Are energy efficient windows worth the investment? It really depends on what kind of windows you’re replacing. A trustworthy local licensed roofer will tell you that your utility bills will most likely decrease if you’re upgrading from single-pane windows with warped wooden frames.
This isn’t the case for most homes, though. You’ll find energy efficient upgrades from most of the top home-window manufacturers in many homes and neighborhoods today, whether they are newer or older.
Here’s the bottom line: energy savings by replacing regular double-pane windows with Energy Star-rated products varies by home. According to the U.S. Energy Department, installing new windows like the one mentioned above will save you a certain amount each year.
But the value of a new window installation isn’t just about energy savings. You’ll also increase your home’s value — big time. If you plan to list your house or sell it in the future, new vinyl windows can add as much as $8,000 to $12,000 to your home’s selling price.
Installation: Consider a Local Licensed Roofer
Energy efficient windows are designed to keep your heated air or cooled air inside your home, a local licensed roofer will tell you. By increasing your home’s insulation through new or upgraded energy efficient windows, you’ll save money on your electricity bill, and your house will be more comfortable too.
It’s important to remember that efficient windows are a better investment in some homes more than others, especially when paired with other energy-saving improvements. Every home has a different energy profile.
Window energy efficiency might make a huge difference in one home and have a much smaller impact in another, according to some of the best reliable roofing companies near you. That’s why audits are so important. With a home energy audit, you can assess which parts of your home are affecting your overall energy consumption and prioritize the improvements.
If you have new windows installed, you’ll have a more comfortable, quieter home. It’s just one benefit that you can’t put a price tag on.
Costs Vs. Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows
A single-hung vinyl window with double-pane glass can cost as little as $300 – $350 per window, while triple-pane windows might cost $800 – $1,000 or more. There can be a big difference between brands, window types, and materials, as well as energy-saving features. Installation and labor costs should range from $25 to $65 per window, depending on your exact situation and your local licensed roofer.
Your utility bills aren’t helped one bit by leaky, aging windows. Compared to quality double-pane windows, single-pane windows just don’t compare. By replacing old windows with new Energy Star windows, you can save about $100 to $500 a year.
When you buy new windows for your home, go for energy efficient double-pane windows. Many homeowners don’t realize how much money they can save with energy efficient windows. You can regulate your home’s internal temperatures naturally with these windows because they use insulated glass and low emissivity technology (Low-E technology). As soon as homeowners install energy efficient windows, they can recoup up to 30 percent of their typical monthly energy costs. You won’t regret it.
Basically, if a homeowner currently spends $150 – $250 on energy bills per month and installs Energy Star windows with insulated glass, the homeowner could save $550 – $750 per year or more afterward. The savings could be even greater if you replace the right windows and live in a warm climate. According to Energy Star, replacing single-pane windows with double-panes can save you 20 – 30 percent on heating and cooling.
In the long run, does it really make a difference to your home’s energy use? Yes. Investing in windows can pay off handsomely.
You’ll save a lot more energy on utility bills if you replace all your single-pane windows with Energy Star double-pane windows. The cost of installing new windows — as well as monthly energy costs — might not change much if you just replace one window in your house. Go for multiple replacements all at once.
Local Licensed Roofer Can Explain Energy Efficient Perks
New windows can save you money in the long run by being energy efficient. Window-pane spacers, argon or krypton gas filled between window panes, and double-pane or triple-pane glass windows are what make energy efficient windows.
Having these energy efficient features helps you pick out the perfect window. Below are more details on each factor to consider, according to reliable roofers near you:
- New windows with gas-fills in between the panes will insulate your home much better. All of these gases are non-toxic, odorless, and colorless, including argon, krypton, and others.
- The perfect distance between glass panes is achieved by installing spacers between windows. Insulating the window-pane edges with non-metal or metal-hybrid spacers, reduces heat transfer and improves energy efficiency.
- While it’s important to install energy efficient windows, they won’t save you much if the window frame isn’t efficient too. Even with a thermal break, aluminum windows are the least efficient. There’s just too much heat transfer for these windows to be very efficient. Composite, vinyl, fiberglass, and wooden window frames can all be relied upon for a better energy efficient experience. By using high-quality frame materials, your windows will transfer less heat and insulate better — and your house will be more energy efficient overall.
- Window Visible Transmittance (VT) ratings tell you how much light can go through a window. If you’re buying windows for a dark room, like a home theater, the VT rating should be low. But if you’re purchasing windows for a brighter space, like your kitchen, you’ll want to avoid low VT ratings. Getting several Low-E (low emissivity) coatings — or other special glass treatments — can reduce the amount of light coming into your house. Even clear glass can block out a lot of light. By doing this, you’ll lose a lot of free visible light, requiring you to use electric lights/bulbs more often.
- Low-E (low emissivity) glass coatings are a great way to keep heat inside your home in winter or keep heat out in summer. A coating like this controls how heat moves from sunlight. In other words, a Low-E coating prevents ultraviolet and infrared light from entering your house while letting regular light pass through. The Low-E coating is often used in reverse in northern climates when heat gain is more desirable. The full spectrum of light is let into the home as much as possible, but the heat energy it produces gets trapped. When the weather gets cold, this creates a powerful greenhouse effect that keeps your house nice and toasty.
- There are multiple layers of glass in energy efficient double-pane windows and triple-pane windows. There are air pockets between the layers of glass, which are sealed shut to prevent air from getting in or out (in addition to the trapped gasses).
You can find more information on the U.S. Energy Department’s energy efficient window section of its website, including resources on updating existing windows to improve efficiencies, replacing your windows, the window selection process, window selection tips, and installation, as well as subscribe to the Energy-Saver Updates news email.
Window Installers: Do Your Homework
Make sure you find a reputable installation technician, such as a local licensed roofer, before investing in energy efficient windows. Before hiring, read reviews and talk to potential installers. Get an estimate before moving forward. Lastly, make sure the installer knows what kind of windows you want.
Some of the best-rated roofers near you should offer some kind of warranty on their work, and even some manufacturers will include a warranty on the product. You can plan your window installation with the help of a knowledgeable and trustworthy energy efficient window installer in your area.
Just like you should choose the right roofer when fixing or replacing your roof, make sure you pick the right window installer.
By decreasing your home’s energy output and lowering your monthly bills, energy efficient windows can save you lots of money. Furthermore, they’ll last for decades and increase the value of your house. The best part is: you’ll be living a greener lifestyle by choosing energy efficient windows, while also making your home more secure and beautiful. There’s never been a better time — and Keystone Roofing and Siding has all the answers to your questions.