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September 10, 2025

What Makes a Window Energy Efficient? (+ Best Options for Midwest Winters)

Not all windows are created equal—especially when it comes to energy efficiency. In the St. Louis area, where sweltering summers and freezing winters are part of the deal, having the right windows can make a big difference in your home's comfort and your utility bills.
Three cross-sections of modern window frames with triple glazing are shown in white, wood, and black finishes, highlighting their internal layers and insulation to illustrate what makes a window energy efficient on a white background.

At Chaney Windows & Doors, we are a Provia Platinum Dealer specializing in high-quality vinyl windows that deliver long-lasting performance, energy savings, and beautiful curb appeal. In this blog, we’ll explain what makes a window energy efficient and why vinyl windows are a smart choice for Missouri homeowners.


Why Energy Efficient Windows Matter

Energy efficient windows:

  • Reduce heating and cooling costs
  • Improve indoor comfort
  • Help protect furniture and floors from UV damage
  • Contribute to sustainability and lower carbon footprints
  • Add resale value to your home

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows is responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. That means inefficient windows aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re expensive.


What to Look for in an Energy Efficient Window

When shopping for energy-efficient windows in the Midwest, these features make all the difference:

1. Double- or Triple-Pane Glass

Multiple layers of glass create insulating air spaces between panes, helping to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

  • Double-pane vinyl windows are the standard for most homes and deliver excellent year-round performance.
  • Triple-pane options are available for homeowners looking for enhanced insulation or sound reduction.

2. Low-E (Low Emissivity) Coatings

Low-E coatings are thin, invisible layers that reflect heat while still allowing light to enter your home. They help keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, all while reducing UV exposure that can fade furniture and flooring.

3. Argon Gas Fills

Between the panes, energy-efficient windows are filled with argon gas, a colorless, odorless gas that’s denser than air and offers better insulation. This helps reduce drafts and improve overall efficiency.

4. Insulated Vinyl Frames

Vinyl windows are known for their energy efficiency, and one reason is the multi-chambered frame design. These chambers trap air, adding insulation and improving thermal performance—without the maintenance of wood or the cost of specialty materials.

5. ENERGY STAR® Certification

All energy-efficient windows we install at Chaney meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® standards. That means they’ve been tested and proven to reduce energy use in homes across Missouri’s climate zone.


Why Vinyl Windows Are Ideal for St. Louis Homes

Missouri’s temperature swings—from icy winters to hot, humid summers—demand a window that can perform in every season. Vinyl windows are:

  • Durable – They resist warping, rotting, and corrosion
  • Low Maintenance – No painting, staining, or refinishing required
  • Cost-Effective – A great balance between performance and value
  • Customizable – Available in a range of styles and colors to match your home

While other materials like wood or fiberglass are available as custom orders, we recommend vinyl windows for almost every project because of their proven performance and long-term value.


How Much Can You Save with Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows?

Homeowners who upgrade to ENERGY STAR-certified windows can save $100–$500+ per year on energy bills, depending on home size and insulation quality.

You may also be eligible for:

  • Federal tax credits
  • Increased resale value when selling your home

Work with Chaney to Upgrade with Confidence

We make it easy to choose and install windows that fit your home and your budget. When you work with Chaney, you get:

  • A free in-home consultation
  • Expert help choosing the best window style and features
  • Professional installation by our experienced team
  • A commitment to honest pricing and worry-free service

At Chaney Windows & Doors, our vinyl windows are built to last—and built for Missouri. We’re here to help you improve your home, lower your bills, and enjoy every season in comfort.


Schedule your free consultation today and discover the difference energy-efficient vinyl windows can make.

Testimonials

Here’s what people are saying

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We've used Chaney Windows and Doors since moving into our new home in 2016. Scott and his employees all go above and beyond to ensure a great experience. From product selection, pricing, to scheduling and installation. Very professional and customer focused. They sell a quality product at a fair price. We're very happy with our new windows and front door and highly recommend this company to anyone needing replacement windows or doors.

Brent Lang
5 yellow stars
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Chaney Windows and Doors continue to amaze us with their quality products (ProVia doors) and customer service. All of their installers (Hannah was the latest) are TOP notch professionals explaining what they’re going to do, approximate time line, reviewing what we want, cleaning and clearing away every speck of leftovers including our old doors. Their office help is efficient making sure to schedule at a time we were available and following up with phone calls or text messages as reminders. If you want quality products and top quality installation go with Chaney Windows and Doors, you will not be disappointed.

Robert Suellentrop
5 yellow stars
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Chaney Door exceeds expectations! Not only is the product itself superior, Kevin and the crew were fantastic. They did an excellent job with installation, made excellent recommendations and the clean up after installation was excellent. I highly recommend this company if you are looking for superior quality and workmanship. On top of that, the crew was so very polite and respectful. Five stars is really not sufficient 🙂

Jeff Johnson
5 yellow stars