It’s not every day that you update your home’s windows. As a matter of fact, the basic rule of thumb is that windows should be replaced every 20 years. So, if you’re on the market for new windows, you might as well do it right, as you will have to live with those windows for a while.
Homeowners who replace their windows see an average payback in the home’s resale value of 75% of the cost of the remodel, according to a Remodeling Magazine survey of real estate experts. They also benefit from increased comfort and reduced impact on the environment.
Consumers are increasingly becoming conscious of the economic and environmental impact of their energy use. A 2020 study by PNAS based on data on 93 million households shows that residential buildings account for about 20% of greenhouse gas emission in the U.S. With air conditioning and heating accounting for almost half, 46%, of a home’s energy bill, many homeowners are switching to energy efficient windows.
What Are Energy Efficient Windows?
Energy-efficient windows are specifically designed and constructed to conserve energy.
They have the following features:
- Double- or triple-pane glass: sheets of glass that are sandwiched together.
- Quality frame materials: wood, vinyl, fiberglass, clad wood, metal, combination and composite.
- Low-emissivity coatings: glass coatings that reflect infrared light, keeping heat on the other side of the glass.
- Gas fills: gas injected between the panes to increase insulation.
- Spacers: strips of plastic, metal or foam that separate, support and seal the panes.
How Do They Work?
They work by placing physical and chemical barriers between the air inside the home and the air outside to prevent heat transfer from one side to another. Energy efficient windows keep cooled air from leaking out of the home and hot air from leaking into the home in the summer, and the other way around in the winter.
Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows
1. Energy Savings
Energy-efficient windows help you save money by reducing the amount of energy you consume to cool and heat your house and, therefore, lowering your monthly energy bills.
2. Lower HVAC Costs
Not only do high-efficiency windows lower your utility bills, they also reduce the peak heating and cooling loads of your HVAC system. That means your system doesn’t have to work as hard in the summer to cool your home and in the winter to heat it, saving money in the long run.
3. Smaller Carbon Footprint
Energy efficient windows can make you greener by shrinking your carbon footprint. According to Energy Star, the U.S. government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, replacing your single-pane windows with double-pane windows reduces your carbon footprint by 1,006 to 6,205 pounds of CO2 a year—that’s equivalent to between 51 and 317 gallons of gasoline.
4. Improved Comfort
If being cooler in the summer is important to you, you need energy efficient windows. Cold glass creates uncomfortable drafts when air hits it, and direct sunlight overheats the interior of your home. High-efficiency windows can eliminate hot and cold spots in rooms and make your home’s interior more comfortable, regardless of outside temperatures.
ALSO READ: HOW TO CLEAN YOUR GLASS DOORS
5. Noise Reduction
Do you live near a busy road or have noisy neighbors? A side benefit of energy efficient windows is that they also insulate your home against external noise. High-efficiency windows have soundproofing capabilities that considerably reduce ambient noise from cars, construction, sirens, leaf blowers, barking dogs, your neighbor’s motorcycle or music, etc.
6. Reduced Condensation
Poorly insulated windows are prone to condensation, which can cause mold and damage your windows and other property. Energy-efficient windows help maintain room temperature and keep surface temperature above the threshold that attracts moisture from the air, significantly reducing condensation.
7. Protection from UV Rays
Regular windows allow harmful UV rays into the home, and these rays can cause wood, carpet, fabrics, paper, artwork and furniture to fade and deteriorate. Many energy efficient windows are made with a special coating that blocks or reduces UV rays, thereby protecting items in your home.
8. ROI Through Resale
Replacing old windows with energy efficient windows has a direct impact on the value of your home. According to real estate and home improvement industry sources, the average return on investment (ROI) for installing new energy efficient windows in a home is 70% to 95%.
9. Energy Discounts and Tax Incentives
Many municipal and regional government agencies offer homeowners a variety of discounts and credits to offset the cost of installing energy efficient windows. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) provides a list of available programs by zip code. In addition, some utility companies offer rebates and other incentives for new window installations. Contact your local energy department and utility companies to learn more about energy conservation programs and incentives in your area.
10. Less Maintenance
Windows that are easier to maintain help you sell your house. Many home buyers steer away from homes with old windows, not only because of higher energy bills but also because old windows are a hassle to maintain in optimal shape, which can lead to problems stemming from drafts and condensation.
Perform a Home Energy Audit
Because every home and geographical area’s energy profile is different, energy efficient windows can benefit some homes more than others. Consider doing an energy audit of your home. A professional energy auditor can assess where your home is losing the most energy and inform you about the measures you can take to improve energy efficiency and reduce your utility bills.
Key Takeaways
Energy efficient windows are an effective way to make your home more comfortable, lower energy costs, get some peace and quiet, reduce your carbon footprint and increase your home’s resale value. Since energy efficient windows are more expensive than regular windows, an energy audit can help you calculate the potential return on investment from lower energy costs, energy tax credits and utility discounts, and a higher home resale value.
At Air Master we’re proud to offer an excellent line called Cool G, of first-rate energy efficient windows. For more information about how they can improve your quality of life and save you money in the long run, call us at 787-999-0717.
