Energy Efficient Windows: A Key Way to Save on Your Energy Bill

At Powervine Energy, we understand energy – both how it comes into your home and how it leaves. We strive to provide our extended family of customers with energy smarts: helpful information on how to conserve energy and reduce usage to help reduce your energy bills.

Windows play a huge role in your energy usage. In fact, an average home loses up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy through air leaks around windows and doors. And, depending on the age of your windows, you could be losing even more without even noticing it.

Replacing windows can be a large investment, so it must be done with care. Another option is to improve your existing windows. Even modest improvements can help you achieve surprising savings. To help navigate this complex home improvement project, we’ve created this article to help you decide which energy saving option is the best for you.

Replacing windows or improving older windows in your home can be one of the most effective ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency. The right energy-efficient windows can serve you well year-round and significantly reduce your utility bills – whether while heating your home in the cold months or cooling your home in warm ones.

Let’s take a look at the two options available to you: upgrading your existing windows and installing new windows.

Installing new windows

There are several things to consider when it comes to replacing your current windows with more energy-efficient options. The first is making sure your new windows contain an ENERGY STAR® label as evidence that they have been reviewed by The National Fenestration Rating Council as having energy-efficient properties.

A second consideration is replacing any single-paned windows with double-paned models that contain high-performance, cost-effective glass. These double-paned models may be more of an initial investment, but can return significantly more savings over the years.

If you are considering window replacement, here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• Different models of energy-efficient windows have specific factors and ratings (e.g., U factor, SHGC, and Low-E) that determine how much they can reduce your monthly energy bills, so choosing a higher-quality window can help you enjoy the most savings over the life of your investment.
  
• Choosing high-quality windows and having them installed by a well-qualified and experienced professional can give you the most savings on future energy bills.
  
• Installing energy-efficient windows is also one of the best ways to keep your home more comfortable year round and preserve its future resale value.
  

Upgrading your existing windows

If you’re not ready for full-on replacement, here are a few options to help you save money by increasing the energy efficiency of your current windows:

Check for Air Leaks

• On a windy day, carefully hold a lit incense stick or a smoke pen next to your windows and doors. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have officially located an air leak.
  

DIY Restoration

• If you happen to find any air leaks, there’s no need to panic. If you’re handy when it comes to home improvement (or know someone who is), you can fix any holes or damage you find in or around your windows with some basic DIY restoration. The most common area to address is a rotting windowsill that lets excessive drafts into your home.
  

Window Insulation Kits

• These kits allow you to temporarily apply a clear plastic film that covers windows and doors. This is a quick, simple, and very affordable way to seal your windows for additional insulation. Window insulation kits are widely available at most big-box stores that sell home improvement supplies.
  

Add Some Shade

• Open your drapes and shades on the south-facing windows in your home during the day to allow more sunlight and heat to enter your home. Similarly, close the drapes and shades at night to reduce the chill from cold windows. Cellular shades are the most energy-efficient shading option for keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
  

Install Storm Windows

• If your current windows allow for storm windows, you could simply install exterior storm windows if you want to avoid full-scale replacement. This will both cut down on your energy costs and make your home more energy efficient going forward.
  

Add Tinting

• You can easily prevent heat from coming in during the summer months by adding tinted film to your windows. This is most useful on south-facing windows, which collect the most sunlight.
  

When it comes to making the windows in your home more energy efficient, remember that you always have plenty of options. Whether that involves investing in completely new windows throughout your home or simply taking steps to improve your current setup, rest assured that there is always a solution that can fit perfectly with your needs and your budget.

Whether you decide on total replacement windows or just improving your current windows, we hope the tips in this article will help guide you to the best option for improving the energy efficiency of your windows and enjoying significant energy savings for many years to come!