How Energy Efficient Windows Lower Energy Costs

Sometimes you have to spend money to save money, and that’s especially true when you’re buying energy-saving replacement windows. Even better, they’ll make your home more enjoyable during every season.

Let’s take a quick look about how replacing windows saves on energy costs and can give you a little peace of mind.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

If you choose to install energy-saving replacement windows, you can expect a slightly lower cost for your monthly utilities. That’s because these windows make it easier for your home air conditioning and heating systems to maintain your desired temperature.

According to the federal government’s ENERGY STAR program, using their qualified energy-efficient windows can save you $126 to $465 per year if you’re replacing single-pane windows.

They’ll restrict heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer thanks to their thickness and overall design.

In many cases, people say one of the biggest benefits of energy-efficient windows is that they make their home feel more comfortable. These windows can reduce hot or cold spots in the home when the temperature fluctuates outside.

Energy-efficient windows often achieve their goals by being thicker or denser, which means they’ll also reduce how much outside noise gets into your home. These windows can reduce noise from traffic, sirens and even neighbors.

You’ll also enjoy a lower carbon footprint and own a greener home. Replacing windows saves on energy costs, but that’s just the start of a lot of enjoyment you’ll get from a smarter home.

How to Make Windows More Energy-Efficient

Many consumers ask us how to make their windows more energy-efficient, but that’s often not possible for the window itself. One thing you can do is seal any gaps or cracks near the window – and throughout your home – to limit heat or cooling losses.

However, what makes energy-saving replacement windows tick is the internal composition of the windows, so a replacement is necessary to get the most benefits. If you’re trying to find energy-saving windows, costs and savings will often be determined by three important characteristics: solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), U-factor and visible transmittance (VT).

• SHGC: This determines how much heat from the outside will enter your home. The lower this rating, the lower the amount of heat the window will let in to your home.
• U-Factor: This element is a measure of how well heat will stay inside your home, by looking at how quickly it flows through the window to the outside air. The lower your number, the better an insulator this offers.
• VT: This is a measurement of how much visible light transfers through the window. The higher the number, the more sunlight – in terms of brightness – will enter your home. For high-VT windows, there are coatings that can be applied to let in a lot of light without letting in a lot of heat.

Replacing windows saves on energy costs when you select from any of today’s leading energy-efficient brands and models. These are more than just a replacement or piece of home maintenance – they’re a way to make your home more comfortable for you, your wallet and the environment. If you live in the Northern Virginia area and are considering replacing your windows don’t hesitate to contact Sunshine Contracting today for a free estimate.