The windows of a home can offer some insight into the people who live there – specifically, how much money those people are prepared to lose in heating and cooling costs! If you’re planning a window replacement project, you’re likely weighing the pros and cons of sticking with your current windows. It’s hard for us to imagine a scenario in which choosing to keep old, energy-inefficient windows in a house is considered the best choice of action. In reality, swapping out old windows with energy-efficient ones can be incredibly beneficial to your long-term finances. Not only do fresh windows give your property’s curb appeal a boost (raising the value in a seller’s market), their energy-efficient capabilities can help you save a significant amount of money in yearly bills and short-term repairs.
In this post, A&A Services Home Improvement discusses how replacing your outdated windows can save you a bundle. We’ll also share some tips concerning what to look for when you begin shopping for energy-efficient window models. And if you have no idea where to start, give us a call to talk through your options with one of our experts.
How Much Can You Save?
How much you can save varies according to a number of unique factors that define every home. It’s difficult to put a specific price tag or percentage on the savings without first knowing how those factors impact your home. That said, energy-efficient windows can drive down heating and cooling costs and help you save significant money on your energy bills. By lowering your monthly cost of energy, the windows will, over time, pay for themselves. Consider:
- How many panes of glass are you replacing?
- Does your home currently have single or double-paned windows?
- How many years ago did you install your current windows?
- What was the anticipated lifespan of your current windows at the time of installation?
If you aren’t confident answering these questions (especially the last two questions), it stands to reason that your windows need to be replaced. We’re not painting with a particularly broad brush here: windows have a lifespan, and older windows simply are not capable of driving down heating and cooling costs the way new, energy-efficient windows do.
If you’re interested in finding out how much money you could save by updating your current windows with energy-efficient windows, we encourage you to fill out a contact form to get a free estimate.
On another note, window replacement experts (including the US Department of Energy) say that windows “are responsible for 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.” Getting that monthly figure down will add tangible value to your home, which is a great benefit if you plan on selling in the near future. This is because potential home buyers are more than willing to pay a premium for a home that’s already energy-efficient, as opposed to one that they’ll have to upgrade themselves.
Tips for Buying Energy-Efficient Windows
When buying energy-efficient windows, there are a few things that you need to consider. We’re ready to help guide you through the selection process if that’s the kind of help you need. But if you’re trying to get some of the heavy lifting done ahead of time, you can use some of A&A Services’ 40 years of experience to guide you.
Here’s what you’ll want to look out for:
Consider your air leakage rating
The first is the air leakage rating, which determines how much air can enter a room through the window. As much as possible, look for a window that has the lowest air leakage rating, as this means fewer drafts can enter the window. The fewer drafts there are, the more energy and money you’ll be able to save. Two other important things you need to check on are the U-Factor and SHGC. Like the air leakage rating, the lower the numbers for these two ratings, the more energy-efficient a window is.
Look for EnergyStar indicators
Look for EnergyStar indicators and Low-E coatings on the glass itself – the coating helps keep UV from penetrating into your home while preventing the heat from leaking out. This is especially helpful during the winter months when the goal is maximizing heat retention. It’s useful during the summer months too, because the technology that limits the amount of infrared/UV rays that can get into your home (and to your loved ones) is always the smart move.
Beyond chemical coatings, energy-efficient windows can use special gasses (like argon or krypton) between the panes of glass. Because Argon is denser than the surrounding air, it works as a better insulator than windows without.
Ask about weather stripping
Weatherstripping is also a vital part of upgrading the windows in your home. The most efficient weatherstripping is combined with a quality latch to ensure a tight, full seal. Our professionals do exceptional work.
Energy usage in Salem
Salem’s winters can be extreme; temperatures here routinely drop into the teens. Combined with snow and freezing rain, heaters across Massachusetts are working overtime during the cold months. If your windows are aging, improperly sealed or starting to show their age, overhauling the set and replacing them with energy-efficient windows can dramatically reduce your heating bill. That’s money we’re sure you could find a better use for!
A&A Services is your leading provider of roofing and window replacement services. For 40 years we’ve served homeowners in Peabody, Andover, Salem, and other nearby areas around Massachusetts. Give us a call at 978-741-0424.
