You might have heard that replacing your old and outdated windows with energy-efficient windows is a way to reduce your heating and air bills. In this blog, we would like to determine how much money you are really saving with energy-efficient windows. Another question that homeowners sometimes ask is if the savings on the energy bill will ever justify the cost of the replacement windows.
Like with every considerable investment, it is important to make an informed decision. So at WindowFits, we analyzed everything you need to know about energy-efficient windows, how they can save you money and whether it is worth replacing your old windows.
WHAT ARE ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS?
It is well known that energy efficiency can save homeowners money, but it is not so well known how it really works. For windows and patio doors, energy savings depend mostly on the type of frame, glass, and the number of panes.
Old windows most likely have aluminum frames. Aluminum is known to allow more air to pass through compared to vinyl. Vinyl frames are a better solution because vinyl does not conduct heat well. So vinyl windows keep warm air from escaping in the winter and hot air from entering in the summer.
Older windows might only have a single pane of glass. In energy-conscious California, single-pane windows do not meet the code and cannot be installed anymore. Modern energy-efficient windows will usually have two and sometimes three panes of glass to provide better insulation for the home.
Modern energy-efficient windows contain a layer of inert gas, like argon, between each pane of glass. Argon is denser than air, so it further reduces the amount of air passing through the window into and out of the house.
The modern energy-efficient window usually features high-performance Low-E glass. Low-E stands for low-emissivity. It is a microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layer deposited on a window glazing surface. The layer allows visible light to pass through while reflecting heat and blocking harmful UV rays from the sun. In winter months, the Low-E coating helps reduce heat loss by reflecting heat back inside the home. Top-of-the-line windows feature four of five layers of Low-E glass coating.
When combined in a window, the elements above help to keep the air in its place. That way, the air conditioning system won’t have to work as hard to keep you comfortable.
HOW ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS CAN BENEFIT YOU
A lower energy bill is always an attractive benefit that comes after installing energy-efficient windows. The Department of Energy projects that you can save up to $583 per year just by switching out single pane windows, but those are national average numbers. Because of the warmer climate in California, homeowners tend to have higher energy savings.
Money-saving benefits are not all you will get after replacing your old windows with energy-efficient ones. Energy-efficient windows can increase your home’s value and help reduce outside noise. When it is time to sell the house, you could get back as much as seventy percent of the cost of the windows, which, together with the savings on your energy bill, is more than enough to justify the cost of the new windows.
WINDOW INSTALLATION MATTERS
Your new energy-efficient windows are a significant investment and if you would like to reap the biggest benefits, make sure they are installed correctly. The thing is that the highest-rated and the most expensive windows on the market won’t result in an energy-efficient home if they are not installed right. We recommend you to partner with a professional window installation company, like WindowFits, that employs highly skilled window installers with years of experience trained by window manufacturers.
WILL ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS SAVE YOU MONEY?
The answer is yes. There are multiple ways you can save money with energy-efficient windows. For the biggest benefit, choose an experienced window installation company that will help you decide on what energy-efficient windows are right for your home and ensure that they are installed correctly. At WindowFits, the windows and patio doors are custom built to fit your specific project. We offer free estimates and are happy to show you how much money you could save with energy efficiency. Give WindowFits a call at 1-951-677-2593 or click here to get started!