of glass on either side of a plastic core. This gives you essentially three layers that heat and light can’t get through, as well as preventing sharp missiles and objects from breaking the glass. This triple layer of protection will block heat from leaving your home in the winter, as well as block light and heat from entering your home during the warmer months when it is hard to keep things cool.
All of this means that both double-pane and impact resistant windows will reduce your energy costs significantly. With impact resistant windows, the energy savings are typically around $150 to $465 per year in heating and cooling costs.
If you are interested in learning more about how impact windows can benefit you and your family or to schedule installation, contact us today.