Like all windows, energy-efficient models are still made of glass; it’s what the glass is made of and what surrounds it that makes a difference. Gas-filled or wood clad, they can still offer style and affordability. Energy-efficient windows offer more benefits than just appearance.
1. Annual Energy Savings
Energy efficient means less energy wasted, which translates to a lower energy bill. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. According to Energy Star, your annual savings with energy efficient windows averages around 12%; for the average homeowner, you can save up to $600 annually.
2. Increases Home Market Value
The facts of energy efficiency are becoming more and more well-known, so it’s common to see people specifically seek out houses that already have energy efficient windows installed. Having energy efficient windows increases the market value of your house by up to $12,761, according to Remodeling’s 2020 Cost vs. Value report.
3. Reduces Noise Pollution
If you’ve ever woken up to barking dogs in the middle of the night, you already know what noise pollution is. As annoying as it is, the sleepless nights and general added stress could actually impact your health: the WHO (World Health Organization) released a 10-year study called “Burden of Disease From Environmental Noise,” which lists some of the surprising potential damages to your health that noise pollution can cause, such as heart problems and even mental health problems in children.
Some windows are marketed as “soundproof,” but energy efficient windows are the most effective way to combat your outside noise. They are truly insulated, which is the only way to provide lasting protection against noise pollution.
4. Reduces Heat Transfer
With blistering summers and blustery winters, energy-efficient windows are the best way to vanquish both. Here in Utah, summers are just as hot as winters are cold, so having energy efficient windows is simply a must.
When you’re trying to find the best window, look for a low U-value which measures a window unit’s resistance to heat loss and low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) which measures how much heat enters a home through glass. The sticker looks like this:
Seeing an Energy Star sticker means that good ratings have been met for both of the above metrics. These ratings come from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and must be earned.
5. Reduces Fading of Paint & Furniture
It’s not uncommon for paint and furniture colors to be less vibrant and therefore less attractive as the years wear on. The primary culprit for that fade, however, is the sun. Energy efficient windows block incoming UV rays (that’s how it keeps your house cooler), which in turn keeps your lovely blue couch the same color it always was. It doesn’t block all light, though, so you get the brilliance of the sun’s bright rays without the damage.
6. It’s Good for the Environment
You can feel good knowing that, in addition to saving money, you’re helping to save the planet. Energy Star certified windows reduce carbon emissions by 1,006–6,205 pounds, equivalent to 51 to 317 gallons of gasoline. According to the EPA, home energy uses account for about 25% of your carbon footprint, so a change in home energy use is a dramatic and positive reduction.
There is a range of energy-efficient window styles and types available, some being triple- or double-paned and argon filled, and are typically framed with vinyl, wood, or aluminum. To discuss these options further, contact Jones Paint & Glass for a free on-site quote or to answer any questions you may have.
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