Energy saving windows pay for themselves in the long run. Dependable Construction explains the math to help show homeowners how replacements window will save them money.
A lot of home improvement contractors will try and sell you on how much their particular product will save you in energy costs, or how much it will increase the resale value of your home. The truth is, many of these projects are less about cost savings than they are about curb appeal. The next time you hear a claim about energy savings, ask your contractor how much you can expect to save on your energy bill. After all, if the benefits don’t outweigh the cost of the improvement it would hardly be a worthwhile investment.
Calculating the energy savings for replacement windows
When it comes to determining the savings for new, energy-efficient windows, there are many factors involved. Most contractors will tell you that some of their clients have been able to save more than 50% on their heating and cooling costs, but not every homeowner will see such a large return on investment. A more realistic savings is in the 30% range, but a lot depends on how “old” your old windows were. Installing insulated replacement windows will keep your utility bills to a minimum, but the actual amount of this savings is determined by a couple of key factors.
- The type of window you had before and what you will have after installing replacement windows
- The U-Values and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient ratings of the window you are installing
- The type of material used in the window frames
- The method of installation
While the other factors are certainly relevant, most of the savings from heating and cooling will be realized by the difference in energy-efficiency between your old and new windows. If you switch from single-pane aluminum windows to gas-filled double pane Fibrex-framed windows, your utility savings will be noticeable right away. However, if you were to upgrade from double-pane vinyl windows to the same gas-filled Fibrex windows, the savings might not be so drastic.
Architectural and Landscaping Considerations
Some of the other indicators for energy savings will include the number of windows and the relative size of them in relation to the entire home. The placement of the windows can also play a role, such as west or south facing walls. Shade around the home that comes from other buildings or trees can also impact the energy usage of your home, or glass that is covered by an awning or overhang.
The direction and method in which light and heat enter your home will also determine the amount of savings you will get from upgrading your windows. For example, if you live in a home without eaves or overhangs, and without trees to block the sun in the summer, getting energy-efficient windows will likely decrease your cooling costs significantly. In addition, new windows that block UV rays will also keep your floors, pictures and carpets from fading out. These windows can also make it more comfortable to dine in a room that was once too bright from direct sun.
Utility Habits and Other Factors
Some of the other factors that influence your heating and cooling costs include the amount and type of insulation in your home. Where you set your thermostat will also play a role, as will the age and condition of your air conditioning unit. With new windows, your air conditioner will run less, which will add more life expectancy to your system.
While there’s no scientific formula to measure energy savings, it’s easy to see how some people save more than others when installing replacement windows. However, if you choose a high quality window and have a well-qualified, professional, experienced Dayton’s trusted window installers at Dependable Construction for your windows, you can expect a minimum of 25% and a maximum of 52% savings on your energy bill.
Reviewing the math
If a homeowner were to spend $10,000 on replacement windows but were able to realize a 40 percent savings on a $3,000 yearly energy bill, the savings would be about $1,200 per year, or more than enough to pay the cost of the windows in less than ten years. But more importantly, you will enjoy the enhanced beauty and comfort of your new windows as well as a higher resale value for your home.
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