Energy-Efficient Windows Replacement: Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Home

Table of Contents

• What Are Energy-Efficient Windows?
• Benefits of Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Windows
• Important clauses to consider
• Cost Considerations and Incentives
• Selecting the Right Window Type
• Installation Best Practices
• Ongoing Maintenance of Your Energy-Efficient Windows
• Conclusion

Improving the comfort of your home and decreasing your energy costs begins with the right upgrades, and you can’t get better than replacing outdated windows. Energy-efficient window replacements not only make your home more modern inside and out, but they can also be evaluated for real savings seasonally. If you plan to have your windows replaced, understanding window technology and how professional window installation Oklahoma City works will enable you to make an informed investment.

Newer energy-efficient windows utilize innovative materials to control and monitor the flow of heat, which is connected to energy use and comfort efficiency. The information contained within this guide is intended to summarize important information to know about replacement windows, desirable features in them, and incentives available to make your upgrade cost-effective. High-performance windows can help negate drafts and comfort issues, as well as decrease energy costs since 25%-30% of residential energy usage can be associated with wasted heat loss from windows! The selection of the right windows can help eliminate wasted energy as well as improve the interior quality conditions that make your home a more comfortable place to live. This guide includes information to consider when selecting windows, installing them, and maintaining them to get the most return from them.

What Are Energy-Efficient Windows?

Energy-efficient windows are windows that are built specifically to help hinder the transfer of heat, granting a more comfortable situation inside when faced with extreme outdoor climates. Energy-efficient windows typically have varying glass panes, insulating gas fill space, and coating mechanisms to prevent ultraviolet and infrared rays from entering the home while allowing for natural sunlight as well. The engineering behind these windows creates less strain on your air conditioning and heating systems, which correlates to lower monthly bills while increasing the longevity of your HVAC systems. If you want to read further about window energy ratings and innovations, feel free to check out the Department of Energy’s resources.

Benefits of Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Windows

• Lower Your Energy Bills: Your heating and cooling bills in the winter and summer can be reduced by as much as 12% on average with energy-efficient windows. They maintain indoor comfort by reducing the heat loss in the winter and the heat gain in the summer.
• Increased year-round Comfort: Energy-efficient windows provide enhanced insulation which achieves more uniform temperatures indoors by eliminating cold spots and overheated areas around the windows.
• Reduction of sun damage: Low-E coatings in energy-efficient windows protect your homes furniture, flooring, and artwork from damaging UV rays that lead to fading.
• Noise control: A distance between the two or three glazed layers of an energy-efficient window will minimize exterior noise – a benefit to homeowners in urban and suburban locations seeking some peace and quiet.

For consumers looking to buy windows, the Consumer Reports guide to window buying has even more energy savings benefits for energy star-rated windows, including sound, comfort, and sustainability.

Important clauses to consider

When looking at window options, here are some of the important clauses to evaluate:

• Frame materials- If you are not immediately sold on buying a window, some of the frame materials might require more maintenance than others, like wood (although traditionally beautiful and well-insulated) or vinyl (low-maintenance and inexpensive). Maybe you want a window made from fiberglass or composites to be aesthetically pleasing but energy-saving too.
• Glazing options- A frame with double or triple pane glass with argon or krypton gas between the glazing creates a thermal barrier that outperforms standard single-pane windows.
• Low-E Coatings- This invisible metallic layer in energy-efficient windows reflects infrared energy to keep heat either in or out depending on the time of year.
•  Performance Ratings: Look for low U-Factor (for insulation) and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient that is suitable for your climate. Windows rated and tested by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) will ensure transparency and comparability between products and brands (meaning different window products will have the same conditions to compare energy performance). Rated windows may create consistency in reliability.

Cost Considerations and Incentives

For energy-efficient window replacement, there is an upfront investment to consider however it tends to pay in the way of energy savings as well as home appreciation. Prices vary due to materials, size, and customization. Many homeowners should look for the following opportunities to offset costs:

• Federal Tax Credits: tax credits up to 30% of the cost of installing ENERGY STAR certified windows in your principal residence annually (limited to $600).
• Local water and utility provider rebates: often times a rebate for upgrading or replacing windows may be available through your water or utility provider, and it is suggested you contact them to find out what rebates are available in your area.

Before starting any eligible project, you should also check the IRS’s guidelines on energy efficiency tax credits – sometimes it makes sense to take advantage of various tax credits as part of savings consideration.

Selecting the Right Window Type

The type of window you select will affect not only the aesthetic look of your home, but also the functionality of each space. Here are a few standard window types to consider: 

• Double-hung: both panes move up and down, allowing for ventilating options and easy cleaning. 
• Casement windows are typically hinged at the sides and crank open outward, allowing for excellent airflow as well as a tight sealing mechanism to close. 
• Sliding: these windows allow for wide views of the outdoors and may be best where space is an issue, as they open without protruding outside over the exterior area.
• Fixed: these windows are fixed in place and provide for letting light in as well as insulating, and may be most suitable for spaces that do not require ventilation.

Installation Best Practices

Even the most sophisticated windows require expert installation to deliver performance as advertised. To ensure performance over the long term, you should: 

• Hire Qualified installers – install the window into a home local companies that have had customer reviews/experience in your local market. Window installers that understand frames, air and water seals can be the difference between well-sealed windows and those that have issues with drafts, air and water leaks, insulation, operation issues, etc.
• Seal it Upright: Use good weatherstripping, caulking and insulation to help ensure your window’s capable insulation does not go to waste.
• Code Requirements: Adhering to local building code will ensure the safety of your space and may even help you be eligible for the above-mentioned rebates for any energy-efficient upgrades to your home.

Ongoing Maintenance of Your Energy-Efficient Windows

• Regular Routine Cleaning: If windows are not regularly cleaned, a buildup of dirt and debris will decrease the clarity of the light and interfere with the efficient operation of the window. Create a schedule to intermittently wipe down the frames, windows and screens without delays.
• Two or more inspections per year: Look for possible seal failures, window fogging between panes or frames to check the visibility of any wall material that creates window frames, checking frames or gaps of any kind. 
• Timeliness Repairs: If your window shows cracks or gaps that generate less energy efficiency, prioritize your repairs as soon as possible. 

Conclusion

Energy-efficient window replacement is one of the best value home improvements available.  By choosing the appropriate windows, with the needed styles, materials and qualified installations you will improve the performance, comfort and increased value of your home. The opportunity to gain incentives and rebates can make the process more possible, while maintenance offers upkeep. In regard to energy efficiencies, you will have a more sustainable, comfortable, and affordable home living environment to enjoy in the long term.  Get on board with compliments to your home and enjoy the ride to energy efficiencies ahead!