When it comes to improving your home’s comfort and reducing energy costs, there are many options: insulated siding, solar panel roofs and weather-stripping doors and windows. But one of the most effective forms that often gets overlooked is energy-efficient windows. Not only do they enhance the look of your home, but they also come with a host of benefits that make them a smart investment.
Challenges of Standard Windows
Windows are the weakest point of any home. While the surrounding walls are layers of drywall, insulation, plywood, and siding, the standard window is just a pane of glass between you and the outdoors. Heat escapes during the winter and heat radiates in during the summer, driving up your heating and cooling bills to keep the status quo. Do you move away from windows during the winter because you can feel the heat draining away? It might be time to look at a new window. Here are the primary culprits for your energy loss.
- Heating: ever hold a glass mug of tea or coffee in your hands? The heat you can feel is lost heat, much like a single-pane window. If you switched to a double or triple-paned pane, it would act like an insulated mug.
- Cooling: on a single-pane window, the rays of the sun are bringing 75%* of its heat into the house, not to mention the ambient temperatures. Double or triple paned glass can help, as well as special tinting to reduce heating while still letting in all the light.
- HVAC Loads: the total necessary capacity of your HVAC unit is called its peak load. The ability to reduce the necessary load can reduce the size and price of your next HVAC.
Benefits for Your Home
Lower Energy Bills
One of the biggest perks of energy-efficient windows is the money you save on heating and cooling. These windows are designed to keep your home insulated, which means your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. Less energy use equals lower bills, giving you more money to spend on things you love.
Enhanced Comfort
Energy-efficient windows help maintain a consistent indoor temperature. In the winter, they keep the cold air out and the warmth in. During the summer, they block out the heat, keeping your home cool. This makes your living spaces more comfortable year-round, no matter the weather outside.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Energy-efficient windows decrease your home’s carbon footprint by reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. Less power used, less fuel burned to make power: more green. It’s a simple way to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. So while you’re saving money from less heating and cooling, you’re also saving the planet. It’s a win-win.
Improved Home Value
Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can boost your home’s resale value. Potential buyers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient features, and windows are a big selling point. It’s an investment that can pay off if you decide to sell your home down the line.
Noise Reduction
If you live in a noisy area, energy-efficient windows can provide an added layer of soundproofing. They help block out unwanted noise, creating a quieter, more peaceful environment inside your home.
Condensation & Fading
Two side perks that are rarely considered when replacing windows with more energy efficient windows are the significant reductions in both condensation and fading. Just like how a glass bottle of cold soda sweats in the sun, condensation is formed on windows when there’s a significant temperature difference between inside and out. Insulation removes the temperature difference, and therefore removes the condensation.
The effects of sun on your house and possessions is one that can only be appreciated over a long time. Energy-efficient windows often come with special coatings that block harmful UV rays. This protects your furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading over time, preserving the beauty of your home’s interior.
Increased Durability
These windows are built to last. They’re often made with high-quality materials that resist wear and tear, meaning they won’t need to be replaced as often as traditional windows. This durability adds to their overall value and makes them a wise long-term investment.
Picking the Right Windows for Your Home
There are many kinds of windows to choose from when you’re thinking about replacing your existing windows or if you’re choosing windows for a new construction project. A good place to start is looking for Energy Star certification. This will provide window products that will meet the qualification for your state’s energy efficiency or can save you even more on tax breaks with federal credits.
Switching to energy-efficient windows is a win-win. You get to enjoy a more comfortable home, lower your energy costs, and do your part for the environment—all while potentially increasing your property’s value. It’s an upgrade that truly pays off in more ways than one.
If you want assistance picking the right windows for your remodel, or if you’re starting from scratch for a high efficiency rating, please contact us. Remodart is a certified roofing contractor that also specializes in siding, windows, and handyman services: we’ll help you get the most out of your home.
