Replacing your outdated windows with energy-efficient ones can reduce utility bills and lower your carbon footprint. But the technical jargon and rating systems surrounding these products can be confusing.
Learn about U-factor ratings, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and insulated frames to select windows optimized for your climate. These features create barriers that slow thermal transfer to reduce fading and help your HVAC system operate at a more efficient level.
- Lower Utility Bills
Many homeowners are unaware that their windows contribute to a big portion of their home energy costs. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, over half of most Americans’ utility bills go toward heating and cooling their homes. Upgrading to energy efficient windows is one of the most effective and cost-effective ways to lower utility bills.
Old windows leak air and allow chilly outdoor temperatures to creep into your house, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Energy efficient windows use cutting edge features to minimize heat transfer, which reduces your heating and cooling usage and leads to lower utility bills and long term savings.
Energy-efficient windows are characterized by multiple glass panes with insulating gas fills (such as argon or krypton), Low-E coatings, and well-insulated frames. They also provide better protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays than single-pane windows, and they reduce drafts to improve indoor comfort.
- Increased Home Value
Modern energy-efficient upgrades are an attractive selling point for buyers, especially eco-conscious ones using Wisconsin replacement windows. New windows eliminate drafts, reduce hot and cold spots, and block outside noise. They also provide a sleek, polished look that increases curb appeal and makes your home stand out from the competition.
Energy-efficient features like double- or triple-pane glass with argon or krypton insulating gases and insulated frames create better thermal barriers than traditional single-pane windows. They also help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing HVAC usage.
Depending on the type of windows you select and your climate, energy-efficient windows can save you hundreds of dollars each year. This can add up over a decade and significantly increase your home value. Additionally, replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR-certified ones qualifies you for a federal tax credit. Ask your local tax department to learn more.
- Less Stress on Your HVAC System
Old, poorly sealed windows let a lot of heat pass through them during the summer, causing your cooling system to work overtime. Energy-efficient replacement windows reduce heat transfer by using features like double or triple panes with insulating gas fills such as argon or krypton. These features keep cold air in during the winter and hot air out during the summer, lowering your HVAC usage and saving you money.
These windows also eliminate drafts with tight seals and insulated frames, keeping warm air inside where it belongs. Combined with Low-E glass that maximizes sunlight, you can stay comfortably cozy without feeling the need to crank up the thermostat in winter. And with less strain on your heating and cooling systems, you’ll experience longer service life for your equipment and reduced repair costs. Over time, these savings add up to significant annual savings. Energy-efficient windows are a smart investment that pay for themselves year after year.
- More Comfort
Energy-efficient windows have superior insulating properties, so they help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, reducing drafts and air leakage and creating a more comfortable living environment. They also reduce noise pollution and allow you to enjoy the natural light of the sun without letting in unwanted heat or cold.
Choosing the right glass and frame materials is critical to achieving maximum efficiency. For example, low-emissivity (low-E) glass reflects long-wave infrared heat back into the house in winter and away from it in summer. Double- or triple-paned windows, and frames made from vinyl, composite, or fiberglass, can further slow thermal transfer. The space between the panes can be filled with inert argon or krypton gas to further improve insulation.
Additionally, using less energy to heat and cool your home reduces demand on power plants, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions. If you choose energy-efficient windows that incorporate solar panels or battery storage, your home will become even more sustainable.