Most homeowners are eager to put their old windows to rest, but are afraid of the window replacement cost. What they may not know is that what older models of windows are costing them every month are making a bigger, long-term dent on their savings.
How? It’s because windows have a significant impact on your energy costs, with about 30% of your air conditioning or heating system lost through them. Choose an energy-efficient window replacement, however, and you can lower your monthly energy bills by 7 to 15%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Don’t let that opportunity go out the window!
Gone are the days when going for energy-efficient models cost twice as much as regular windows. With the variety of both design and financial options window contractors offer today, there’s simply no reason to put up with windows that easily let in excess heat or drafts anymore.
Reading the Label
Windows affect heat loss and gain in the home through different ways. Understanding what the National Fenestration Rating Council or NFRC label is saying is one of the simplest ways to know if a certain window option will be able to provide you with what you need. The label features several criteria, including:
- U-factor – the rate at which the entire window, including frame and spacer material, conducts and facilitates non-solar heat flow. Energy-efficient windows have lower U-factors.
- Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) – the rating measuring solar radiation that the window lets into your home, either directly or by being absorbed and eventually transmitted through the assembly. Windows with lower SHGC ratings block more heat and are good for reducing cooling loads in the summer.
- Air leakage – refers to air movement and the rate at which air passes through a window. The lower the air leakage rating, the better and more airtight your window is.
- Visible transmittance (VT) – refers to the amount of visible sunlight that is transmitted through the glazing. It is an important factor in your home’s daylighting requirements, and reducing interior glare.
Climate Considerations
Different climate zones have their own unique set of energy performance requirements. In southern zones, for example, these requirements aim toward reducing the need for air conditioning, while in subtropical climates dominated by heat, windows should have higher U-Factors and generally face north for good daylighting but without collecting solar heat. Cooler climates, on the other hand, should opt for higher SGHC ratings and south-facing windows for maximizing heat gain from the low winter sun.
Energy-efficient Window Replacements
Energy Star-certified windows feature a number of technologies, like low-emissivity coatings, double glazing and energy-efficient framing material. There will be more than a handful of window options available to you, each one offering benefits, so use that to your advantage. When you want to ensure you save on energy costs with the help of your window replacement, you’re going to want to make sure that you get the right one. Should you need any help finding the right energy-efficient window for you and your home, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a local contractor.
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Author Bio:
Dawn Dewey is one of Professional Remodeler magazine’s 40 Under 40 for 2015. Aside from being the marketing director for Renewal by Andersen (New Mexico, San Diego, Tucson, and Boise) and Dreamstyle Remodeling, she is also passionate in supporting causes for the environment, animal welfare and civil rights. For updates from Dawn, check out the Renewal by Andersen of New Mexico blog.
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