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Energy-efficient windows are judged on their performance according to a few different factors, including heat transfer, air leakage, light transference, and condensation resistance. If you're unsure whether a window is energy-efficient, look for an ENERGY STAR® label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If various products, including windows, meet energy-efficiency standards set by the federal government, the EPA issues this label to help consumers identify energy-efficient products.

If your double-glazed windows are letting in a lot of noise, it might be because of improper installation. You may need to apply an acoustic caulk around the window to close any gaps or hire a window installation expert to fix the windows. Double-glazed windows are typically more effective at reducing noise when they have thicker glass panels or have a gas filling, like argon or krypton, between the two glass panels.

The visibility through tinted house windows depends on the lighting. During the day, when it is brighter outside, privacy film prevents people from seeing into your home. However, this effect reverses at night. If you have lights on inside, it becomes brighter indoors than outdoors, allowing people to see inside. To optimize privacy, you can select from various shades of film, ranging from lighter to darker, which affects how much is visible from the outside.

You should avoid using abrasive materials and harsh chemicals when cleaning windows. Abrasive tools like scrubbing pads, rough cloths, or steel wool can permanently scratch and damage the glass. Harsh chemical cleaners containing alcohol or ammonia can damage window treatments, frame materials, and special features like tinting. It is also best to use distilled or filtered water instead of hard water, which can leave spots or streaks. For best results, use a clean microfiber cloth to wash the glass and old black and white newspapers to dry it without leaving streaks.