How Energy Efficient Windows Save You Money by Mary Butler When you replace your windows, you stand to instantly gain a 10 to 25 percent savings in heating and cooling your home. If you have single-pane home windows--and half of all homes in the U.S. do--you could save even more. According to EnergyStar.gov, Americans save an average of between $126 and $465 a year when they replace single-pane home windows with energy efficient windows. On average, you can save between $27 and $111 a year when you replace failing double-pane windows with new energy efficient replacement windows, according to Energy Star. So how do energy efficient windows save you money? They better insulate your home, protecting it from the warmest and coolest temperatures. Today's double and triple pane windows are engineered for optimum performance. Window frames, such as those made of wood composite, vinyl, and fiberglass, reduce the amount of heat that leaks inside or out. Special "low-emissivity" coatings reflect infrared light, keeping homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer; they also help protect furnishings and carpets from fading. And some energy efficient windows are filled with odorless, colorless, nontoxic gases to add to a window's ability to insulate against the elements. In addition to saving you money on your heating and cooling bills, energy efficient windows put money in your pocket by increasing the value and attractiveness of your home. Swapping out your windows for energy efficient models often reaps more than a 77 percent return on your investment, according to Remodeling magazine's annual Cost Vs. Value report. Sources EnergyStar.gov, Save Money and Energy -- Choose Energy Star Qualified Doors, Windows and Skylights About the Author Mary Butler is a Boulder, Colorado-based writer and editor, who spends much of her free time fixing up an old house. |
