If you’ve ever been in a home with drafty windows, you know just how dramatic temperature fluctuations can be. For some old windows, all you have to do is simply sit by the window in the winter to feel the cold air coming in. This can be uncomfortable if you’re trying to figure out what to wear around your home, but more importantly, it’s also a sign that the home is wasting a lot of energy on heating and cooling.
When weighing the benefits of new windows, don’t underestimate the impact that quality windows can have on your home’s overall energy efficiency. Here are a few reasons quality windows are so important:
- Double- and triple-paned windows keep air out and (heat in). Proper double- and triple-paned windows, like those sold by Omaha Door & Window, keep unwanted winter air out while also keeping heat in. During the summer, proper windows will keep heat out and keep your cool air in, leading to much better energy efficiency overall.
- Altogether, qualified windows can lower household energy bills by 7-15%. Energy Star, which uses NFRC ratings when evaluating windows, notes that replacing old windows with Energy Star qualified windows lowers household energy bills by 7-15%–a significant savings over time. Coupled with insulation and proper sealing throughout your home, qualified windows will produce great energy savings for drafty homes with old windows.
- Replacement windows for your home yield a 79% ROI. Finally, according to Remodeling magazine’s annual cost vs. value report, new windows can add a significant amount of value to your home. Quality windows will not only save you energy, but in most cases, they’ll increase the overall value of your home as well.
If you have old windows in your home and you’re seeing high-energy bills, now is the right time to think about replacing your windows. (And Omaha Door & Window installs windows at all times of the year, including in the winter!) The savings can be immediate, and in the long run, having an energy-efficient home is good for many reasons.
Have questions about how quality windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our website’s Contact Us page or on Facebook or Twitter @OmahaDoor. We have many years of experience and would be more than happy to assist you with any questions you have.
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photo credit: Omar Parada via photopin cc