If you want to increase your home’s eco-friendliness, one of the most significant changes you can make is installing energy-efficient windows. Sometimes their higher price tag scares people off, but the many benefits of energy-efficient windows make them well worth the initial investment. From lowering energy bills and increasing property value to improving the comfort of your home, high-quality windows can accomplish far more than you might realize.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows
Lower Energy Bills
Energy-efficient windows are designed to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, allowing you to cut back on your energy consumption. Your energy bills will decrease, and you can save the money you would have spent heating and cooling your home.
Increase Property Value
If you’re planning to sell your home in the next few years, replacing old windows with energy-efficient products may be a worthwhile investment. According to a National Association of Home Builders survey, on average, homebuyers are willing to spend an additional $8,728 upfront in order to save $1,000 per year on energy bills. Many homebuyers these days seek out energy-efficient properties and are willing to pay more for them, so you may be able to recoup a large portion of the money you invest in new windows.
Reduce Carbon Footprint
Because energy-efficient windows cut down on energy usage, they reduce your carbon footprint, which refers to the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions you produce in your daily life. Activities like driving a car, traveling by plane, doing a load of laundry, or choosing certain products can all impact your carbon footprint. According to Energy Star, your home energy use accounts for about one-quarter of your carbon footprint, so choosing energy-efficient windows can have a big impact.
Increase Durability
Energy-efficient windows are made from different materials than standard windows, and often this material is more durable and reliable. The difference in quality ensures that homeowners can enjoy strong, beautiful windows for many years to come.
Added Protection
Did you know that many household items fade over time if they’re repeatedly exposed to bright sunlight? Drapes, wood floors, and even beloved photographs can become faded or discolored if they’re located near windows. But because many energy-efficient windows have special coatings to block the summer heat, they’re able to protect your valuables from the ultraviolet light that causes fading. Although they can’t completely eliminate fading and discoloration from sunlight, they can reduce it by up to 75 percent, according to Energy Star.
Enhance Comfort
By improving your home’s insulation, energy-efficient windows can help your home feel more comfortable all year round. Older windows are not designed to conserve energy and often have bad sealing after years of use, which can cause your HVAC systems to work harder than they need to. Investing in high-quality, eco-friendly windows can make your home feel cooler in the summer and warmer in winter.
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In addition to all the benefits of energy-efficient windows listed above, it’s important to note that there are also federal tax credits available for buying eco-friendly windows. If your purchase qualifies, you may be able to significantly reduce the cost of buying new windows.
Are you interested in buying and installing energy-efficient windows? Check out American Window Company. Since 1999, we have offered an extensive collection of high-quality windows, doors, shutters, blinds, and more. We are a small, family-owned business that is committed to providing excellent workmanship and on-time installation. In addition, we are properly licensed and insured to protect our employees and provide our customers with peace of mind. For a free estimate or more information about our products and services, please contact us today.