When it comes to Windows & Energy Savings, you don’t want to ignore their importance. Windows are one of the most critical parts of your home’s exterior envelope, and they can affect how much energy is lost through your home each year. Windows also play a huge role in how warm or cool your house will be during different times of the day and year. Of course we want to be comfortable while saving money, so how do you know if your windows are efficient in conserving energy or if it’s time for new ones?
What Are Energy-Saving Windows?
Energy-efficient windows often referred to as energy-saving windows, are intended to keep your heated or cooled air in while keeping the outside weather out. They also reduce your home’s energy consumption and, as a result, your expenses! Efficient windows make your property more comfortable overall.
How Do I Know If My Existing Windows Are Energy-Efficient?
If you have old fashioned or single pane windows, odds are they are not energy-efficient. Single pane windows only have one layer of glass separating the inside of your property from the outside weather.
For those who are unsure of what type of windows they currently have, you can request an inspection from a professional window company (usually for free). Along with checking the design of your windows they will also check the seals, fitment, and functionality of them.
If you want your windows to be energy efficient and save you money in the long run, there are things to think about. When multiple window glass panes are used, like double or triple-paned windows, along with high-quality window frames, Low-E glass coatings, argon or krypton gas filling in between panes, and windowpane spacers – a window becomes more energy efficient. All of these energy-saving features work together to create the ideal window for lowering your power bills.
Do Energy Efficient Windows Qualify for Any Tax Credits?
Up until 2014, anyone who installed Energy Star windows in their homes could claim an energy savings tax credit of up to $200 each, as well as a combined maximum of $500 for all qualifying windows. Unfortunately, this credit has now expired, but other local incentives are still accessible.
For instance, West Oregon, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and a variety of other places are all eligible for a mail-in rebate program when buying suitable energy-efficient windows. There are also some places that give low-interest loans to homeowners who invest in more efficient windows. Check with your local window contractors and distributors to see whether any incentives or rebates are available.
How Much Energy Do Energy Efficient Windows Save?
Leaky, old windows on your house are almost certainly not saving you money on your utility bills. Single pane glass just can’t compare energywise to double-pane energy-efficient windows. In fact, the Department of Energy claims that replacing windows with new windows with higher Energy Star ratings may save you up to $125 to $465 each year.
Throughout the year, homeowners who put Energy Star windows in save an average of 12% on their utility bills. That implies that a client who spends $200 per month or $2400 every year would save around $24 each month—or roughly $288 every year.
Depending on the kind of windows you are replacing, as well as the climate in your region, your savings could be more. In fact, studies from Energy Star have shown that installing double-pane windows rather than single-pane ones can save you anywhere from 21% to 31 percent on heating and cooling bills.
What Types Of Windows Are There?
Fixed Windows
Fixed picture windows are not operational for opening and closing. Although, they are good because there is no seal to break on them, which is something that other window types cannot guarantee.
Fixed windows are ideal for rooms that do not require ventilation. Or in window pairings with hinged or sliding windows.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are probably the most common type of window. They resemble two fixed windows in one frame, with one panel operating in a sliding motion which allows you to open and close it for ventilation.
Hinged Windows
Hinged windows are built for ventilation. They open outward on a hinge with the twist of a crank or the push of your hand. This style has lower air leakage levels than sliding glass windows or doors. A single sash of a hinged window pushes strongly against the frame when closed, while sliding windows have two sashes that overlap somewhat.
What Types Of Energy Efficient Windows Are There?
Energy efficient windows come in all the above listed styles. Below we have listed the different types.
ENERGY STAR® Windows
Every window is labeled with energy performance ratings developed by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and based on NFRC testing. In addition, only the most energy-efficient windows earn the ENERGY STAR blue sticker.
Insulated Windows
For ages, a single pane of glass has served as the standard. Then, in the 20th century, something revolutionary occurred. Adding another pane of glass was discovered to improve insulation. NFRC defines it as lowering both the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SGHC) for improved energy efficiency.
Many of today’s windows have three panes of glass, and they also have insulation. So the window has two more layers of insulation than a window with one pane. That means that these windows can be more efficient than older, single pane windows.
Low-E Windows
Modern window innovations have been applied to the outside of the glass as well. Low emissivity coatings on the glass, often known as Low-E glass, aid in thermal efficiency. The low-E glass absorbs both ultraviolet and infrared rays while allowing visible light to pass through.
Infrared radiation is linked to heat energy. Low-E windows help deflect the heat from the sun from entering your home by eliminating infrared light. There’s a clear advantage in keeping the sun and warmth out in the summer, but Low-E glass has an opposite effect as well. It may also help to reflect heat back into your house in the cold, helping to reduce heat loss and maintain efficiency.
Lifestyle Series Windows
It’s no surprise that Pella® Lifestyle Series windows have some of the same characteristics as those above to earn the title of some of the Most Efficient ENERGY STAR certified goods for 2020. They were created with end-user needs in mind, and one of the most significant elements was energy efficiency.
How Can You Tell If Your Windows Need To Be Replaced?
- You hear a lot of outside noise. If your windows don’t offer adequate sound insulation, they may be outdated, not properly sealed, or badly constructed to start with.
- You feel a draft, even when your windows are closed. Do you notice a breeze through your windows when they’re shut? If there is, it’s possible that there are a number of problems, including shoddy installation, faulty seals, and more. A drafty window can considerably alter the temperature of your house, necessitating that your HVAC system works harder to keep up with the changing temperatures.
- Window frames are chipped, soft, or water damaged. If your window frames are fragile or chipped, it’s probably time to consider replacements. Window frames that are soft indicate deterioration and moisture penetration. If they haven’t already, the frame may start drooping.
- Difficulty opening, closing, and locking windows. Windows that were not installed correctly are prone to balance difficulties, making it difficult to open and shut them. Windows that are rusted or decayed may also be hard to use. After some time, you might not be able to lock your windows all the way or they could get stuck in an open position.
- Condensation build-up between glass layers or cracked window glass. If you see that your windows are frosting in the middle of the layers of glass, it means that your seals have failed. If the seals are broken the gas will leak out and make the window much less energy efficient. Cracked window glass allows air to leak in and out of your window.
How Long Should Windows Last?
In general, if you buy from a reputable manufacturer and have them installed by experts, you can expect quality windows to last around 20-25 years. They might last even longer if you maintain them properly. If you’re planning on installing new windows it can be wise to pay attention to warranty coverage. Some brands may offer a 15 to 20 year warranty while other brands do not extend their warranties beyond 5, 7, or 15 years.
Conclusion
If you are pondering how to save money on your utility bills, then it may be time to look into the many energy-efficient windows available. One-third of the heating and air conditioning costs spent in a home goes right out the window–literally! With a lot of new innovations being applied to windows, energy loss should no longer be an issue. You can have comfort knowing that when professionals install these windows, they will help keep your house warmer in winter and cooler during the summer months without having to pay outrageous utility costs.