Most homeowners will ask these questions: Do old windows cost me more in heating costs? Can I really save money by replacing my old windows? You may not see the savings right away, but over time you will see the difference in your heating and cooling costs.
Facts About Old Home Windows
Old, drafty windows are one of your home’s biggest energy enemies. Single pane glass has an R-value of only 1, and quite often there is no insulation between the window jamb and the rough window frame. Old, ineffective caulking around windows allows large drafts into your living space. Those old windows cost homeowners a great deal in heating and cooling costs.
Understanding energy efficient windows
The windows of today are not the same as the windows of the past. Some windows are now created with new technology to make them much more energy efficient. From rim spacers made of insulated steel to replace the old aluminum construction; to tinted windows that are hardly noticeable; glazing; or the practice of using multiple panes of glass to create a thermal barrier – these new energy efficient windows are excellent compared to older windows.
Design
In addition to glazing and thermal barriers, filling the space between glass panes with gas such as argon can also make a difference. Multi-pane windows can be filled with a gas that is less conductive than normal air. Argon is the most popular gas used to increase window performance. There is also the option of low e-coating, a clear coating applied to glass that lets light through, but keeps radiant heat out. Low boiling coatings come in different grades, and getting the best energy efficient window for your climate is very important. A coating that works in colder climates may be too much if you live in an area with a more temperate climate.
Energy efficient windows can save you money
Energy efficient windows have become a way to help homeowners save money. These windows can mean more money in your wallet over time, as they keep cold air out during the long winter months, while keeping cool air in during the hottest summer months.
Energy efficient windows help our environment
New energy efficient windows are doing something good for the environment while adding value to your home and helping you keep your heating and cooling costs down. Less energy is required to heat and cool your home, because these windows help keep cold air out during the winter, you won’t have to turn up your heating to make up for the loss of warm air through glass surfaces or cracks with drafts along the window. And during the summer months, your air conditioner won’t have to compensate to keep cool air in your living space as cool air escapes through those same cracks and surfaces.