Why New Windows Can Help Reduce Energy Bills

Did you get a shock by looking at your electricity/energy bill? Are you planning to lower them down? Since it’s a common domestic requirement to lower energy bills, one of the solutions to do so is by getting new windows. If you are wondering how new windows can help reduce energy bills, then let’s take a look at the details in this article. Replacement of windows not only enhances the comfort but is cost-efficient as well.

How to know that your home windows are not efficient?

The following factors will help you assess the need for new windows to save energy:

• When your windows become cold quickly during winter and hot easily during summer.
• When your windows are drafty.
• When your windows fog up or become cloudy.
• When your windows are not closing or opening smoothly.
• When your heating or cooling system has to run all day or the majority time of the day to maintain your home at a consistent temperature comfortable.

How do New Windows Save Energy and Money?

Energy Star-rated: It is estimated that the average energy savings by switching single-paned to energy-star rated double-paned windows is around 20 percent and about 8 percent if switching your windows from non-energy star rating double-paned windows.

Statistics: USA Energy Department estimates your saving on energy bills of 100 dollars to 500 dollars every year when you replace single panes. While for double-paned ones, the saving can go up to 100 dollars every year. It also states that loss of energy associated with windows is almost 25 percent of yearly cooling and heating costs in an American home on an average. For homes older than 30 years, the prices are sliced down by the builders to save on money by implementing inferior windows. These windows have no advantage in energy saver technology.

Window and frame material: Right material of windows are equally essential to save energy bills. Aluminum has higher heat conduction and can result in window jam and rot. While wood requires regular maintenance to prevent shrinking, rot, bugs, mildew, swelling, and bugs. The best material for windows is vinyl and particularly 100 percent virgin vinyl. They do not get chalky, fade, or brittle. They are durable and are free of issues that arise with other materials.

Heat escape: A study estimates that around 15-20 percent of the heat in a house escapes through the windows. A single-paned window permits 10 times heat escape when compared to an insulated wall area. These eventually costs to several dollars each year. By replacing efficient windows, you cease the heat escape and money escape too.

UV radiation: A low e (emissivity)-coating treatment is given while replacing windows and then Krypton or Argon gas is filled. This system minimizes UV rays into the house. These rays are responsible for unnecessary radiation, heat and fading of furniture.

What to look for when replacing windows?

The following features should be targeted when replacing windows particularly for energy saving:

• Windows that offer optimum UV reduction.
• Replacement windows with Argon/Krypton filled gas with 4 low e-coats for U-Value. U-Value is a measure for loss of heat. The lower this value, the better value. Krypton is more energy efficient as compared to Argon gas.
• Windows that possess fusion welds and insulated window framework.
• Avoid hollow framed windows as they are screwed or glued together and let external air leak in. These frames get drafty with time. They do not help in sustaining the internal temperature with cooling or heating.
• Window sashes and frames are fully insulated and fusion welded with closed cell foam and polyurethane. Insulation will help the frame not to rot or absorb water or mold. Such windows are energy-efficient.
• Virgin vinyl windows are most preferred window material. Reground plastic has only 15 percent vinyl and are bad insulators as they store cold or heat.
• Replace windows with long warranty period.

Windows that are energy efficient have the following benefits:

• Installing windows that are efficient in saving energy aids in minimize emissions of greenhouse gas.
• They make your home comfortable with constant temperature with single paned windows.
• Some windows use different glaze types to prevent outside weather from getting in.
• Common glaze window types are double tint, double clear and low-emitting coatings.
• Some windows incorporate a film that is resistant to solar energy to minimize heat transfer.
• Multi-paned windows to beat heat loss due to conduction are employed for energy efficiency. These include double-paned and triple-paned windows filled with gas. Such windows can save 20-30 percent of yearly costs of energy.
• Efficient window frames will not let any external air in such as virgin vinyl.
• Good window coating and covering beats heat loss due to radiation. Use efficient drapes will also increase U-Value.
• Lower e coat are translucent coatings which minimize re-emitted heat from windows that are heated up. Other coatings are reflective glazes, dark tints and other selective coatings.
• Weather stripping can be done by beating heat loss with convection. Such energy efficient windows are casement, hopper and awning windows. Single sliding, double-sliding, single hung and double hung windows are some types to beat convection heat.
• Some other efficient windows are window frames that are metallic with a thermal break. A thermal break is a split of window frame into external and internal components. It minimizes transfer of heat by making use of a lower conductive material to connect them. Non-metallic framed windows are also efficient with thermal enhancements. These frames are designed to use composite materials. They appear like wood but is fiberglass that minimizes frame’s hollow space. This minimizes transfer of heat eventually.
• The costs are reduced and you can note your savings in an year’s time.
• You are bound to save at least 126 dollars to 465 dollars every year by single paned window replacement. In warmer regions the savings come to an average of around 250 dollars and about 150 dollars in colder regions.

Conclusion

To save your home energy bills, you need energy efficient windows that do not let the heat or cooling escape through them. Leaky windows and inefficient windows with window frames eventually increase your energy bills. Also, they will help you to keep your home sustained for cooling or heating. Window replacement NOVA will make your replacement work easy and painless.

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