With energy costs rising across the country, more and more homeowners are feeling a financial pinch. There’s good news, though. You can take simple, effective steps to reduce those costs. One of the best options is to replace your aging windows with new, energy-efficient models. How can new windows help you reduce your energy costs?
By the Numbers
According to the US Department of Energy, replacing your old windows with energy-efficient windows can save you up to $465 per year if you switch from single-pane windows to double-pane windows. That’s because aging windows are responsible for up to 30% of your heating and cooling use.
How Do Windows Reduce Energy Use?
So, how do new windows reduce your use of heating and cooling? They do so in several ways.
- Low U-Values – Modern windows with low U-values are much more effective heat insulators than older windows.
- Inert Gas – Today’s double and triple-paned windows have more than just air between the panes. Inert gases like argon and krypton help prevent temperature transfer from inside to outside and vice versa by reducing the amount of air transferred in and out of the home.
- New Frames – Aging frames often hide a sinister secret: gaps in your home. These gaps allow heated and cooled air out and cold or hot air from outside into the home. New frames seal these gaps, reducing that bleeding and ensuring that your conditioned air stays right where you want it – inside.
- Better Seals – Do you ever notice moisture on your windows? Are they hard to open and close? Chances are good that they don’t seal very well, which means you’re bleeding more heated or cooled air. New windows offer very tight seals to reduce this problem.
How Much Will I Save?
There is no way to determine specifically how much money you’ll save on energy usage by switching to new windows. Your window installation expert can give you a range, but the best option is to simply track your usage and costs from one year to the next. Most utility companies provide the previous year’s figures along with this year’s costs so you can see exactly how much energy you’re using and how much it’s costing you.
In the end, new windows can help you reduce your energy usage, which in turn helps you fight rising energy costs. Plus, they’ll add style and good looks to your home, boosting its curb appeal and value. Contact Rusco Windows and Doors to learn more.