New windows add value to your home in two ways at once: lower monthly bills and a stronger resale price. Having a professional install new windows is an investment that can add real value to your home and save on energy costs. It’s important to choose a company with extensive local experience, since they’ll understand Murray’s climate and how to get the most out of an energy-efficient upgrade.
Energy-efficient windows can reduce your heating and cooling bills by about $352 per year on average, and they consistently rank among the higher-return home improvement projects when it’s time to sell — making them one of the more reliable upgrades for adding value to your home.
What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient
A few features do most of the work: Low-E glass coatings minimize the infrared and ultraviolet light that enters your home, reducing fading of carpets and furniture while keeping interiors more comfortable. Multi-pane glass — double or triple layers — with an argon or krypton gas fill between the panes acts as an effective barrier against heat loss, improving thermal efficiency and reducing both heating and cooling costs. A tight, well-sealed frame matters just as much as the glass itself, since even the best glazing underperforms if air is leaking around the edges.
Look for ENERGY STAR Certification
When comparing windows, prioritize ones carrying the ENERGY STAR label. This certification confirms a window’s efficiency has been independently verified rather than just claimed by the manufacturer, so you know the added cost of an efficient window is actually delivering real savings.
Choosing a Frame Material
Vinyl is the most popular window replacement choice, offering a classic style that fits into any home at an affordable price point. Combined with Low-E glass, vinyl reflects heat from your furnace in winter and helps keep your house cooler in summer.
Wood is a traditional choice that adds architectural warmth, though it requires more maintenance and can be susceptible to moisture damage over time. Clad-wood windows solve much of that trade-off, combining a wood interior with a low-maintenance aluminum or vinyl exterior.
Composite windows blend wood and vinyl to offer the look of wood with better resistance to warping and rot, making them a strong middle-ground option.
Fiberglass is more rigid than vinyl, making it an excellent material for blocking heat transfer, and it’s highly resistant to water and rot — often backed by a lifetime warranty.
Don’t Forget Egress Requirements
If you’re replacing windows in a basement bedroom or other living space, egress requirements apply: the window must be large enough, and easy enough to operate, for someone to safely exit in an emergency. These safety features comply with fire codes, and adding a code-compliant egress window can raise your home’s value even if the rest of the basement stays unfinished.
Choosing the Right Installation Company
Whether you’re deciding between a full-frame or pocket installation, both approaches can deliver excellent energy efficiency and protection against rot, mold, and deterioration when done correctly — the right choice depends on the condition of your existing frame. Look for a local company with a long warranty covering products, parts, and labor, and one that understands Murray’s specific climate. Ask for references or read online reviews to get a sense of their track record with local homeowners, not just their marketing claims. It’s also worth getting a detailed, itemized quote so you know exactly what’s included — labor, materials, and any cleanup or old-window disposal — before you commit to a project.
See How New Windows Add Value to Your Home
Murray Window Replacement can help you choose the right energy-efficient windows, materials, and installation method to boost your home’s comfort and resale value. Contact us or call (385) 786-6447 to schedule a consultation.