What You Should Know Before Replacing Windows
Bad insulation can cause drafts and or heat. Bad windows can cost you a lot of money each year. You have two broad options to reduce the amount of energy lost through your windows. You can update or replace windows to improve efficiency. Energy efficient windows are important to consider for both new and existing homes. According to a recent survey, almost two-thirds of homeowners are planning on renovating.
When windows are high quality and properly maintained, they can last 20 years or longer, depending on the material. If they are drafty and let air escape, you can increase your energy bills by 10 to 25%. Dual-paned windows are about two times as effective at retaining heat and air conditioning compared to single-paned ones. You can even get triple-paned to maximize the efficiency of your home.
Replacement and Energy Efficiency
Windows replacement, on average, costs between $300 and $700 per window. They basically pay for themselves with their energy efficiency and quality products will get your investment back. According to the National Association of Realtors, homeowners who replace their residential windows can get back 80% of their investment. Instead of thinking of it as draining your account, consider the savings that you will receive. Windows are one aspect of a house’s insulation. Each window installation project is different, the resulting savings will be different for each.
According to the Department of Energy, 45% of the average energy bill goes toward heating. For about half of the Americans who use natural gas for heat, the average cost was $649. In general, you’ll save up to 15% a year on your energy bill if double-pane windows are replaced with energy-efficient home windows with low-E coatings, according to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, a coalition of government agencies, research organizations, and manufacturers that promotes efficient technology.
Look for the ENERGY STAR label on windows. NFRC ratings are included on all ENERGY STAR certified windows and provide a way to determine a window’s energy properties. Only the best performing windows will have the ENERGY STAR® approval by the U.S. Department of Energy for outstanding energy efficiency.
How To Tell If Your Windows Need Replacing
If aren’t sure if you need replacements, consider contacting a professional. If you prefer to do things yourself, you should sit this one out. Window replacement is not a recommended DIY project. You may not be able to replace them yourself but here are a few ways to know when your windows need to be replaced.
- You can feel a draft of cold air in the winter or you feel heat when standing near your windows in the summer
- Peeling paint around the exterior
- Visible cracking in the panes or casing
- Condensation on the windows or between the window panes
- Not opening and closing properly
- Design
- Energy use
- Warranties
- Installation
If you decide on replacements, you will have several options about the type of windows you’ll purchase and the type of replacement you’ll make. You may have to replace the old frame or you have the option of replacing the windows in their existing frame. There are options for ventilation and there are options for extreme weather or natural lighting. It’s best to determine beforehand the area that you’re planning to install them. Speaking to a professional can help make these decisions easier.
You want to make sure you buy products from a licensed dealer. You should search and compare pricing from a variety of companies and brands. You want a company that has its own installation crews so that the company is responsible from the purchase to the install. Reputable brands are always good to work with for commercial and residential options. Also ask for referrals from friends and neighbors.
Other factors to consider before replacement:
Windows can change the whole look of your home. From triangular and swinging to stained, windows can dramatically change each look. If you’re considering replacement windows, don’t fear the price because you’ll get it back. Work with a professional and invest in to your home while saving money and changing the dynamics of your space.
