When the time comes to upgrade your doors and windows, you have a big decision to make: do you go in for energy efficient models or not? It’s tempting to make the decision based on prices and not much else, but you really want to look at the bigger picture before you decide.
Windows and doors are home investments that don’t get replaced very often. Before you decide if energy efficient doors and windows are best for you, you’ll need to take a look at their potential benefits and drawbacks.
The basic idea of energy efficient doors and windows is that they keep your home sealed tight. This means that outside air stays out and inside air stays in, so both air conditioning and heating aren’t wasted on the entire neighborhood.
There are many advantages to windows and doors that keep your home tightly sealed like this, including money, eco-friendliness and even furniture protection!
Lower cost
Installing energy efficient doors and windows will save you considerable money on your cooling and heating bills. Insulation on the windows not only blocks cold air, but it also prevents the sun’s heat from cutting its way into your home during the hotter summer months.
Efficient windows also cut down on drafts, the most common complaint homeowners have about older windows and doors. When the glass on a window cools, it chills the air near it. The colder air drops to the floor, creating an uncomfortable draft.
Overall, energy efficient windows and doors could save you up to 30 percent on your utilities bill, depending on your climate and the type of windows you select. That could be as much as 500 dollars a year!
Environmentally Friendly
Energy efficient windows and doors make your home eco-friendly for the same reason they save you money. With less of your heating and air conditioning leaking into the outside world, you can keep your home at a comfortable temperature without your appliances having to work so hard. If you aren’t running your air conditioner or your heater as much, then your home is consuming less energy, thus reducing your overall carbon footprint.
Increase your home’s value
Energy efficient doors and windows can give your home an advantage in the marketplace. The lower heating and cooling bills can be a huge draw for potential buyers. You could see a market value increase of around 5 percent if you opt for “green” windows and doors, although this amount will change depending on where you live as well as the current state of the market.
Less condensation
We’ve all seen windows that look like the lid on your cooking pan, dripping with water molecules and fogged over. With minimized energy transfer, energy efficient windows block a lot of this condensation. The result is windows that are at a much lower risk of mold (and which need cleaned a lot less frequently).
Save your furniture
You want your windows to let in a lot of natural light, but sometimes that light can cause damage. UV rays from the sun can fade the upholstery on furniture and damage other fabrics. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice light for UV protection. Energy-efficient windows have glass coatings that reduce ultraviolet rays by up to 75 percent.
Energy efficient windows do not require tinting. So you can still let in plenty of natural light without damaging your home.
This UV resistance has another benefit, as well: reduced outside window cleaning. The anti-UV coating on the window glass will also combat the buildup of dirt and grime, making your windows much lower maintenance.
Peace and quiet
Energy efficient doors and windows don’t just keep out unwanted temperature fluxuations, they also dampen unnecessary noise. This can be a big draw for many homeowners, especially those who live near cities, railways, airports or other noisy areas. While not completely soundproof, high quality windows and doors will lessen the disruptive noises that plague daily life.
Are there any downsides to energy efficient windows?
Energy efficient doors and windows have almost no downsides. They are durable, useful and will save you money in the long run. These upgraded windows will also give your home a higher marketplace value.
The only real downside to energy efficient doors and windows is their initial cost. Upgrading to an energy efficient model will cost you more money in the short term. Many energy efficient models cost a solid 15 percent more than their less advanced counterparts, and on top of installation fees, this can make replacing your windows seem like a financial nightmare. Fortunately, these initial costs can be offset by smart shopping and some forward planning.
We’ve detailed before how picking the right month for window replacements can save you hundreds in installation fees. Be sure to check out vinyl-lite.com for even greater savings on your new windows.