Windows can make or break a home’s energy efficiency. Choosing the right windows and working with a reputable window company can save homeowners money on utility bills and help create a more environmentally sustainable future.
Optimal window efficiency offers cost savings, increased comfort and contributes to a healthier planet by reducing fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions. However, many homeowners may not realize that windows also come with hidden costs.
Increased Energy Bills
Poorly performing windows allow heat to escape during the winter and hot outside air into your home in the summer. This causes your furnace and AC to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to higher energy bills. Upgrading to more efficient windows reduces this energy loss, helping you save money on your utility bills each month.
The type of glass, frame material and how your windows are installed affects their energy efficiency. High-quality windows, like upvc windows, are constructed to minimize energy leakage by utilizing advanced technologies that reduce thermal transfer. They also offer a wide variety of glass options to suit your specific energy needs and aesthetic preferences.
Low-quality windows may have materials prone to thermal expansion and contraction, or they may not include enough insulating gas to slow the flow of heat. In addition, some window types permit solar heat gain, increasing your cooling load during the warmest months of the year. In contrast, quality windows are constructed to reduce the amount of heat that passes through the glass, and they feature durable weatherstripping and tight sash-to-frame and frame-to-sill connections that limit air leakage.
When choosing new windows, look for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label to ensure you are getting the most energy-efficient model available. The NFRC energy-performance ratings are determined through independent testing performed by certified inspectors. These tests simulate the performance of the whole window unit — frame, spacer and glass — rather than just assessing the glazing.
While high-performance windows do cost more upfront, they gradually pay for themselves by lowering your heating and cooling bills each month. In fact, the average home can cut its heating and cooling costs by $465 a year by upgrading to better windows.
Frequent Repairs
As your windows and doors age, they can become more prone to wear and tear. This can lead to costly repair and maintenance. Repainting, resealing and fixing broken parts are just some of the expenses that can add up over time. These recurring costs could be better spent on newer, low-maintenance options that offer long-term performance.
Inadequately performing windows can also lead to higher energy bills. Older models don’t insulate as well, forcing your heating and cooling system to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Newer windows and doors insulate your home more efficiently, keeping it at a lower energy cost all year round.
The materials used to construct your windows can also impact their performance and cost. Wood windows require more frequent repairs than aluminum and vinyl windows. Wood windows also have the potential to be damaged by moisture, which is why it’s important to choose a reputable window installation company that offers a warranty.
Window leaks are another common issue that can significantly increase your energy bills. Poorly sealed windows might let cold air into your home during the winter and hot air in during the summer. Window repair companies can help prevent this problem by inspecting your windows and making recommendations for improvements.
In many cases, repairing your existing windows is cheaper than replacing them. It’s also environmentally friendly, as it eliminates the need for disposal and production of a new window. However, if your windows are in need of major repair or are beyond saving, it may be more affordable to simply replace them. Talk to your window contractor about this option so you can weigh the pros and cons of each.
Decreased Home Value
With rising electricity costs, homeowners and homebuyers are prioritizing energy efficiency. They are seeking homes, upgrades and remodeling trends that improve insulation, lower electricity bills and reduce their dependence on the grid. Upgrading to premium replacement windows can provide significant energy savings and increase resale value.
Many consumers believe that double- or triple-paned windows are the key to increased energy performance. However, it’s the space between the panes that really makes a difference. When filled with non-toxic argon or krypton gases, these spaces act as an additional layer of insulation. In fact, high-performance windows with low U-factors can be as much as 20% more efficient than ordinary windows.
Window performance is also influenced by how well the rest of the home’s envelope is sealed and insulated. Building scientists now understand that window selection and placement is more critical to overall wall performance than previously thought. Carefully selecting and positioning high-performance windows can deliver the R-Value needed for a zero-energy or energy-ready home at the lowest cost.
While new windows can add beauty and style to a home, it’s important for homeowners to consider the long-term impact of their investment. Inflated prices and hidden charges are common in the home improvement industry, and it’s vital to be an informed consumer. Window companies may add charges for installation, warranties or customization options that can significantly drive up the cost of a replacement project. Before beginning any home improvement project, be sure to research the market and request a detailed breakdown of all costs. This will help you avoid buyers remorse down the road when it’s time to sell your home. To learn more about how replacing your windows can save money and improve energy performance, contact a local window company.
Health Concerns
Many studies show that health, comfort, and productivity are improved in well-ventilated and natural light rich indoor spaces. But, windows also provide major sources of unwanted heat loss and condensation problems. In 1990 alone, energy used to offset unwanted heat loss and gain through windows cost the United States $20 billion, or one-fourth of all energy consumed for heating and cooling.
Poorly insulating windows allow cold air to seep in during the winter and can impact the indoor temperature of your home. This can lead to higher heating costs and a larger carbon footprint. It can also create discomfort for occupants and cause moisture buildup, resulting in wood rot and mold growth.
In addition, poorly insulated windows often have inadequate frame and sill insulation, creating conduits for hot air to escape the home. This can negatively impact the thermal performance of your whole home, causing it to perform below its intended energy efficiency level.
Additionally, older windows can contain toxic lead. This can pose serious health concerns for occupants, especially children and pregnant women. Fortunately, window replacement can help eliminate these safety hazards by eliminating unsafe and uninsulated windows and replacing them with newer, high-performance windows that are safe and effective for your family.
Environmental Impact
Windows represent a significant percentage of the overall building envelope and are a weak link in current building energy efficiency. Inefficient windows can contribute to excessive heating and cooling energy consumption, which in turn leads to high embodied emissions. Fortunately, windows with low U-values can be easily replaced with highly efficient replacements to significantly reduce building energy consumption and related emissions.
In addition, homeowners can reduce environmental impact by selecting a window material with a low thermal conductivity, such as wood or aluminum composite frames. The thermal performance of a window can be further improved by including argon gas in the window unit. This is a natural, odorless gas that is much more effective than air in reducing heat transfer.
From an environmental standpoint, it is important to consider the entire life cycle of a window. This includes manufacture, transportation, installation and use. For example, the production of steel windows involves significant energy and chemicals. Windows are also often transported over long distances before they are installed in buildings, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and greenhouse gases. At the end of their useful life, windows must be disposed of, which can also generate additional waste and emissions.
To reduce their environmental impact, homeowners can consider windows with a low U-value that are manufactured with recycled glass and wood. Additionally, it is important to select windows with durable weather stripping and closing devices to limit air leakage. Additionally, the selection of a durable wood frame that can be used in a Passivhaus window design should help to reduce energy bills and emissions.