Energy-efficient windows cost a lot less than you think. They may have a higher price tag, but that’s not the only thing you need to consider when you replace your windows. As a homeowner, the energy efficiency of your windows should always be a concern. Your windows can control how much heat and cold gets into your home. If they are not energy efficient, you will feel it every month when you get your energy bill. For every old window you have in your home, the cost multiplies.
You may not think having a little bit of air leakage is that big of a deal. But drafty windows and doors are the top cause of energy loss in your home. The worse the draft is, the more money you waste heating and cooling your home. At Windows and Doors by The Men With Tools, we do everything we can to maximize the energy efficiency of your windows and doors.
It’s not just the window that matters, but the quality of the installation. While most installers cut corners on things like using high-quality insulation seals, we understand the value in the difference these details can make. If you live in New York or New Jersey, you don’t have to worry about burning holes in your pockets to have energy-efficient windows. Our window installation may not be the cheapest. But it is definitely the most affordable.
All the money you save once your home is not leaking air all over the place can compensate for the cost of your window replacement project.
Are Energy-Efficient Windows Worth It?
Whether or not installing energy-efficient windows in your home makes sense is entirely up to you. But when you look at the facts, replacing your old windows is pretty compelling.
Energy-efficient windows cost you much less money in the long run than cheaper ones. They can actually pay for themselves over time. Homeowners like you can even save money every month. You might be unsure about the price at first. Someone may have promised you an energy-efficient window for $200. But that $200 window will not do you much good once you have it in your home.
A cheap window may be more affordable at the moment. But from the poorly insulated glass to the lackluster installation process, it will cost you more and more cash the longer you hold onto it. After all, the most expensive window is the one you replace twice.
Heat Loss Through Windows
An average home experiences about 25 to 30 percent of all heat loss through its windows. New Jersey homeowners spend an average of almost $300 monthly on energy bills. That means your drafty windows and doors could cost you as much as $1,100 at the end year! On the other hand, energy-efficient windows cost you significantly less on your heating and cooling bills. The savings can be monumental.
Our customers reduce their energy bills by an average of 7-30%. But you can save as much as 50% on your bills, depending on your situation. Energy-efficient window replacement is an investment. If you’re looking to save a quick buck on your initial purchase, then it’s probably not for you. But if you are interested in the long-term benefits of thermal efficiency, this is the way to go!
4 Ways Heat Escapes Through Your Windows
#1 Through your glass.
Glass does not naturally stand up to heat transfer. It needs proper treatment, like argon gas insulation and low-E coatings, to protect you from unwanted heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Single-pane windows are especially bad at withstanding heat loss because they do not offer the same level of insulation as double-pane.
#2 Through your frames.
Wood may be pretty, but it’s a terrible insulator. The same goes for aluminum. But vinyl windows can provide you with reliable energy efficiency as well as the durability of aluminum. Our exclusive ThermaLast windows can even be customized to give the beautiful appearance of a wood window.
#3 Through your seals:
Sometimes contractors try to line their pockets by cutting costs with cheap materials. Or maybe your windows are just old. Either way, low-quality caulk or silicone seals can cause air leakage.
#4 Through your walls:
Most contractors cannot be bothered to properly secure a window in its place. That includes insulating the wall around it. Without that insulation, even an energy-efficient window can only help you so much. That’s why we developed our exclusive ThermalBreak installation process. Our standards exceed the manufacturer’s guidelines every time. We use a high-quality foam seal to insulate the area around your window to ensure no air escapes through the pocket.
How to reduce heat transfer through windows?
Minimizing the heat your home loses through your windows is two-fold. First of all, you need to be able to reflect the heat back into the room as much as possible. Then the trick is controlling the heat to keep it where you want it. That’s one of the reasons energy-efficient windows cost so much less than the cheap window you found online. Investing in higher-quality materials now means you take advantage of big energy savings later.
Cheap, single-pane windows cannot handle the job. They are poorly insulated and offer little to no protection against heat loss.
Our ThermaLast windows, on the other hand, have a special low-E coating on the glass that bounces the heat off the surface and back where it belongs. We use argon gas to insulate the glass and ensure no heat sneaks past it. The frames on our windows are designed to minimize air infiltration too.
But even if you have the most energy-efficient windows on the market, there are still things you can do to ensure you get the most out of them.
Here are a few ways to reduce heat loss through your windows:
- Make sure your windows are closed and locked when not in use
- Close your curtains and blinds when you don’t need sunlight
- Seal your moldings to minimize air pockets
Making the Best Decisions for Your Needs: How Much Do Energy Efficient Windows Cost?
At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide if energy-efficient windows are worth the investment. But while you are waiting for a sign, your old windows are letting in the draft and costing you money. Most people try to save up for several years before committing to replacing their windows and doors. We understand. Home improvement can be an expensive undertaking.
The cost of living goes up year after year. So does the cost of the parts, materials, and services you will need when you finally decide to upgrade your home with energy-efficient windows and doors.
Our no-money-down financing options can help you get started now.
That means you can enjoy the benefits of having energy-efficient windows without hemorrhaging money while you struggle to save up for the occasion. Plus, window and door replacement are among the few remodeling projects that actually have a return on investment. Not only will you save some cash on your utilities, but you can also add a significant amount of value to your home. Energy-efficient windows cost significantly less than the money you throw away every month deciding if you can afford them.
The longer you try to hold off until you can finance your window replacement out of pocket, the longer your cheap, old windows will cost you money. You will be cranking up the heat in winter and blasting the AC in the summer. So you will not save nearly as much green as you could if you had replaced your windows sooner. In an area with extreme temperatures, like NJ, energy-efficient window replacement is absolutely worth looking into. If you want to save money on heating and cooling costs (and why wouldn’t you?), then there is no question—go with energy-efficient windows!
Still have questions? Contact Windows & Doors By The Men With Tools today for a free consultation.