Do you want a more energy-efficient home?
You can go for a whole-house systems approach or you can go for the easy route. That means following energy-saving tips that don’t involve a lot of investment.
For example, you can replace old appliances with newer ones that have EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) Energy Star label. You can also switch incandescent light bulbs with LED lights. And you can use fans instead of air conditioning during summer.
Now, at this point, you may be wondering, “What about the most energy efficient windows?” We understand that it’s an energy-saving solution that requires a bit of an investment. But the question is, are they worth it?
Let’s talk about what exactly you’re getting with energy-efficient windows and your expected yearly savings.
We talked about how new windows are energy-efficient in a previous post. But what does that mean?
You know how heat transfer affects your energy bill. That’s why when choosing insulation, for example, you go for the material that keeps heat inside during winter and vice versa in the summertime.
It’s the same principle at work with energy-efficient windows. But the best ones don’t just keep your house comfortable no matter the season. They also look good and of course, they offer huge energy savings.
Energy saving windows cost anywhere from $120 to $1,200. And those prices don’t include labor.
Why such a wide range, you ask. Well, there are factors that may drive up the price of your new energy-efficient windows.
The type of frame chosen (vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, etc.) is one. Vinyl frames are less expensive than wood-clad ones. But some homeowners don’t like how vinyl looks on their home.
The number of panes is also a factor. For windows to be energy-efficient they have to have at least two panes. If you opt for triple-paned windows, of course, you’ll pay more.
As with most things, the higher the price, the better the performance. But you don’t always need to pay top dollar for energy-efficient windows. An expert can help you decide on these matters while taking into account your budget.
According to Energy Star, energy-efficient single-pane windows can save you anywhere from $126 to $465 per year. You may think that’s not a lot. But your savings could go higher depending on where you live (rebates) and where your new windows are installed.
Plus, you could tack on an extra $10,000 or more to your selling price if you do decide to list your property. That’s because energy-efficient windows add to the property value of your house.
We can help. We are a certified dealer for Milgard windows, an Energy Star partner.
Contact us so we can discuss the most energy efficient windows for your home in detail. And feel free to view our gallery to get a glimpse of what we can do for you.