9 Benefits of Energy Efficient Home Replacement Windows

Energy-efficient home replacement windows can make a big difference. Once installed, you’ll start reaping the benefits of these new windows. You can reduce your energy costs by 25-30 percent just by getting more efficient windows. If you plan to stay in your home long term, you’ll recover the initial installation cost in savings from better efficiency.

From the more attractive look from the curb to noise reduction so you can relax in your home, you’ll see incredible improvements by upgrading your windows.

What Are Energy Efficient Windows?

Energy efficient windows might also be called energy-saving windows. These windows help prevent air from escaping your home or coming into your home. 

Overall, they’ll make your home more comfortable and enjoyable while lowering your heating and air conditioning bills. You might save $125-$465 each year when replacing your windows with Energy Star windows.

If you’re evaluating whether these windows are worth it, you’ll need to consider several factors. Getting them to pay off could take decades, but you’ll increase the value of your home while also making your home more enjoyable while you’re living there. The payoff will also differ based on the types of windows currently in your home and their existing energy efficiency. That’s because the energy efficiency profile for every home is unique based on its characteristics. 

You could add thousands of dollars to your home’s resale value. In northern climates, Energy Star windows are designed to allow infrared light through to help in heat generation. But they’ll also trap that air inside your home. Don’t want warmer air in your home? Be sure to use good window treatments to prevent overheating.

Energy efficient windows might be double or triple-paned. Double-paned windows often include Low-E coated glass, krypton or argon gas filler between the panes with an aluminum or wood frame. 

Triple-paned windows feature the same Low-E coated glass. Between each pane there is Krypton or Argon gas and low conductivity spacers. 

The frame materials also matter as this is what creates a good seal around your windows. Generally speaking, aluminum windows are the least energy efficient. Wondering if it’s time for new windows? Read our article all about how often should you replace your windows.

9 Benefits of Energy Efficient Home Replacement Windows

Learn more about why your next windows should be energy efficient. Here’s a rundown of what to expect from your new windows.

1. Upgraded Style

The wooden pane windows are old school now. Energy efficient windows bring the change to your home you need. You’ll find these windows are modern and offer incredible design options.

You’ll have more options than you did the last time you installed the windows or when the home’s previous owner installed the windows.

2. Decrease in Maintenance Requirements

Older windows generally feature wood frames and are single-hung. These windows require sanding and painting frequently to keep them looking good. Plus, you’ll need to clean the windows outside, which can be challenging.

Replacing these old single-hung windows with double-hung will make tilting the glass out for cleaning so simple. You’ll have better views outside.

3. Added Comfort

Older windows are drafty and can be a major complaint for homeowners. Drafts make a home uncomfortable, especially during winter months. And on warmer days, areas of your home that are especially toasty will likely be areas you avoid.

To create a consistent experience throughout your home, you should consider window replacement. This eliminates drafts and reflects heat to make every part of your home enjoyable. Right now, you likely can’t fathom sitting next to your windows. But once you replace the windows, you’ll be able to enjoy the space near your windows year-round.

4. Noise Reduction

You might not realize how much exterior noise is infiltrating your home until you replace your windows. All of a sudden, you’ll feel like you’re in such a quiet, peaceful place inside your home.

Because energy-efficient windows feature two or three panes, they help keep outside noise out. You might not even notice how noisy your road is until you block out those noises with new windows.

Since these windows have strong seals that keep air out, they’ll do the same for noise. Now your home will be nearly soundproof, which will make it even more enjoyable.

5. Less Condensation

Older windows start to experience issues with their seals. Even if the windows were installed perfectly many decades ago, the seals will begin to fail with time. Nothing lasts forever. 

And once the seals fail, you’ll start to experience condensation on the glass. This can make it challenging to see through your windows and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. 

If you suffer from asthma or allergies, preventing moisture in your home is especially important. So if you’ve noticed your allergies increasing in severity and you have window condensation, it’s time for new windows.

6. Monthly Savings

Each month, you’ll save on your energy bills, which is one of the best benefits of installing energy-efficient windows. You can reduce your HVAC bills thanks to closing up leaks from your windows in the summer and winter.

You might be eligible for incentives from your utility provider, which can further improve the cost-benefit of installing the new windows. 

7. Environmentally Friendly

When you install more energy-efficient windows, you’ll reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that your home generates, thereby lowering your carbon footprint. 

Because these windows insulate your home and lower the need for heating and cooling your home, you could lower your energy use by ¼, which is better for the environment. It’s one more reason to take pride in your new windows.

8. Increased Home Value

Monthly savings on energy bills are great, but another cost factor associated with more energy-efficient windows is increased home value. Homeowners who replace their windows with Energy Star windows often see an ROI of 72.3 percent based on the national average from the 2020 cost vs. value report from Remodeling Magazine.

9. Reduced Furniture and Fixture Fading

You’ve designed the perfect look for your living room. But within just a few years, it looks dull and not quite like you always wanted. So what happened? Why isn’t your rug and your furniture as vibrant as it once was?

UV rays damage your furniture and fixtures. But with the coatings and seals on energy-efficient windows, you can enjoy a 75 percent reduction in furniture and fixture fading. 

Energy Efficient Window FAQs

Learn more about improving your home’s energy efficiency with new windows by reviewing these common questions and answers.

What Type of Window is Most Energy Efficient?

Although they require a bit more maintenance than other window types, wood windows offer the greatest insulation and are therefore the most energy efficient.

What Makes an Energy Efficient Window?

One of the most important elements of an energy-efficient window is the gas filling between the panes. These insulate the window.

Are Energy Efficient Windows Worth It?

You’ll need to plan to live in your home for many years for energy-efficient windows to be worth their initial cost investment. However, if you’re planning to sell your home, you’ll also see strong ROI from installing energy-efficient windows because they make your home more desirable.If you’re looking for a team of skilled window replacement professionals, contact 2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing for a free estimate. We’re a leading window installation contractor in the Seattle and Spokane areas.

Further Reading:

• How Do You Make a Window Garden?
• Roofing Repair Tips for the Average Homeowner
• How to Create a Shiplap Look with Dolly Varden Siding