Replace your old windows and save energy
Windows, especially the old single paned ones are big energy wasters. This substantially increases the heating and cooling costs. You realize your windows are very old, drafty and make your home uncomfortable. Your energy bills are increasing too. What should you do?
Replacing older windows with energy efficient windows is the best solution for this. It is an expensive project, but it will save you money later by reducing the energy use by almost 30 percent. For windows not too old, adding insulation, proper air sealing and weather stripping along with window treatments can make them energy efficient. However it is best to replace windows which are around 15 years old. Any other repair would prove to be a temporary fix.
The best way to go about this to get a home energy audit done from a certified person, to find out how much of energy is lost in your home and what the causes are. Though windows are almost like thermal holes, taking a whole home approach would help you rectify all the sources of energy loss and make your home energy efficient. Follow the recommendations and suggestions given by the auditor and make upgrades wisely.
Once you have decided to replace the windows, choosing the right window is the next step. Replacement windows are available in many sizes, shapes and styles to suit the architecture of your home. Some companies even custom manufacture windows for you. Windows made of wood, vinyl or fiber glass are good energy savers. The modern windows are double or triple pane and argon enhanced to improve their energy efficiency. They also reduce sound transmission making your home quieter. With advancement in glass technology, energy efficient windows come with special low e coating glass. It lets in a lot of light in but eliminates the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun which damage the furnishings inside your home. It also reduces the glare of the sunlight entering your home. The glass helps to control the heat coming in and leaving your home. It keeps the heat out in summer, making your home cooler and keeps the heat in during winter making your home warmer. This not only makes your home comfortable all through the year, but cuts down your heating and cooling expenses. Lighting expenses can also be reduced as you have natural lighting through the day.
Energy efficient windows also come with good insulation and are airtight, preventing any air leakage or infiltration. However it is important that they are installed properly preferably by professionals.
To be sure of the energy efficiency, buy Energy Star rated windows with certification from NFRC. Look for companies which provide such windows and get estimates from 2 or 3 companies. If you read reviews of reputed window manufacturers like Champion Window, you can be assured of better performance and service as most customers write about it. All you have to do is to call them for a free consultation. They will provide all the help you need, right from choosing the right style window to proper installation of the windows.
So what are you waiting for? Replace your old windows with energy efficient ones and save energy. Contribute your bit in saving the environment .
Replacing older windows with energy efficient windows is the best solution for this. It is an expensive project, but it will save you money later by reducing the energy use by almost 30 percent. For windows not too old, adding insulation, proper air sealing and weather stripping along with window treatments can make them energy efficient. However it is best to replace windows which are around 15 years old. Any other repair would prove to be a temporary fix.
The best way to go about this to get a home energy audit done from a certified person, to find out how much of energy is lost in your home and what the causes are. Though windows are almost like thermal holes, taking a whole home approach would help you rectify all the sources of energy loss and make your home energy efficient. Follow the recommendations and suggestions given by the auditor and make upgrades wisely.
Once you have decided to replace the windows, choosing the right window is the next step. Replacement windows are available in many sizes, shapes and styles to suit the architecture of your home. Some companies even custom manufacture windows for you. Windows made of wood, vinyl or fiber glass are good energy savers. The modern windows are double or triple pane and argon enhanced to improve their energy efficiency. They also reduce sound transmission making your home quieter. With advancement in glass technology, energy efficient windows come with special low e coating glass. It lets in a lot of light in but eliminates the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun which damage the furnishings inside your home. It also reduces the glare of the sunlight entering your home. The glass helps to control the heat coming in and leaving your home. It keeps the heat out in summer, making your home cooler and keeps the heat in during winter making your home warmer. This not only makes your home comfortable all through the year, but cuts down your heating and cooling expenses. Lighting expenses can also be reduced as you have natural lighting through the day.
Energy efficient windows also come with good insulation and are airtight, preventing any air leakage or infiltration. However it is important that they are installed properly preferably by professionals.
To be sure of the energy efficiency, buy Energy Star rated windows with certification from NFRC. Look for companies which provide such windows and get estimates from 2 or 3 companies. If you read reviews of reputed window manufacturers like Champion Window, you can be assured of better performance and service as most customers write about it. All you have to do is to call them for a free consultation. They will provide all the help you need, right from choosing the right style window to proper installation of the windows.
So what are you waiting for? Replace your old windows with energy efficient ones and save energy. Contribute your bit in saving the environment .
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