Being conscious of the energy efficiency of your home is a wise and worthwhile endeavor. Unfortunately, this leaner, greener energy path can sometimes have you shuddering at investment costs. New windows often top the list of highly-debated, cringe-worthy investments, but when it comes to savings, do they deliver?
Are Replacement Windows Worth the Cost?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy efficient windows offers significant savings, keeping an additional $126-465 per year in your pocket, depending on your region, when replacing single pane windows, and $27-111 per year in your pocket with double-pane, clear glass replacement windows. In fact, depending on the type of replacement glass chosen versus pre-existing panes, you could save as much as 50% on energy expenses. For those seeking these substantial energy savings, installing modern panes in your existing frames offers similar advantages to window replacement – at a mere fraction of the cost. In fact, according to HomeAdvisor, average reported costs nationally for replacing window glass is only $250, compared to $500 for window replacement. Multiply that times the number of windows in your home, and that’s some serious savings - and a significantly faster return-on-investment.
What am I Getting with Window Replacement, Exactly?
Even window glass just 10 years old is significantly less efficient, offering far less in insulating value than today’s technology. Today’s insulated glass units (IGUs) feature multiple panes of glass, dubbed double or single ‘glazing’ depending on the number of panes chosen. These added panes offer a substantial improvement in insulation against heat loss and noise. Gas fills such as argon and krypton can be added between glazing layers to further slow heat transfer both into and out of your home. You can also further boost insulating value by adding low emissivity or low-E coatings to glass, which help reflect rather than absorb the sun’s rays. Fortunately, no matter what IGU you select, you’ll reap energy savings - depending on the type of panes you replace, as much as 50%!
When Should You Replace Windows?
Replacing windows before selling a house can add value and curb appeal that can trigger a fast, top-dollar sale. Other signs window glass replacement is a worthy investment include a drafty home, high energy bills, being frequently bothered by noise, and obviously, fog, condensation or distortion of glass panes and other damage to window glass.
There are Many Advantages to Window Replacement
- Substantially reduced heating and cooling costs.
- Smaller carbon footprint.
- Improved comfort and lighting.
- Dramatically reduced outside noise.
- Reduced fading of interior surfaces and contents from exposure to sunlight.
- Reduced frost and condensation.
- Better views, both curbside, and from the indoors looking out.
- Improved curb appeal and home value.
Experience the benefits of new windows without the cost. Contact Glass Doctor to schedule an on-site consultation today.
