Energy-Efficient Windows and Their Biggest Benefits

Improving your home’s energy efficiency can be done in more ways than you think. For instance, you can add solar panels to your roof to save money and reduce your dependency on the local grid. Or, if you have an old HVAC system, newer models tend to deliver much better performance at a lower energy cost. You can even choose to upgrade your windows, especially if they’re near the end of their lifespan!

Energy-Efficient Windows

When Should You Replace Your Windows?

Old, inefficient windows can’t keep the outdoor elements out, as evidenced by the presence of drafts.  Foggy glass panes are an indication that the window seals have already been compromised, causing your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Naturally, this leads to higher energy consumption and monthly utility bills. The only way to avoid unnecessary costs is to replace your old windows as soon as possible.

Why Should You Avoid Poor-Quality Windows?

The windows you choose will determine how much of an improvement your home will get in terms of energy efficiency. As such, you should avoid getting cheap window products as they’re usually made with low-quality materials. This simply makes them unreliable against the natural elements. This means they’re more susceptible to weather damage, and you’ll end up paying higher energy bills because of their poor performance. This is why you shouldn’t rely on low-quality replacements for your home. 

Understanding the Energy Efficiency Ratings 

If you want a significant boost to your home’s energy efficiency, you should invest in windows that are designed to provide the best in performance and comfort. But to ensure you choose the right ones for your home, you need to learn how to read their efficiency ratings. Those that you see on the label of high-quality windows were established by an independent, non-profit organization called the National Fenestration Rating Council® (NFRC).

When considering a good window for your home, consider the following ratings when evaluating their energy efficiency:

  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient – Also known as SHGC, this rating measures how well a window unit or other qualified product blocks heat caused by sunlight. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1, with lower coefficient values meaning less solar heat transmission.
  • U-Value – This is an important measure of a window’s performance as it rates its heat flow through. It’s the only measurement accepted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® program, with lower values meaning better energy efficiency for the window.
  • R-Value – This measures the resistance of glass to the heat flow. Higher numbers mean the glass is more effective at insulating your home. Keep in mind that this rating isn’t accepted by the NFRC or ENERGY STAR because it doesn’t fully measure the window unit.

How You’ll Benefit From Energy-Efficient Windows

As you look through our different window styles like double-hung and specialty windows, you’ll see that they’re made with quality materials and are built to increase energy efficiency in any type of home. All our products are ENERGY STAR-rated and use low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, so you can be sure that they can easily lower heating and cooling costs in your home. They also offer other benefits, including the ones we’ve put together below.

  • Higher Resale Value

If you’re planning to sell your home soon, you should start making the right investments to increase its resale value. Even if some types of remodeling projects can add more value to your property, they’re sometimes necessary for the visual appeal, especially if you want to attract more potential buyers. But if you want to have a good return on investment (ROI), consider focusing on the major projects that increase property value such as quality windows. 

Not only do quality windows increase your home’s energy efficiency, but they also help attract many future homeowners. This is because they like the allure and appeal of newly installed windows on a home’s façade as well as the features they offer that increase comfort and convenience. They also like windows that are durable and reliable, which you can get with our Fibrex® specialty windows. They’re twice as strong as vinyl since they’re made from reclaimed wood and thermoplastic. This means they won’t easily blister, peel, flake, or corrode since they’re more resistant to rot, decay and fungal growth!

  • Better Indoor Comfort

If you have old or damaged windows, they won’t be as effective as they may have drafts and leaks that easily affect indoor air quality. Even if they’re multi-paned windows, they may already have broken seals which means the gas has already leaked and lost its effectiveness. But this won’t be a problem with newly-installed windows! 

Energy-efficient windows help increase comfort by retaining the cool indoor temperatures during the summer months. They also perform well during the winter season as they prevent heat from escaping your home. This is thanks to a layer of inert gas between the glass panes that help maintain indoor comfort without consuming more energy. And whether you choose casement, picture, double-hung or bay windows, you can be sure that they increase indoor comfort if they’re made with quality materials! 

  • Increased Humidity Levels

As the weather becomes cooler, the air becomes drier due to the dropping temperatures. This can get into your home and affect its indoor air quality. If the indoor humidity levels become too low, it can lead to dry throats, skin irritation, static shock and other inconveniences that affect your family’s health and comfort. But with energy-efficient windows, you get increased performance, thanks to better thermal performance. This is essentially the insulation that helps maintain indoor temperatures while keeping out the harsh weather elements.

Renewal by Andersen® of Cincinnati is the leading window replacement company in the area. Our design consultants and installers are ready to assist you in choosing the best replacement windows that help contribute to your home’s energy efficiency. To learn more about your options, such as casement and sliding windows, get in touch with us today by calling (513) 283-8996. You may also fill out our contact form to schedule an in-home consultation. We serve homeowners in and around the Cincinnati area, including Loveland, Mason and Sharonville, OH.

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