It’s fair to question how much you can expect to save on an energy bill with the most efficient windows. The benefits of high-efficiency windows outweigh the cost, making the investment worth it. Yet, there are many factors to determine the amount of energy savings you’ll see once you upgrade.
Changing the old windows in your home to energy-efficient windows saves you a significant amount. You will save on your energy bills and could even raise the value of your home. Want to know exactly how much?
Find out how to lower your utility bills here!
Type of Window (Before and After)
If you’ve needed to ask yourself, “How much do energy-efficient windows save?”, you wouldn’t be alone. The average homeowner hears about ways to lower their utility bills. Mortgages are often fixed bills that you can’t change.
However, most efficient windows change your utility bills. That is because of the material used in the frames of the windows. It also depends on the window installation methods.
Most of the savings on cooling and heating depends on a few things. One is the difference between the energy-saving characteristics of your old and new windows. Do a thorough inspection of your current windows first.
For instance, if you have an old aluminum single-pane window, your bills could be high. Those windows do not insulate a home very well and are more common in humid cities. By upgrading to gas-filled, double-pane windows with a non-conductive frame, you’ll save plenty.
Yet, if you upgrade after already having double-pane vinyl windows, you’ll still save. But you will not save that much in the long run.
Architectural and Landscaping Considerations
Most efficient windows can control how light and heat enters your house. Energy-efficient windows will reduce your heating and cooling costs depending on where in your house they are located. This ultimately determines how much efficient windows save you.
If your windows are on the west side of your home, for example, upgrading your windows will make it more comfortable when the sun is setting. In comparison, if you have a deck or porch with a patio cover, replacement windows will have less of an impact. You should analyze the needs of your home to best determine the best energy-efficient windows to own.
How Most Efficient Windows Work
There are several factors contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the windows. If your windows are old, then they most likely have aluminum frames. The issue with those is that aluminum allows hot and cold air to easily flow through from one side to another.
Most old windows have a single pane of glass that allows heat from your home to slip out during the cooler months. Similarly, they also fail at keeping your air conditioning inside during the summer. Energy-efficient windows will have two or more panes to nestle your home.
In-between these glass panes, high-efficiency windows can insert gas such as krypton or argon. Since these are denser than air, they limit the amount of transferrable air in and out of your house. Most efficient windows have a low-emissivity glass is like sunscreen for your home.
Window replacement energy savings start with how your windows are installed. Even if you buy the most expensive windows, they need to be properly installed to save you money. Always have a professional to install your energy-efficient windows.
How Much Can Energy-Efficient Windows Save You?
The U.S Department of Energy predicts that efficient windows save you between $126 to $465 a year.
Do you already have double-pane windows? You can still reap the benefits and savings by swapping them out with energy-efficient ones. Expect a lot fewer savings, however, and plan to only save $27 to $111 a year.
Where you live also makes a difference.
The average savings can leap up to $250 in warmer states. In colder regions, residents can expect around $150 of savings from most efficient windows.
How much do energy-efficient windows cost to install? The average replacement can run you up to $150 per window. Yet, depending on how many you need to replace, you could see savings after one year or two.
What Are Other Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows?
Most efficient windows are incredible at reducing noise pollution. A homeowner can notice a significant difference in exterior noise. Once IGUs are installed, any outside noise becomes muted and much more pleasant in the home.
Low-e coatings on high-efficiency windows can also help reduce sun damage. You can protect your carpets, furniture, and even personal items like photos significantly.
You can also expect the value of your home to increase after installing high-efficiency windows. When it comes time to sell your home, efficient windows save you the hassle of negotiating the value. Having these windows installed should increase the purchase price of your home.
The Bottom Line
The key takeaway is that high-efficiency windows are a great investment to have.
When used with other energy-saving investments like air sealing and insulation, you’ll save loads. Even if you have double-pane windows installed in your house, upgrading will still increase your cost-to-value benefits.
Every home has a unique energy profile. Most efficient windows make a big difference in your home both with your utility bills and your home’s value. Your next home energy audit, expect to see significant differences.
Ready for a more comfortable and quieter home? Have energy efficient windows installed today! Speak to one of our experts on what your greatest options are.
