If your utility bills have skyrocketed, you may be looking for creative ways to save energy and, in turn, save on your monthly energy expenses. Replacement windows may be the key to helping you enjoy a warm, cozy home in the winter and cool, crisp environment in the summer—all for a fraction of your current energy costs.
Discover the many advantages of installing energy-efficient replacement windows from an attentive contractor, like our local team at Craftsman Exterior Remodeling!
How Can I Tell if My Windows Are Inefficient?
Do you live in a newer house? If so, you likely love your home’s modern features and updated appliances. However, you may not realize your new windows are causing you to pay obscenely expensive utility bills. Builders often install low-quality windows (called builder-grade windows) to keep their costs low so they can turn a more significant profit on your home.
However, if you live in an older home—you’re not necessarily in the clear. Many older windows don’t include the energy-saving benefits of modern technology, so they’re just as inefficient (if not more inefficient) than builder-grade windows.
If your windows are inefficient, you may notice the following:
- You feel uncomfortable drafts when you walk past or sit near your windows.
- Your windows are hot to the touch in the summer and chilly in the winter.
- Your windows are foggy or cloudy between the panes.
- Your air conditioning unit or heater is constantly running just to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
- Your windows are extremely difficult to open and close.
If your current windows suffer from these problems, it’s time for an efficient replacement.
What Makes Windows Efficient?
You can choose from dozens of brands, styles, and materials for your new windows. However, all energy-efficient windows should exceed the requirements set by ENERGY STAR® and include performance ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), including Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and U-factor.
Look for these components when you’re browsing the market for energy-efficient windows:
Multiple Panes
Single-pane windows aren’t effective at insulating your home. In fact, they aren’t even an option for residential homes anymore. If your home still has single-pane windows, it’s time to upgrade to double-pane or triple-pane windows.
Double-pane windows are windows made from two glass panes, and triple-pane windows include three panes. While triple-pane windows are superior in terms of efficiency, double-pane windows are a terrific budget-friendly alternative.
Dense Gases
Window systems that include multiple panes of glass include dense gases, like argon or krypton, to separate the panels. These gases are denser than air, so they eliminate heat transfer and are excellent insulators.
Window Materials
Certain window materials are more energy-efficient than others. For example, aluminum conducts heat, so it’s not a great option if you’re looking to save money on your utility bills.
Fiberglass, vinyl, and wood are much better options for energy-efficient window systems. These materials each have a unique style, features, and maintenance needs, so it’s wise to research which material will satisfy your requirements and match your budget.
Low-E Coatings
Most energy-efficient windows include at least one coat, if not more, of low emissivity (Low-E) glazing. This technology blocks the sun’s rays to keep your home cooler in the summer, and it also blocks ultraviolet and infrared light from passing through your windows.
How Much Can I Save by Switching to Energy-Efficient Windows?
Homeowners in the Northern Zone of the United States, including Indianapolis, will experience 21% savings on their utility bills when switching from single-pane to double-pane windows and 8% savings when switching from double-pane to triple-pane windows, according to ENERGY STAR. That’s an annual savings of $340 or $108, respectively.
Window replacement may be a significant investment, but it will pay off in future decades. Modern windows will boost the resale value of your property, but they’ll also save you hundreds of dollars every year. It’s a win-win situation!
Upgrade Your Home with Energy-Efficient Windows
If you’d like to start saving a few hundred dollars a year on your utility bills, don’t wait any longer to upgrade your inefficient windows with energy-efficient replacement windows!
When you install new windows with Craftsman Exterior Remodeling, you’ll not only enjoy impressive energy savings, but also straightforward maintenance, beautiful views, noise reduction, and modern safety features to improve you and your family’s quality of life.
Contact our professional team to learn more about the energy-efficient benefits of modern replacement windows for your Indianapolis home.
