Home window replacement may seem like a costly and unpleasant endeavor, but when you consider how the long-term savings on heating and cooling will offset the window replacement cost, it makes it seem like a more advantageous decision. In fact, installing new windows is one of the most energy-conscious and financially responsible decisions you can make for your home. Here are tips for what to looking for when installing new windows.
- Look for the Energy Star label.
- Check with local utilities to see what rebates or other incentives are available for window replacement.
- Choose high-performance windows that have at least two panes and a low-e coating.
- Choose a low U-factor for better insulation in colder climates. The U-factor is the rate at which a window, door, or skylight conducts non-solar heat flow.
- Look for a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) — this is a measure of solar radiation admitted through a window, door, or skylight. Low SHGCs reduce heat gain in warm climates.
- Select windows with both U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings in temperate climates with both cold and hot seasons.
- Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass U-factors and SHGCs. Whole-unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product.
- Have your windows installed by professional replacement window installers according to manufacturer’s instructions; otherwise, your warranty may be void.
Installing new windows will not only save you on energy costs, but it will also increase the value of your home by almost $8,000. When home buyers are looking to invest in a new home, they are looking ahead to any work they will have to do on the home themselves. They are not going to want to have to put in the time and the cost of new windows installed, so a new set of windows will certainly be a major plus.