DavidOne of the most common home improvements is replacing the windows. When people talk about taking on this popular project, they almost always talk about how the upgrade will help on their utility bills. It makes sense that a new window will perform better than an old window, but if you’re seriously considering making a change, you may need a little more information. Here are three ways that new windows help lower utility bills.
1- Improved Insulating Value
While all glass looks about the same, there are big differences in the insulating capabilities of various types of glass. The very oldest windows have a single layer of glass that quickly allows outside air to enter the home, putting extra demand on your heating and cooling system to maintain temperatures at a comfortable level.
Extra layers of glass have been added to window designs over the years, but only the newest models make the best use of the additional materials required to make a double- or triple-pane window. The result is a range of temperatures, with the coldest temperatures on one side, the warmest on the other, and a gradual adjustment in between.
2- Better UV Management
Ultraviolet light from the sun is the main reason for excessive heat in your home during the summertime and for moderating the temperature during the winter. When you want to cool down your car, you may have window tint applied. That works great in a vehicle, but it’s not very practical for a home. After all, the same tint that makes it cooler in the summer will also make it cooler in the winter.
Fortunately, tinting isn’t the only way of keeping UV light from heating up a space. Many window manufacturers now offer specialized coatings on their glass that enable it to retain heat on the inside of the home during the winter while deflecting the sun’s heat in the summer.
3- Reduced Drafts
Over time, old windows shrink, shift, and even start to rot. These changes create gaps and cracks that allow the indoor air to leak into the outdoors. The older the windows, the more severe this problem is. Replacing the windows addresses this issue in two different ways.
First, the windows are freshly installed using modern caulk and other materials that will seal better and last longer than the outdated supplies from the original installation. Second, the windows themselves are made of more durable materials that won’t suffer the same degradation over time that the old windows did.
It’s easy to see the cosmetic value of replacing the windows in your home. New windows are easier to clean, provide a splash of modern color and style, and are much safer to operate. For many homeowners, the upgraded appearance is reason enough to get new windows, but don’t overlook the energy savings that they will provide. The extra dollars you’ll hang on to each month in lower gas and electric bills will help make it more affordable to give your home that much-needed facelift.