Windows, Energy Efficiency and Saving Money

We've talked a great deal on this blog about energy efficiency, how to save money on your energy bills and how to save money in general. There are many ways that you can go about cutting your monthly costs, from switching providers to being conscious of your energy habits. However, one of the biggest energy holes in your home happens to be your windows.

Right now my wife and I have single pane aluminum windows in our home, which are some of the worst barriers in terms of energy efficiency. Sitting on our couch watching TV over the winter, we could feel the drafty cold air pouring in on our backs. Apparently, houses lose as much as 30% of their energy through the windows, and replacing them can save about 25-30% in energy costs per year. Over time, that turns into quite a bit of savings.

Unfortunately, windows don't come cheap, especially if you live in a house with quite a few of them. As a result, trying to make the right decision about the types of windows you need can be overwhelming. My wife and I listened to a two hour spiel from a window salesman last night, so we know this first hand. Here are some factors to consider when replacing your windows...

• Materials. Do you want wood, vinyl or aluminum windows? Each one comes with its own plus and minuses. In terms of energy efficiency, wood and vinyl are the best, though aluminum is quite a bit cheaper. Wood is an excellent barrier for the elements, but needs much more maintenance and must be resealed and re-painted over time. It is also the most expensive. Vinyl needs less maintenance but tends to fade with extreme heat, and can even sag in certain conditions, though the windows are now being built with this in mind. Aluminum windows can be replaced more easily, and are the cheapest, but provide poor insulation for energy costs.


• Warranties. When figuring out what windows are best for your home, it's important to get a good warranty. Many vinyl windows will come with a 20-30 year warranty for both breaks and seals. If you can find a transferable warranty, this is a big bonus in terms of resale value for your home.


• Quotes. Get several quotes from different sources. Because windows vary in such a great deal in terms of price, quality and installation, the prices you'll get from competitors will probably vary as well. A mid-range home will easily run you anywhere from 10,000-20,000 dollars to replace each window in the home and this cost can add up quickly. It's important for you to get multiple options, even if a window salesman is pressing for you to make a decision immediately. We learned this from experience.


• The Window. As if there aren't already enough factors that can alter the decision making process, the actual window itself is just as important as the rest, if not more important. Many salesman will try to pitch a simple double pane window, but it's not as easy as that. Just adding another pane of glass will help only slightly, to be sure, but what are the window's other features? Many windows offer UV protection and coating, a layer of dense gas (such as argon) between the panes to block out heat or cold and many other features that make them worth your money.

Now that you've seen a brief primer on what to look for with windows, hopefully you'll feel a little more prepared to deal with a contractor or salesman that wants to give you an estimate. Replacing the windows in your home can go a long way for saving you money in the long run, and even help the re-sell value of that great big building of an investment. And if you're looking to get started on some home improvement quotes, WhiteFence can help you out with that as well.