Do you know your home’s windows and doors can minimize your energy costs? All wise homeowners are well-aware of the fact that worn out windows leads to soaring energy bills. Windows not only offer beauty, light, and airflow throughout the home but also prevent heat loss/gain. So, if your energy bills have increased suddenly without any change in household energy consumption, then take a look at your old windows. The inferior quality or worn out windows are responsible for reduced energy efficiency of your home.
When it comes to buying replacement windows, most homeowners consider looks and cost only. But this is a big mistake because window replacement is a significant investment which is done only once or twice in a lifetime. If you invest in low-quality windows, you miss out on the chance of lowering your monthly energy bills. So, upgrading your old windows to new, energy-efficient windows is the wisest decision to lower your monthly energy cost. Now, you may wonder what an energy-efficient window is.
What is an Energy Efficient Window?
Energy-efficient windows are designed by using a special coating on the glass which offers better insulation. These windows have a new window spacer system and advanced technology that lead to less energy wastage. Unlike single glass pane traditional windows, the modern energy-efficient windows come with multiple panes that are fitted with insulation to minimize heat conduction. These windows also help in reflecting sunlight because of their low-emissivity (low-E) coating feature. When shopping for windows, look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol and the U-factor of each product. The windows with low U-factors provide the best insulation and are the most energy-efficient.
Reasons to Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy-Efficient Windows are environmentally friendly, as well as pocket-friendly. They may cost more initially but in the long-run, these windows will save you money during the heating and cooling seasons, while improving the comfort of your home. Here are some reasons to invest in energy-efficient windows.
- Save Energy and Money
The energy-efficient windows can lower your heating and cooling costs. During the cold months, windows with a low U-factor will prevent heat loss, reduce air leakage, and minimize condensation. Likewise, well-insulated windows can keep your house cool during summers. The double-pane Energy Star certified windows can save you 15-25% on heating expenses, and in the summer they can save you 10-40% on cooling costs. This is possible because energy-efficient windows with low-E coatings allow you to install smaller HVAC systems. And this translates into energy and cost-saving.
- Increased Home Comfort
These windows maintain optimal home temperature during winters, as well as in summers. The lower U-factors of windows ensure the minimum transfer of heat gain or loss through a material, such as glass. This means that you get better insulation value and you can comfortably sit near a window during the winter without feeling that chill. During summer, the low-E coating of energy-efficient windows makes sure that they don’t get overheated.
- Get Incentives
Replacing your old windows with energy-efficient products may also help you get rebates, tax incentives, or special financing. These incentives are offered by the federal or state government or local utility companies to reduce energy usage.