Old, drafty, damaged windows are like having your refrigerator door open all day long: the air you pay to condition escapes little by little. Many homeowners are wasting $100s per year (and wasting energy resources) with inefficient windows.
How a Window Replacement Saves Energy
A new window replacement can help you lower utility bills thanks to energy-efficient glass, advanced construction, and state-of-the-art frame materials. Amount of savings will depend on two things: how much energy you’re currently wasting, and the quality of the window replacement and installation.
New window options are more eco-friendly for a few reasons:
- Double-glazing and triple-glazing means better insulation. Not all glazings are automatically very energy-efficient, however, so look for other factors.
- Gas-filled layers make it harder for heat to seep in or out and also improve insulation.
- Low-E coatings reflect more sunlight away from the house, so you can use less air conditioning.
- Choice of framing also matters. A high-efficiency window replacement can use vinyl, fiberglass, and wood frames. The precision of installation greatly affects the actual quality of the frame.
How old are your windows? If they are more than a decade old (or you simply don’t know when they were installed) there’s a good chance you’re oozing energy. Look and feel for drafts. Have a window expert come in and test for problems.
Another good source of information: your energy supplier. Ask how your usage compares to similar-sized homes in the Santa Rosa area.
If you need a window replacement for design reasons, you’re in luck. Energy-efficient options are so popular that it’s easy to find a window system with your ideal style.
Bottom line: think of windows as part of the heating and air conditioning system. If you’re paying too much and wasting energy, look at window replacement options to upgrade and save money over time.