Tips to Make Your Home More Energy
Efficient
Have you noticed a steady incline on your monthly energy bills? It could be due to poor energy efficiency in your home, causing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Fortunately, you can improve your home’s thermal performance by:
Investing in Energy-Efficient Windows
One of the most common contributors to a home’s energy loss is broken or drafty windows. Windows that are no longer maintaining a weathertight seal will do little in preventing the transfer of heat into a home in warmer temperatures and out of the home during cooler temperatures. Swapping out your drafty windows for energy-efficient windows can go a long way in rectifying this issue. In fact, homeowners can save on average between $126 and $465 a year when they replace their single-pane windows with more energy-efficient options, according to ENERGY STAR®.
How to Tell if Your Windows Are Energy Inefficient
There are a number of indicators that can help you determine if your existing windows are energy inefficient, such as if:
- Your windows form a layer of ice from the inside
- You feel drafts of cold air coming from your windows
- Rooms with multiple windows quickly become warm and stuffy when exposed to direct sunlight
What to Look for When Shopping for Energy-Saving Windows
Energy-efficient windows are a smart decision even for homeowners who are already doing their best to conserve energy. However, not all replacement windows that are marketed as being energy efficient will yield the same results. Many window companies will label their windows as energy saving even if their windows only have one such feature. To truly make your home more energy efficient and potentially see decreases in your monthly cooling and heating costs, it’s best to invest in windows that offer several thermal-enhancing features. Replacement windows from Renewal by Andersen®, for instance, boast impressive ratings with ENERGY STAR® and the NFRC, thanks to features such as:
- High Performance™ Low-E4® glass that prevents infrared and ultraviolet rays from entering the home without blocking actual sunlight
- Proprietary Fibrex® composite frames that inhibit thermal transfer 700 times better than aluminum and maintain their rigidity even in temperatures as high as 150 degrees
- Continuous weatherstripping that creates an airtight seal between the window frame and opening
Opting for Energy-Efficient Patio Doors
Making your home as energy efficient as possible requires improving all of its access points—not just the windows. Replacing your existing patio doors with energy-efficient options will eliminate most opportunities for heat to travel into and out of your home. Similar to your search for replacement windows, it’s important to find patio doors that offer an abundance of thermal-enhancing properties, like those from Renewal by Andersen®, to ensure your home is as energy efficient as possible.
The Go-To Choice for Energy-Efficient Windows & Patio Doors
Aren’t sure where to begin your search for the best energy-efficient windows and patio doors for your home? Homeowners in Central or Northeastern Wisconsin don’t have to look very far—they can simply turn to RBA of Greater Wisconsin. We are a subsidiary of Renewal by Andersen® and are proud to carry their state-of-the-art products. Not only do we offer all of the most popular window styles and patio doors, but our Certified Master Installers are well-versed in the installation practices of Andersen products and will see to it that your new windows and patio doors provide you with the greatest energy efficiency possible.
Contact RBA Greater Wisconsin today to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation.