Replacing your old windows with Energy Star Windows sounds like a treat, doesn’t it? However, while better constructed, new windows could come at quite the cost.
Nonetheless, your old windows might be costing you a lot of money in the long run, so it is worth the investment, and it’s better for our environment.
The windows of today are properly constructed with energy efficiency in mind. One way of telling your windows are certified as energy-efficient windows is by buying windows that come with the Energy Star logo. Energy Star windows have a little blue seal of approval. This particular window is ranked among the most energy-efficient ones available.
And yes, we know that most homeowners want to keep costs low when they need to replace their windows. But is the least expensive option the best option? Energy Star windows can indeed cost about 15% more, but they do give savings in the long term and are something that could add serious value to your property.
What Are Energy Star Windows?
Energy Star windows are technological advancements of the twenty-first century. They’re a modern home improvement and a significant upgrade over traditional windows. Energy-efficient windows are designed specifically with energy-saving characteristics. Suppose your present windows let out heating or increasing cooling bills every day. In that case, you should think of investing in Energy Star windows to start saving money on your energy bill.
Windows that can provide an adequate insulation level are considered energy efficient. When buying windows, check for the U-factor of every product. The U-factor assesses the non-solar heat gains or loss rate through the window. Low U-factors are the most wanted, as these windows offer the best insulation and are the most energy-efficient.
When examining products, note that the U-factor can refer to the energy efficiency of the glass only or the full window—including the frame material and the spacers. Most manufacturers now offer windows with a unique Low-E coating on the glass to increase energy efficiency. However, various frames and spacers are not energy efficient and possess a high U-factor.
How Energy Star Windows Could Benefit Your Home
Energy Star windows could save you money now and in the future. Making a home more energy efficient is a new window benefit at the top of most people’s wish list! Moreover, with 40 percent of the average energy budget heating and cooling your home, you don’t want that energy escaping through the windows.
Likewise, Energy Star windows save energy by using innovative and top-of-the-line coating on your glass, advanced technology, and a new window spacer system. Here are a few of the economic importance of installing Energy Star window replacements:
1. Improve Your Energy Savings
As the name implies, energy-efficient windows can reduce your energy consumption. These Energy Star windows include insulating properties, which could keep your home environment comfortable during winter or summer.
Moreover, with the indoor temperature constantly varying, you’ll not have to rely too much on your air conditioning or heating systems. Lower energy consumption indicates you are burning less fuel, making your home more eco-friendly.
2. Protect Your Home against UV Rays
Regular windows allow more sunlight into your house and do not effectively protect you from UV rays. Moreover, UV rays damage cloth, wood, and furniture and are more problematic for light-sensitive individuals. Energy Star windows are made with a special coating that reduces or blocks UV rays. The coating could block up to 98% of the rays so that you’ll not see any fading or deterioration in your house.
3. Reduce Condensation
Condensation could cause a severe problem, especially in rooms with higher moisture levels. Bathrooms and kitchens are usually one the main culprits associated with moisture. The moisture vaporizes in the air before it condenses on cold windows, producing puddles and streaks of water. Moreover, the increased presence of water could cause mildew formation, damaging your properties and home.
Energy Star windows could significantly reduce the amount of condensation in your house.
The insulation that helps keep room temperature also keeps the surface temperature above the threshold that drives moisture from the air. However, humidity is unavoidable, and it’s advisable to use fans or dehumidifiers to help control the humidity levels.
4. Provide a return on investment (ROI) via resale
Replacing old windows could generate a tangible return on investment (ROI) in both the short and long terms. Suppose you want to live in your present home for many years. In that case, installing the new energy-efficient windows that last for decades, and have a premium warranty that’ll be recovered in due time, is offset by the savings in energy bills and the low cost of repairs and maintenance.
Moreover, energy-efficient window replacement is one of the top five home improvement projects with the greatest profits. Changing your old windows to new wood or vinyl replacement windows can give you a return on investment (ROI) of up to 95%. Also, if you plan to sell your residence, upgrading your windows to Energy Star windows could increase their worth and make them sell faster.
5. Noise Protection
Do you live in a busy location? Millions of property owners are forced to listen to constant traffic noise daily. However, if you finally wish to experience peace while in the comfort of your home, you should think of installing Energy Star windows. Most people aren’t aware that they have soundproofing capacities. Besides, this is the best option if you live in the city because traffic noise is a constant nuisance.
6. Qualification for tax incentives and energy discounts
New window installations are expensive. Homeowners could reap the benefits of Energy Star window replacements, even if the huge initial cost were a major obstacle. However, numerous municipal and regional agencies provide credits and discounts to offset the cost of installation.
7. Less Maintenance
That is a huge selling point if you wish to sell your home someday. Keep in mind that many people would love to live in a low-maintenance residence because you do not have to hassle with constant upkeep. Moreover, there’s less condensation on these windows due to energy transfer. In other words, you do not need to worry about mildew as much because there’ll be less condensation.
8. Make Your Home More Comfortable
Homes are supposed to be comfortable. During winter, you do not want to wear various types of clothing to stay warm in your own house. Energy Star windows keep your house comfortable day and night because these windows allow the temperature in your house to be better regulated. Moreover, you’ll not have to rely on your air conditioner or heat as much to keep the air temperature constant. Instead, your windows will be able to help you get this level of comfort on their own.
In conclusion, energy-efficient windows offer numerous advantages to your wallet and home. These windows would transform your home into a comfortable and pleasant living environment. Installing V might sound like a costly investment, but it’ll help save money on cooling, heating, and electricity bills. Contact us today to know more about Energy Star windows and how we can help improve your home.
FAQ
Are energy star windows worth it?
Installing Energy Star certified windows helps lower energy bills and saves you more money. With more efficient windows, you likewise use less energy, which minimizes greenhouse gas emissions from homes and power plants.
Does energy star mean high efficiency?
Energy Star windows are at least 10% more energy-efficient than homes built to code and achieve a whopping 20% improvement on average while offering homeowners with better performance, quality, and comfort.
How much do energy star windows cost?
For Energy Star windows, you could expect to shell out around $300 to $1,000 for every window you need to be replaced. No worries, though; you’ll spend more funds on the most energy-efficient windows.