According to the Department of Energy, 45% of the average energy bill goes toward heating, especially during these cold winter months. When it comes to heating your home, making sure that the energy in your home is not only conserved but efficient is important in saving money. For example, windows that are drafty and let air escape can increase your energy bills by 10 to 25%. So when your home windows are not energy efficient and you are losing money through your energy bill, how do you know which window companies to choose for replacement windows?
The National Association of Realtors says that homeowners who replace their windows can get back 80% of their investment, not just in renovation turnaround but in energy costs in the home. In general, you’ll save up to 15% a year on your energy bill if older double-pane windows in a 2,600-square-foot house are replaced with energy-efficient windows with low-E coatings, according to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, a coalition of government agencies, research organizations, and manufacturers that promotes efficient window technology.
When windows are high quality and properly maintained, they can last 20 years or longer, depending on the material. Many window companies suggest that on average, replacing a window costs between $300 and $700 per window. Window installation and the labor associated will generally add an extra cost as well. So how do you choose the right window companies for residential window installation, commercial window replacement, or vinyl replacement windows?
– Check for functionality when choosing replacement windows/window companies. A
good quality window will eliminate the need for storm windows, but most
residential windows, per homeowners, will still require screens. Many windows
tilt in for easy cleaning, making maintenance a breeze.
– Check for energy efficiency and the options that window companies provide to
maintain steady energy conservation. Look at the label that states the window’s
energy efficiency levels, then research the type of window and the materials
included in the composition of the window or ask the window companies themselves
for further information. Energy Star labels will tell you whether a window
performs well in your climate based on ratings from the National Fenestration
Rating Council.
– Save money with window companies by inquiring about extra window panes. Triple-
paned windows provide energy savings over dual-paned windows, but both are
efficient at retaining heat and air conditioning compared to single-paned
windows. There is gas between each pane, such as argon or krypton, providing
more insulation and energy efficiency for the home or commercial property.
– Get an exact fit for your window replacement by professional window companies
BEFORE trying to do it yourself. Even triple-paned windows won’t save energy if
not properly installed. There should be just a little extra room for shimming,
insulating, and trim work. Check for drafts by holding a candle up to the window
to see if it flickers or if the flame is extinguished. If it is, you may need to
refit the window/trim properly.
Think long and hard before committing to new or replacement windows. The right window companies will show you the best products and best bang for your buck, and the return in terms of efficiency, energy savings, and overall installation could end up more beneficial and cost-saving in the long run. The savings can vary widely by climate, local energy costs, and the energy efficiency of both the windows purchased and the windows being replaced among other factors. Choosing the right window companies for window installation Chicago will eliminate the uncertainty behind replacement windows and how they could change your home or business.