Energy-efficient windows prevent heated and cooled air from escaping your home, allowing you to reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bills. Look for ENERGY STAR labels and National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) ratings to compare products.
Upgrading to replacement windows is a one-time investment that uplifts your home aesthetics and improves sustainability. Discover how energy-efficient windows will increase your home value.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient windows help to lower your home energy consumption, and in turn, your energy bill. This is because of their insulating properties, which allow you to better regulate the temperature of your home, and thus, reduce the amount of heating or cooling needed.
This can be a big deal depending on the climate you live in, as heat gain and loss through windows accounts for 25%-30% of residential energy use. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows, therefore, will significantly cut down on this amount and also qualify you for energy saving tax credits.
Additionally, energy-efficient windows are designed with coatings that prevent UV rays from entering your home. These rays can cause damage to furniture, wood and fabrics, so you want them kept away as much as possible. As a result, they also prevent fading and deterioration of your household items. This is particularly beneficial if you have children and pets. Furthermore, these windows prevent noise pollution and ensure a peaceful living environment.
Increased Home Value
The benefits of energy-efficient windows go far beyond a boost in aesthetics and lower utility bills. They can also increase the home’s resale value.
Older windows allow heated or cooled air to escape, forcing your HVAC system to work harder than necessary to maintain your home’s comfort level. Newer windows are designed and built to eliminate drafts and reflect heat, allowing your home to retain a more consistent temperature year-round.
Additionally, modern windows with low-emissivity coatings block harmful UV rays from the sun, which can cause carpet, furniture and curtains to fade over time. As a result, you’ll enjoy a longer lifespan for your investments and a more comfortable indoor environment.
Another added benefit of energy efficient windows is their ability to reduce noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful living environment. This feature is especially beneficial for homes in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Aesthetics
While windows are a vital aspect of home design, they can also contribute to a building’s energy efficiency and sustainability. High-quality replacement windows can reduce your home’s energy costs and increase its aesthetic appeal. They are available in a wide variety of colors, materials and styles to fit any architectural style.
Glass walls can trap heat during the winter and prevent excess solar radiation from entering a building’s interior, which helps to keep internal temperatures consistent. This decreases the need for additional heating or cooling systems, which results in lower electricity bills.
Window frames are another important factor to consider when choosing energy efficient windows. A good frame will last longer than a poorly made one, and it will have excellent natural insulating properties. Vinyl, for instance, has excellent insulating qualities and will not warp or deteriorate over time. It can also create a tight seal around the window, which minimizes air leakage and provides superb energy efficiency.
Maintenance
As a homeowner, you’ve invested a lot in your home. The carpet, paint colors and furniture are all your own personal choices that have made your house a place you love to live in. Over time, though, the sun’s UV rays can damage these materials and fade them. Modern windows with low-emissivity coatings keep your interior and exterior finishes looking great and protect them from the sun’s fading effects.
Energy efficient windows help to reduce the amount of heat that escapes your home in the winter and prevents internally cooled air from escaping during the summer. This means that your HVAC system doesn’t have to work overtime, saving you money on your electricity bill and aligning with your goal of reducing your carbon footprint.
New windows are also safer than older styles, thanks to their double panes. And, since the newer designs flip down from their rails instead of tilting in, they’re easier to clean than old single-pane windows that require you to balance on a ladder to reach them.