With Americans averaging $5,500 per month on expenses, you may be looking for ways to cut costs. You should start by looking at your energy usage. If your utility bills are on the rise, it may be time to invest in new windows.
New windows can help your home energy score while improving your home’s curb appeal. Want to know how? Read on to learn more!
WHAT IS A HOME ENERGY SCORE?
A home energy score is an objective way to look at your home’s energy use. The Department of Energy developed a ten-point scale to assign scores to homes. With a simple energy audit from a credentialed assessor, you can find out where your home stands.
If your home scores a lower number, that means it needs help with energy efficiency. Fortunately, replacement windows can help your score improve thanks to better technology.
Keep in mind that doors and windows contribute to around one-third of heat loss in homes. By upgrading these features, you can increase your home’s energy efficiency – and your home energy score.
GAIN BETTER INSULATION WITH NEW WINDOWS
During the hot summer months, you want to keep your home’s interior cool. But cracks and gaps in your windows can allow the cool air from your air conditioning to leak. This drives up utility bills and means your AC unit is working harder.
New windows will have better seals and insulation to prevent this from happening. Silicone, for instance, is a common seal that helps to keep your windows airtight. That way, you’ll retain the cool air to maintain comfortable inside temperatures.
Foam or metal spacers also can help with energy efficiency and prevent condensation on your windows. They create space between panes of glass to keep the glass’s temperature in check and absorb sounds.
On the other side of the equation, you don’t want to lose hot air during the winter months. Drafty windows are another telltale sign that your windows aren’t helping your home energy score. Work with a qualified window installer to make sure that your new windows have the seals you need for better insulation.
GET BETTER GLASS IN REPLACEMENT WINDOWS
Newer windows also offer improved glass over the single-pane options of previous decades. Today’s windows offer double or even triple-paned protection. As a result, you won’t have to deal with damaging UV rays entering your home.
UV rays can fade furniture and other priceless belongings. They also contribute to creating a hotter home interior during the summer. You’ll force your air conditioner to overexert itself to keep pace with rising temperatures.
In addition to offering more panes, today’s windows come with heat-resistant coatings, as well. Low-emissivity glass provides more efficiency than standard glass. The thin coating on the glass can help minimize heat loss while still giving you a picture-perfect view.
IMPROVE YOUR HOME ENERGY SCORE
Give your home energy score a boost with replacement windows. You’ll get the benefit of better, UV-resistant glass and the best installation techniques for a good fit. New windows also have better seals, ensuring that your home’s temperature is comfortable during every season.
When you’re ready to upgrade to energy efficient windows, contact Energy Plus Home Improvements!
