When planning your next home improvement this season, why not take a closer look at your existing windows? They are more than just openings that let air and light inside your home–they are also essential components that contribute greatly to its aesthetics, comfort, and (most importantly) energy efficiency. If your windows are already showing signs of extensive damage, you should consider investing in a prompt replacement.
However, this home improvement project is a huge deal. It requires good timing–you’ll want to get the most out of your window’s service life, but not before they start to compromise your home’s form and function.
Signs You Need Window Replacement
So when should you get a window replacement? Here are the warning signs you should watch for:
- Damaged framing material. Sometimes, window repair just won’t cut it anymore. If your units have rotting, cracked, or warped frames and sashes, it might be time to replace them.
- Broken glass. Aside from being a hazard to safety and security, windows with broken glass are one of the top causes of significant energy loss.
- Inoperable windows. Your windows should allow for smooth and worry-free operation. When they are constantly sticking or jamming, the problem may not lie with old and rusty hardware but may be due to balance issues or damage to framing material.
- Condensation between panes. Condensation forms due to the temperature difference between a home’s indoor and outdoor environment and finds its way between panes as window seals have failed.
- Faulty insulation. This reduces your window’s ability to keep heat inside your home while allowing drafts to enter more easily. Faulty window insulation also results in greater noise transfer.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows
Investing in energy-efficient windows can deal with the abovementioned signs, plus provide a whole slew of other advantages. In fact:
- They offer improved insulation
New windows, especially ones that meet energy performance ratings, have more durable seals. They prevent air leakage, which can compromise your home’s thermal stability. By eliminating “hot” and “cold” spots, these windows allow for consistent indoor temperature. Of course, better insulation is also closely tied to the window’s style. The more effective choices include:
- Picture windows. Because they are fixed windows, picture windows have the most airtight seals around.
- Casement windows. As the second-most airtight window style, casement windows work by having sashes tightly press against the frame when closed, effectively keeping air leakage at bay.
- They save you money
Energy-efficient windows stabilize your home’s indoor temperature, reducing the load on your HVAC system. This prevents unnecessarily high energy consumption, letting you save money on utility bills. In fact, when you replace an old, single-pane window with a more energy-efficient, multi-paned unit, you can enjoy up to $583 on energy savings. Here are some window styles that can help you achieve this:
- Double hung windows. You can open both sashes at the same time, allowing cooler, fresher air inside your home through the bottom while expelling warm, stale air from the top. With the superior natural ventilation they can provide, you can enjoy lower cooling costs.
- Casement windows. Like double hung, these windows can help cool your rooms naturally. All you need to do is open them wide or place them at an angle to direct breezes into your home.
Did you know that energy-efficient windows also contribute to the environment? By reducing energy usage, they also help lower up to 6,205 lbs of carbon dioxide emission, which is equivalent to 51 to 317 gallons of gasoline saved.
- They let you enjoy more natural light
Most energy-efficient windows come with advanced glass coatings, filtering out the amount of heat that accompanies natural light. This means you can enjoy letting in a lot of sunlight while still maintaining a pleasant indoor environment. If you’re planning a window installation, make sure that your replacement units come with a low-emissivity glass coating. Aside from preventing heat transfer, it also blocks UV light, protecting your interior from sun-related fading.
- They ensure your comfort
Because they keep air leakage to a minimum, energy-efficient windows allow you to experience comfortable conditions inside your home at all times. This means you get to stay warm during the winter and cooler in the summer without effort.
How Do You Know You’re Investing in Energy-Efficient Replacement Windows?
As mentioned, window replacement is a huge investment. You need to make sure your choice of new units excel at energy performance. Fortunately, all you need to do is look for the ENERGY STAR label on them. This means the replacement window you are interested in has met stringent energy ratings set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Just remember that exact window performance will vary on the area’s climate and your home’s individual characteristics.
Make the most of your window replacement project by investing in energy-efficient options. This way, you can enjoy a more thermally comfortable home minus the high energy costs. Call a premier window company near you today to get started!
Author Bio:
Nick Peterson works as the marketing manager for Renewal by Andersen locations in Houston, St. Louis and Kansas City. Passionate about helping homeowners maximize their home’s beauty, comfort, and energy efficiency, he shares how Renewal by Andersen’s superior quality replacement windows and doors can help. Catch more of Nick’s updates through the company blog.
