When you’re trying to save money on utilities, the windows are an area where you want to start. The windows are a pathway to the outside world, allowing sunshine into the home. While there are times of the year when you might want the sun to warm the home or when you might want fresh air inside, there are also times when your utility bill can take the brunt of how much work your windows perform.

As you install windows in the home or replace the ones that already exist, consider the frames. Metal frames are sturdy, but they trap heat faster than other materials. If you want to save money, then consider installing wooden frames. It takes longer for them to heat, and they often enhance the appearance of the home. Vinyl frames are an option as well, and since they are hollow, you can fill them with insulation. This is a benefit in the colder months as the vinyl can trap the heat of the day so that you don’t use as much heat inside the home.

There are also several types of glass that you can choose for your windows. Insulated glazing on the windows features a thin space between two panes of glass. The heat from the sun is trapped between these panes, warming the home during the day when needed. You can also get glass for your windows that has a low-emissive coating. The coating prevents sunlight from reaching inside the home but still traps the heat from the sun so that you don’t have to use your HVAC unit as often as you normally would.

The operating type should also be considered when you’re looking for energy-efficient windows. An awning doesn’t leak air as much as windows that don’t have a cover on them. There are also single and double windows. You can open one window while leaving the other closed or open both of them depending on how much air you want to circulate through the home or how much sunlight you want to filter through.