According to the Department of Energy, 25-30% of all home’s heating and cooling is used to combat heat transfer through their windows. That’s a significant amount of energy lost through your windows, however, there is good news. If you are wanting to remedy your situation, you can consider replacing your windows with more energy-efficient ones.
Although, many people ask if it is even worth it to switch to energy efficient windows. The answer, in short, is yes, but below are reasons to why switching to energy efficient windows will save you money.
Benefits of window replacement
1. Lower Energy Bill
Around 2013, the average annual energy bill in the United States was about $2,050, with 42 percent going toward heating and cooling. If you install brand new energy efficient windows it can decrease that portion of your energy bill. On average people save about $250 annually by replacing single-pane windows, or about $95 by replacing double-pane windows. Either way, you see it, those savings will add up over the years.
2. More comfortable
You may be experiencing that the area around your windows are more drafty and cold during winter and extremely hot during the summer. If this is the case, then you probably have windows that are not sealed properly or have not been weatherproofed. This allows wind to leak between the interior and exterior of your house. Even with energy efficient windows, you need to have an experienced window professional to properly seal then, to keep your home as comfortable as possible.
Extra Benefits
- Energy-efficient windows are excellent at reducing outside noise. They can cancel out about 60-75% of all exterior noise.
- Low-e coatings on windows also help reduce sun damage to interior furnishing by up to 75%
- They could add value to your home.
- They pay for themselves after a couple of years of savings.
What makes windows energy-efficient?
- High-quality frame – Materials like fiberglass and insulated vinyl are way better than metal or wood when it comes to overall insulation and maintenance.
- Openings – Fixed or hinged windows lose less energy than ones that slide horizontally or vertically.
- Insulated Glass – Double-pane and even triple-pane windows have gaps of air or gas between the panes. This reduces heat transfer.
- Gas – Sometimes, manufacturers will include a thin layer of argon or krypton gas between panes to reduce heat gain and loss.
- Low-e coating – A metal oxide coating that prevents 30-50% of energy loss.
In any case, switching to more energy efficient windows are usually a cheap modification to your home.
Why windows need replacing
Windows tend to be like any other appliance or utility in the home. We use and enjoy them on a daily basis without giving much thought to their deterioration and eventual wear and tear. Although replacing damaged or old windows is usually not the most enjoyable experience, it can provide the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home. Before we list some of the benefits of modern, energy efficient windows, let us quickly go over the most common reason windows need to be replaced.
Broken or cracked beyond repair – When windows are broken, there are obvious issues with visibility, safety, and security. Less obvious is the impact broken windows can have on reduces your energy efficiencies while trying to maintain consistent temperatures during hot or cold seasons.
The weather has begun to age the window – Our windows are one of the first lines of defense when it comes to keeping us comfortable from extreme weather conditions. The newer technology for glass and gas barriers in between the panes has improved the strength and energy efficiencies from older designs as well the framing that may have become weathered and worn over time.
Consider upgrading your windows.
When you need to replace your windows due to damage, or a looking to remodel and update your home, you should speak with a professional window installation company. Newer energy efficient windows fare very well with cost-benefit analysis. Though they may have slightly higher upfront costs, they also have more long-term cost-saving benefits these options provide. In general “green” and eco-friendly windows cost about 15% more than other options. The benefit to homeowners is that they can save up to 25% on their heating and cooling utility bills.
Quick tips to increase efficiency.
- Caulking can reduce air leakage around the windows.
- Weather-stripping is much like caulking because it will reduce air leakage around your windows.
- Using curtains will also reduce heat loss in the winter months as well as prevent excessive cooling from high temperature.
- Adding storm windows for a tight seal is even more efficient than caulking or weather-stripping.
Interested in learning more?
If you are considering replacing the windows in your home, we recommend calling Rock Top and scheduling a service appointment with one of our technicians. Our expert contractors are happy to go over options with you to help you make the right decision for you and your family.