How Thermal Windows Improve Your Home’s Comfort
What Are Thermal Windows?
Thermal windows are special energy efficient windows that are designed to slow the passage of heat. Thermal windows have 2-3 panes, and many of them have non-toxic gasses between the panes. Others will have special glass that blocks UV heat from the sun. Together, the panes, gas, and special glass slow heat from passing. This is the case no matter the time of year. In summer, thermal windows block hot outside air from entering your air conditioned home. In winter, they stop heated air from escaping.
Why Does Heat Transfer Matter?
Nature is always looking for balance in temperatures. If your inside temperature is different from the outside, the warm air is going to look for a way to get through and mix with the colder air. If you would like to take a deeper dive in the science behind why and how this happens, you can check out our page on why we use acrylic vs glass.
Heat transfer matters in a more everyday life sense because it affects your wallet and your comfort. Windows are usually responsible for over a quarter of a home’s energy bills. This is especially true if you have older single-pane windows. Older windows do not block outside temperatures well, so you run your heat and AC more often to keep comfortable. In turn, you spend more.
Thermal Windows to the Rescue
This is where thermal windows come in. Thermal windows are several times more energy efficient than single-pane windows and basic double-pane windows. How is the energy efficiency of windows rated? Take a look at how windows are rated based on their ability to slow heat transfer. This is useful information as you begin to look for solutions to your energy efficiency problems. The most efficient windows are going to have the lowest U-value: the closer to 0, the better.
Are Thermal Windows Worth It?
With windows accounting for such a large portion of your energy bills, not acting on your window problem is going to cost you the most over time. But are thermal windows the most cost effective option? Thermal windows can cost up to $850 per window. And it is estimated that thermal windows can save you around 25% on energy bills . As a result, thermal window replacements will pay for themselves over time. Though that may take quite a long time.
Is There a Better Solution?
Many older homes that have their original windows would benefit from upgrading their windows, but replacement projects for multiple windows adds up fast. It’s a huge financial investment. More importantly, replacing original windows can actually harm the historic value of the home. As long as the windows are in good shape and don’t need repair or replacement, there are other solutions to energy efficiency problems.
Storm window inserts can be placed inside the window frame to act as another barrier from the outside. This creates a pocket of air similar to that created by multiple panes in a thermal window. The advantage is the air gap created by installing storm window inserts can be much larger than those between panes of a single window.
Indow window inserts are made with an optical grade acrylic and edged with a silicone compression tube that allows it to fit snugly in your window frame without altering your frame in any way. When your home’s windows are outfitted with Indow inserts, you can save up to 20% on your energy bills. A performance similar to that of energy efficient thermal windows. Indow premium grade inserts are $39, so an average 12 sq. ft. window will cost around $468, nearly half the price as some thermal windows. With similar effects on your energy bills, and drastically different costs, your Indow inserts will pay for themselves much faster than thermal windows will.
To learn more about Indow window inserts’ energy efficiency, read about two tests performed by the Department of Energy and Portland State University: Indow Under the Microscope.
Customer Reviews
4.49 Average 1490 Reviews
Jen F
Worth the money!
Elizabeth H
For townhouse living, this solved my problem with noise from my neighbor's with my kitchen window. A considerable decrease of noise indeed! Measurements were a bit frustrating so I recommend using a laser measurement device and following directions to use a string for the diagonal. They look great and were easy to push into place. I highly recommend as an alternative to buying a new window.
Anonymous
Easy to install, and instantly stopped drafts and dampened outside noises very effectively!
Robert C
The process could've been smoother with the sending of the measuring kit. There was a delay with weather in Oregon but then it felt like my kit was still delayed due to other reasons. Most new homes (like mine) have textured paint and it can also be inside your window frames. I measured everything out but I still have little tiny gaps due to the texturing. Not indows problem but just be aware you made need to sand or fill in those gaps yourself to get a perfect seal. I did the acoustic grade inserts and they have reduced some noise but they will not completely block or significantly reduce road noise. This is most apparent with deep or lower frequencies like truck exhausts or modified street racing cars that are quite popular these days. Taking the inserts out to open your windows isn't an easy task. The little metal hook they provide needs to be either bigger or you can attach something to it as a way to leverage yourself. Overall the process was average. I think they're definitely a good option for weatherproofing and some sound reduction depending on the type of windows you have. I would purchase again.
Shelley C
The process for ordering and installing the Indow Widnow inserts was so easy. They sent the measuring information and it had great instructions. The inserts were delivered by UPS was crushed on one corner, but the company had packed them well, so there was no damage. We installed them the same day. It works best if you have two people completing the installation. We felt the results immediately and are glad we spent the money to make our home just a little more efficient.
Barry B
The insert fits like a glove and insulates the window! No more frost and condensation on the interior of the window! Thank you for an easy, effective and attractive fix!
Susan A
The support during the entire process was wonderful, thank you so much for the extra quiet space!
Volodymyr R
Very good good quality. Overall very satisfied with this product and service. Thanks
Jane H
Our home was built in 1913 and has beautiful old wavy glass single-paned windows. I’m so glad we were told about Indows and didn’t have to replace the original windows. We live in Canada but had no difficulty placing the order and were very impressed by how accurately the company met its deadlines, including cross border delivery. The Indows inserts blend in perfectly with our home and the existing window frames. You don’t see them unless you’re actually looking for them. But what we did notice was how much warmer the rooms feel the minute the inserts were installed! I can’t speak to any heating bill savings because they just went in this week, but our home feels much, much cozier. Our contractor who took all the measurements and installed the Indows says: “Excellent instructional videos: clear and informative. Very impressed with the design and the product. Overall, the ease of installation is quite impressive. Working with all the staff at the company was great – everyone was very helpful.” I’m already recommending this company to any of my friends who live in drafty older homes and want to reduce their heating/cooling bills and do some good for the environment.
Anonymous
Don't be afraid of buying an older home with single pane windows. This company has you covered. Their inserts are super high quality and fit well thanks to the laser measuring kit they send. Highly recommended!
Katie M
We purchased three Indows to reduce drafts and noise in our bedroom, which faces the street. The improvement was immediate. Our house was built in 1958 and although we have exterior storm windows we didn't want to replace the windows outright due to cost and architectural consistency. These were an excellent solution.
Matthew L
Indow inserts were easy to measure, order and install. They've provided great insulation for old single-pane and stained glass windows in an antique home. We can significantly feel how much better the home holds heat.
Ellis W
I ordered two Indow inserts for my home. They are doing a great job, entirely happy with them and the ordering process.
Elizabeth W
I can't say enough good things about this product and company. Our house is 101 years old and the sidelites next to our front door are single pane ancient wavy glass which means when it gets very cold (Chicago temps) we can have an inch of frost covering the INSIDE of our windows. I was desperately searching for a solution so our front vestibule was not so cold and a friend recommended Indow. The process could not have been simpler and the temperature difference it has made is off the charts.
Austin T
I have several historic single pane gridwork mullion windows. They're beautiful but have almost no thermal protection. Indows proved to be the perfect solution to preserve these windows while getting the thermal comfort we need. They were easy to install and work perfectly!