Being a homeowner is a huge responsibility. In fact, many homeowners don’t know that replacing their windows could save them money. Homeowners can benefit from savings through getting new energy-efficient windows. Getting new windows doesn’t seem like it could help you save, but you may be in for a surprise.

What are Energy-Efficient Windows?

A window can be energy efficient through a variety of factors. Factors that go into their energy efficiency are:

• Frames
• Panes
• Glass
• Installation

Frames

Older windows generally have aluminum frames. Unfortunately this material isn’t the best choice for frames since it easily allows hot and cold air to pass from one side to the other. A more energy efficient frame would be made out of materials like vinyl or fiberglass. These materials are better for insulation since it’s harder for heat to move through them.

Panes

A majority of older windows also have only a single pane of glass. Using one pane can make it easier for heat in your home to leave during the colder seasons. They also aren’t super efficient at keeping the cool air in during the summer either. On the other hand, energy-efficient windows will have more than one pane. They may have 2 or even 3 panes to better insulate your home!

Glass

Energy-efficient windows make use of the technology today. Instead of just relying on one material for the window, they can add additional glass in there made out of materials like argon or krypton. These materials are useful to windows because they reduce the amount of air that flows in and out of your home. Materials like argon and krypton can do this because they are more dense than the air around them!

Installation

Many people don’t realize that even how windows are installed plays into how energy efficient they are. Even if you get a top of the line energy efficient window, they must be installed properly to see the benefits. A helpful tip that you may want to keep in mind is that if you want to replace your windows with new ones, it would be best to find a skilled replacement window company that has their own installation team.

How Can Energy-Efficient Windows Help You Save?

Energy Star is a program of both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). According to Energy Star, a typical home could save up to $583 a year if they replace their existing windows with energy efficient ones! Homeowners whose existing windows are single-pane will be the ones to see the most savings.

Other Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

While the savings that a homeowner can get from energy-efficient windows is a huge advantage, there are some other benefits to be aware of as well. When you replace your windows with energy-efficient ones, you will also notice less noise coming into your home from outside. You may also see that you are able to reduce sun damage on your belongings and see the value price of your home increase!

What Energy-Efficient Windows Should You Get?

There are a variety of different window options available on the market. In order to pick the window that you should get, you can follow some tips. DOE provided some helpful tips to homeowners who are looking to  find the right energy-efficient window to get:

• Make sure the windows have ENERGY STAR and National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) labels
• If you live in a colder climate, look for windows that have coatings to reduce heat gain. Heat gain refers to how heat gets transferred into your home. This can be due to a variety of sources.
• Consider the U-factor. The U-factor is the rate that a window conducts (non-solar) heat. Those in colder climates will want a low U-factor.
• Consider a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) if you live in a warmer climate. The SHGC is a measurement of the solar radiation that is admitted through a window. If you get a low SHGC then it will reduce heat gain!
• If you want to maximize savings (and live in a temperate climate with both hot and cold seasons) then find windows with both a low U-factor and low SHGC.

These are just some tips that may be able to help. However, understanding windows can be difficult, especially if you are new to the entire process. There are free information sources online that can help. You may also benefit from getting in touch with a window professional.

Assistance for Window Replacement

If you are interested in replacing your windows but can’t deal with the cost then there may be some assistance options that you can consider. Individuals who want to replace their windows may be able to use programs like:

• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
• Section 504 Home Repair Program
• Non-Profit Organizations

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Low-income families that want to make their home more energy efficient (which in turn reduces their energy bills) can benefit from WAP. DOE provides funds to states and other entities which can then manage the administration of the program. Every state is different in terms of how this program can help. However, some people may see that WAP can make home more energy efficient through:

• Repairing or replacing windows, doors, etc.
• Attic insulation
• Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV)

Section 504 Home Repair Program

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) can help eligible low income homeowners. They can do this through either providing loans or grants. Loans given to eligible recipients can be used to repair, improve, or modernize their homes while grants can be used towards removing health and safety hazards. The maximum loan amount that people can receive is $20,000 and the maximum grant amount is $7,500. Luckily, both loans and grants can be combined which means a total of  up to $27,500 in assistance! Program eligibility varies by state so you will need to get more details based on where you live.

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations vary by locality but may be able to help people who want to replace their windows. There may be available assistance opportunities that can assist individuals who want to replace their windows with energy-efficient ones. If you are curious to see if there are any non-profit organizations near you that can help then you will want to review local options nearby.

Commonly Asked Questions

After reading this article, you may have some questions! Hopefully we can provide some additional information that may be able to help.

What is the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)?

The NFRC is a non-profit organization that details the energy performance ratings for windows, doors, and skylights. This can help consumers easily compare products and make more educated decisions when they are going through the process.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace Your Windows?

The cost of replacing your old windows with energy-efficient ones depends on a bunch of factors like the style, design, installation, etc. You can generally expect the replacement to cost between $300 to $1,000 per window.

How Much Value Can Window Replacement Add to Your Home?

The value that window replacement would have on your home depends on a bunch of factors as well. However, homeowners can roughly expect to see a 74% return on investment from just the home value increase alone. For example, if window replacement cost $15,000 then the value of a home could increase by roughly $11,000.

Overall

Homeowners can benefit from replacing their windows in a number of ways! Not only could they see savings of up to $583 a year, but they could also see that there is less noise, better sun protection for valuables, and even an increase in their property value. Replacing your windows is a home improvement project that will generally be worth your time and can benefit you in the long run.