When to Replace Your Windows

Whether you're a first-time homeowner looking to maximize energy efficiency or you've finally had it with your home's drafty and ugly windows, new, energy efficient windows are a great way to maximize your home's energy efficiency, which can help you save money and Mother Earth. And with replacement options that allow you to keep your existing window frames, it's never been easier to update your home's glass while optimizing your home's energy efficiency. The ENERGY STAR Label The secret to energy efficient windows is in the ENERGY STAR label, which identifies qualifying windows as having met strict performance standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This goes for double- and triple-paned windows, as well as windows that contain inert gas to help insulate your home by keeping warm air in during the winter and hot air out during the summer. Other ENERGY STAR attributes may also include window frame materials that have better insulating properties and spacers that help reduce heat flow and condensation. ENERGY STAR windows may also include special coatings, known as "low-E" glass, that reduces heat energy transfer into and out from the home. These types of low-E windows also help prevent UV fading inside the home, which is great for bespoke furniture or cherished rugs. Do I need to replace my existing windows? Even if your existing windows are in good shape, odds are they do a bad job at helping insulate your home. That's because most windows in homes across the U.S. are single-pane clear glass, which does a terrible job as a barrier to the outside world. Even double-pane panels don't do much here, as most double-paned glass is more about noise reduction than energy efficiency, especially when using clear glass. How much can I expect to save? With ENERGY STAR qualified windows, you could save hundreds per year just by replacing your existing windows with modern, energy efficient windows. Sure, you'll have to spend some money up front, but with many affordable styles and various financing options, it's cheaper than you think to retrofit your existing home with beautiful and energy efficient windows. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to ENERGY STAR windows can help you save up to 15 percent on your annual household energy bills -- as much as $500 a year or more, depending on where you live and the cost of energy in the area. Other Energy Efficiency Considerations If you're considering energy efficient windows, don't forget that your home's overall energy efficiency is only as good as the weakest link. Replacing every window in your home except that expansive piece of expensive, custom glass that sees most of the sun is a sure way to hamper your energy efficiency efforts. The same goes for proper installation. Energy efficient windows that are not installed according to the manufacturer's strict instructions may never give you the desired energy savings, and they won't be covered by warranty if anything goes wrong. When in doubt, check with your installer to verify that they're committed to energy efficiency and doing the job right. Keep in mind that homes built before 1978 may also contain lead paint, which needs to be addressed properly to ensure safety during and after installation. For these reasons and more, it's best to hire only EPA certified window installers. Performance Considerations Two important performance indicators for ENERGY STAR efficiency is the U-factor and SGHC. The U-factor is a measurement of the window's insulation capabilities while SGHC stands for the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, which is just a fancy way of measuring the amount of sun heat that can enter through a window. If you live in a cold climate, you want the lowest U-factor you can afford and the highest SGHC. Those in warmer climates will want a low U-factor and low SHGC, which is better at keeping air-conditioned air in while keeping the sun's warm heat out. Buying ENERGY STAR Windows If you're in the market for energy efficient windows, keep an eye out for the ENERGY STAR label. The label will show you the best climates for the window in question, and the associated U-factor and SHGC will tell you the degree of energy efficiency you can expect. Remember to consider low SGHC and U-factors for warmer climates, and high SGHC and low U-factors for colder climates. The ENERGY STAR climate map is a great place to start, but if you have any questions, be sure to discuss your options with your window dealer or installer. Orientation also matters, so be sure to select energy efficient windows according to where they'll be placed and the intensity and duration of the sun they receive on a daily basis. Some ENERGY STAR options are also eligible for federal, state and local tax credits, as well as special rebates, so be sure to check to see if you qualify. Invest in Your Future Not only do energy efficient windows look great and help reduce your home's energy costs, they're also a nice way to add value to your home. Indeed, most of the cost of new energy efficient windows goes directly to your home's value, which means any money you spend today will come back to you when you sell your home. And since you've been saving hundreds each year in energy costs, new energy efficient windows can pay for themselves many times over. Contact us today to see how energy efficient windows can help transform your home as well as your energy costs. With affordable options and financing available, it's never been a better time to upgrade your home’s-tired windows or sliding doors while doing your part for the environment. 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