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New Windows Save Time and Money by Mary Butler New windows are energy efficient and low maintenance, which adds more money to your bottom line and gives you more time to do the things you enjoy. An investment in replacement windows has very few--if any--drawbacks. According to remodeling experts, both vinyl replacement windows and new wood windows can help you recoup an estimated 80 percent return on your investment.
About half of all homes in the U.S. have outdated single-pane windows, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. By upgrading to double-pane or even triple-pane vinyl or wood windows, you stand to cut your heating and cooling costs by 10 to 15 percent. When you consider that energy costs only continue to rise--and according to Energy Star, a typical American household spends $1,000 a year on heating and cooling--that can really add up. Replacement Window Choices Abound
There are several kinds of high-performance, energy efficient home windows from which to choose. Low-e, or low emissivity coatings block heat-intensive infrared light, which improves a window's ability to insulate. Some low-e windows offer a third layer of low-e coating suspended between two glass panes to create a triple-pane effect.
Many manufacturers are also offering gas-filled windows to further increase insulation. Colorless and odorless gases such as argon, krypton, and carbon dioxide, which are denser than air, are piped into the space between home window panes to provide superior warmth.
To determine which windows offer the most insulation, consider its U-factor, a rating assigned by the National Fenestration Rating Council. The lower the U-Factor, the more energy efficient a window is. New Windows Are Maintenance Free
Old homes are charming, but caring for old windows is anything but. Who wants to scrape and paint window trim and caulk window panes to improve insulation? Luckily, replacement windows come in a variety of style to fit any home, old or new. And once you've upgraded, you can count on that investment to equal time and money in the bank. Sources:
Energy Star
Service Magic
U.S. Department of Energy |
