When you buy a home, you go into the purchase knowing that there are going to be many different expenses that you are now responsible for. From the monthly utility costs for the whole home to the repairs that can add up whenever something breaks, you have to address the costs. We all want to reduce these costs as much as possible, and improving your home’s energy efficiency is a great way to reduce your heating and cooling costs dramatically.

There are many different options and approaches to home energy efficiency that you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your home’s overall performance. One of the best things you can truly do, especially if you’re in an older home, is evaluate the current windows.

Does double pane really make a difference?

Windows are windows, right? While it may seem like new windows wouldn’t make that big of a difference in your home’s energy efficiency, in fact, they can make a significant difference in many different areas. If you have windows that are old and have just a single pane, upgrading to double pane windows can make a huge difference. Single pane windows allow for heat to escape from the home very easily. They also make it exceptionally easy for sound to pass through as the only thing between your home’s interior and the exterior of the house is one thin pane of glass. Double pane windows, and even triple pane, can make a big difference because not only is there more panes of glass, making the solid surface thicker, but each set of panes has a pocket in between them of typically some gas that adds additional insulative properties to the windows.

Evaluate your windows.

So how do you evaluate your current windows and decide if it’s time for a window replacement? The first thing you want to consider is what type of windows do you currently have in place. How many panes do they have? What is the window framing made of and what condition is it in? How old are the windows? There have been many advancements, especially in vinyl windows, over the last decade or so that can make a big difference in how effective your windows are. In addition, vinyl windows have been proven to last longer and be more energy efficient than many window materials of the 1970s and 80s. If your windows let in drafts, if they regularly feel cold, if they collect condensation, there are all signs that your windows aren’t doing nearly a good enough job providing insulative properties for your home.

Reap the benefits.

Along with improved energy efficiency, you may wonder what the benefits of getting new windows could be, especially since they do require a decent financial investment initially. But a window replacement virtually pays for itself as an investment into your home. Almost 100 percent of the costs can be recouped through approximately 15 percent lower utility bills and an increased resale value. Windows are one of the top things homebuyers look for and are willing to pay more for. In fact, new windows can provide an increased home sale value of roughly 75 percent of the window’s initial purchase price, especially if they’re ENERGY STAR certified.

Don’t forget the additional energy efficiencies.

In addition to having your home’s windows replaced, you can also do some additional things to make sure that they are optimized for energy efficiency. By combining many of the following different options, you will help to create a very energy efficient window system in your home.

  1. Double check the installation of your windows and make sure everything is sealed properly.
  2. Seal up any drafts from your doors or ventilation system in order to help improve your heating and cooling efficiency.
  3. Purchase black-out curtains or similar in order to reduce the heat that enters through windows in full sun during the day.
  4. Landscape your yard to provide shade during the hottest parts of the day.
  5. Clean your windows and window screens regularly to help them maintain their integrity.

New windows to replace your old, current ones isn’t just a good idea, it’s the best idea in order to help improve your home’s energy efficiency. Contact Crest Exteriors today to get started on your home’s windows with a free consultation.