Are Energy-Efficient Windows Worth The Investment?
If you’re considering updating your windows, there’s probably a good chance that it’s been quite some time since your last replacement project—perhaps, as a new homeowner, you’ve never renovated them before. Window technology has definitely improved over the years, with a big focus on energy efficiency. These recent advancements may have you wondering if new energy-efficient windows are worth the investment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy-efficient windows offer significant savings, so long as they meet certain standards.
What Are the Characteristics of Your Current Windows?
Windows that are a few decades old can’t compare to the window technology available today. It’s important to pay attention to:
Material
Many old window frames are made out of aluminum or wood. Metal or aluminum window frames are strong and lightweight, but they conduct heat very rapidly, making them a poorly insulated material. While wood insulates fairly well, the regular upkeep can be disadvantage.
Vinyl and composite are the most energy-efficient window material options on the market today. Composite is especially excellent for insulation, as it has better structural and thermal properties than conventional wood, and it is also moisture and decay resistant—creating a truly long-lasting and reliable window.
Glass
The biggest sign that your windows are old is if they have a single pane of glass. Heat can easily transfer through windows with one pane of glass, causing your HVAC system to run more frequently while trying to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Today, windows are built with two or even three panes of glass.
While having multiple panes of glass is a step in the right direction, you can really up a window’s energy efficiency by adding insulating components such as gas fills and low-emissivity glass coatings. Gasses, like argon or krypton, are denser than air and will therefore make it harder for heat to enter or escape your home through your windows. Low-E coatings are invisible to the eye but play a big role in window energy efficiency, as they reflect and block UV rays from the sun—preventing them from passing through your windows and heating up your house.
Who Installed Your Windows?
The cost associated with new windows often includes installation—unless, of course, you install them yourself. However, most homeowners have a team of installers complete the task. This is the right move, as long as you hire a reputable and knowledgeable crew. Inexperienced contractors can potentially perform an incorrect installation, rendering all of the energy-efficient components of the windows virtually useless. The right installers will know exactly how to properly install your windows for an air-tight fit.
Get the Right Products & Service From RBA of Greater Wisconsin
Wisconsin homeowners on the hunt for energy-efficient windows and expert installation services should turn to RBA of Greater Wisconsin. We proudly offer Renewal by Andersen® replacement windows that are designed with exclusive composite Fibrex® frames, multiple panes of glass, and low-E coatings for optimum energy efficiency. Our windows can also be customized in terms of style, color, hardware, grilles, and more, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
We match the quality of our windows with exceptional installations. As part of the RBA family, we are highly knowledgeable on how to best install these windows to guarantee that they perform to their fullest potential.
If you’re ready to invest in new, energy-efficient windows, RBA of Greater Wisconsin is here and ready to help. Contact us today to discuss our products more in-depth.
