When choosing replacement windows, quality matters. A low-quality vinyl window won’t have the natural insulating properties of a high-quality aluminum or wood frame.
New energy efficient windows will help keep your home comfortable year-round, minimizing the need to turn up your heat or use the air conditioner as much. They will also keep harsh sunlight from damaging your furniture and carpet over time.
Energy Savings
A good portion of a home’s heating and cooling expenses are lost through windows. Investing in energy-efficient windows can help reduce these costs.
According to ENERGY STAR, households that choose windows with the ENERGY STAR label save an average of 12 percent on energy bills. You can increase your savings by choosing windows with a low U-factor that reduces non-solar heat loss, and a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) that reduces heat gain.
Also, if your windows are old and worn out, consider caulking and weather stripping to prevent air leaks and improve performance. You can also add exterior shading, such as awnings or overhangs, to further improve your window’s performance. When shopping for new energy-efficient windows, look for NFRC ratings and a UL label to compare products. You can also find windows with a warm-edge spacer system, such as Intercept, that minimizes condensation and glass-to-glass temperatures, helping your windows perform at their best.
Increased Comfort
Replacing your old windows with energy efficient ones will help reduce your monthly utility bills and make you feel more comfortable inside. Energy efficient windows will keep your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing the need to rely on your HVAC system as much. Additionally, they are an excellent way to cut down on carbon emissions and non-renewable fuel consumption.
Energy efficient windows and doors have insulating properties that reduce outside noises. This can reduce the amount of ambient traffic noise and sirens that reach your home, making for a more peaceful living environment.
Many new window options have a low-e glass that can block UV rays from the sun, which will protect carpets, fabrics, wood, and furniture. These windows are more expensive than traditional window options, but the new tax credits can help to offset the initial cost. Choose products that meet your specific needs, and if you have questions, ask about a warranty from the manufacturer.
Increased Home Value
In an age where sustainability is increasingly important, home improvements that decrease energy use are a major selling point for potential buyers. Installing energy efficient windows will increase your home’s value and add comfort while you’re living in the house, and you’ll enjoy savings each month as well.
Your windows are one of the main sources of heat loss and gain in your home. In fact, according to an Energy Star survey, heat transfer through windows accounts for 25%-30% of residential heating and cooling energy consumption.
Energy-efficient windows have gaps between the glass panes that are filled with air or argon, an inert gas with low thermal conductivity. This insulation helps the window keep a more comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year, decreasing your energy usage and saving you money. Double and triple-glazed windows also help to reduce the amount of UV light that enters your home, reducing fading of furniture, carpeting and drapes. This will increase your home’s value, comfort and style.
Reduced Noise
Energy efficient windows can significantly cut the amount of noise that enters a building or home. This is due to the fact that they are designed with low e glass and argon which will block out unwanted outside noises. In addition, the windows will help to save on the cost of air conditioning and heating which can make a huge difference in the monthly expenses for business or home owners.
The best type of window for reducing the amount of energy used to heat or cool your home is a single sliding window. This is because it has one fixed section and one that slides horizontally. This makes it easier to clean and also allows for more ventilation.
Champion’s products and practices are backed by the best warranty in the industry, which means you can feel confident that your new windows will last for years to come! Schedule a free, in-home estimate today to learn more about the benefits of energy efficient windows.