Many homeowners today are seeking out ways to make their homes more energy-efficient. New energy efficient windows installation is a great way to optimize the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling systems. In addition to helping keep your home’s living spaces at a comfortable temperature, new windows will make your monthly energy bills more affordable.
You can maximize the benefits of window installation by choosing energy-efficient windows. There are many options available when it comes to eco-friendly windows, which we’ll cover below.
Why Choose Energy Efficient Windows?
Energy Savings
Energy efficient windows are a smart choice for homeowners all across the U.S. For both new homes and homes that have long been established, energy-efficient windows are capable of significantly reducing home energy costs. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save from $126 to $465 per year by simply installing double-pane windows to replace single-pane windows. If your home is currently equipped with double-pane windows, you can still save between $27 and $111 by having them replaced by energy efficient windows.
Less Sun Damage To Interior Home Items
Besides energy savings, energy efficient windows have a few other benefits worth noting. One key perk ones with the low-e coatings on many energy efficient windows. This coating will significantly prevent sun damage to the items within your home, including carpeting, furniture, and photographs.
Quieter Living Spaces
Energy efficient windows are also excellent at blocking out noise from outside. You’ll notice that your home is far quieter and more peaceful with double-pane windows.
Higher Home Selling Price
If you sell your home in the future, energy efficient windows will bolster the selling price. In fact, you’ll likely get back much of the cost of the window installation when you sell your home. Energy efficient windows raise the value of your home and are an attractive feature to modern homebuyers.
The bottom line is that you’ll benefit from adding energy efficient windows to your home with window installation services. But, we understand that your budget is important, too. We recommend finding the most energy-efficient windows that find within your price range. Rest assured, this investment will pay off over time in energy savings.
What Affects Window Energy Efficiency?
There are many factors that can impact the energy-efficiency of your home’s windows. These include:
Proper Installation
To ensure that your windows are energy-efficient, always work with a skilled Minneapolis window installer. Improper window installation can lead to air leakage in and out of your home, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Additionally, if your windows are poorly installed, water could seep into your home the next time it rains, snows, or hails. This may cause costly damage to your home and would require a full window replacement. So, make sure to get it right the first time by choosing a reputable contractor.
Window Glass
There are multiple window glass options available to you. But, dual-pane glass is far superior to single-pane glass when it comes to energy-efficiency. This is because dual-pane glass is highly insulative. Additionally, choosing to have argon gas added in between the two panes of glass will significantly cut down on the transfer of heat in and out of your home through the windows.
Frame Material
The material that you choose for the construction of the window frames will affect the window’s energy-efficiency. The main options for residential window frames include:
- Fiberglass
Fiberglass offers stellar insulation and holds up amid temperature fluctuations.
- Wood
Wood is also an insulative material for window frames, and it offers low conductivity. This means that it will prevent heat and cold from transferring into your home from the outside.
- Vinyl
Vinyl window frames are energy-efficient and very low-maintenance. This makes them a common choice for window replacement projects in Minneapolis.
Boosting The Efficiency of Your Current Windows
If your budget doesn’t currently allow for brand-new windows, or if your current windows are in good shape but simply aren’t as energy-efficient as possible, there are still options at your disposal. Take the following steps to boost the energy-efficiency of existing windows:
- Add caulk to gaps or cracks in the windows, then weatherstrip them.
- Consider energy-efficient window treatments.
- Apply solar control film to the windows.
- Install exterior shading for the windows.
Contact Superior Windows today for trusted Minneapolis window installation services.