Window Wednesday

 Is It Time to Replace Your Windows?

Author

Doug Anderson, ENERGY STAR Certified Products

Reasons to replace:

Any of these major problems could be a good reason to replace your windows.

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  Single-pane windows (windows with only one layer of glass).  These windows are big energy wasters due to them being poor performers at insulating against cold weather. They typically do not have coatings to block solar heat in the summer, which increases air- conditioning costs. 

 

 

• Windows with air leaks and drafts, or degraded sills and sashes. These windows also waste energy and are very uncomfortable to sit next to when it is cold and windy out. Degraded window frames or sashes can also leak water into your walls causing more problems and allow insects and other pests to enter your home.

 

 

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  Double-pane windows (two layers of glass) that are cloudy between glass panes or have moisture in them. Older, double-pane windows used old technology to seal the space between the glass. If those seals have failed, not only will you lose insulating power (loss of comfort), your glass may get cloudy, making it harder to see and impossible to clean, or moisture can get between the panes. 

 

 

• Windows that do not open or are painted shut. Windows that do not open prevent you from enjoying fresh air on a nice day, or a cool evening after a hot day, which can help reduce energy costs. Windows that do not open are also difficult to clean.

 

 

 

 

Other Considerations

• Improve your home’s look and value – Replacing your old, ugly windows with new, clean-looking ENERGY STAR windows can improve both the curb appeal and the value of your home.  Studies have shown that window replacement can add value to your home on resale – in addition to providing energy savings for many years.  Many new window frame types do not require painting which eliminates a time-consuming home maintenance hassle. 
• How many windows should you replace? - To get the best price per window, it helps to plan to replace at least 8-12 windows to reduce installation costs. Window installation costs are lower for the contractor if they come to your home for a larger project because of the time it takes to haul the windows to your home, set up the site, and clean up the site.
• Was your home built before 1978? – If so, the installer will likely have to take precautions due to possible lead paint. Following lead paint clean-up protocols is good for your home because they require the installer to catch any lead paint chips or dust that may fall during removal of the old windows, to clean up the site with extra care when the job is completed, and to dispose of the old windows correctly. The US EPA has excellent guidance on lead paint issues here
• Talk to neighbors or friends who have had their windows replaced recently. Ask around to find leads on good contractors who sell good window products, provide product performance details, do not use pressure sales tactics, communicate well, have a good warranty, and are clean and respectful during the installation. 

How can I be sure the new windows are energy efficient?

Choose ENERGY STAR certified windows to make sure your new windows are independently certified to be energy efficient.  ENERGY STAR’s efficiency experts have done extensive analysis to specify windows that are designed to be the most energy efficient and cost effective for the climate zone in which you live – Northern, North-Central, South-Central, or Southern regions of the U.S.  Find your ENERGY STAR climate zone using the Climate Zone Finder Tool.

• In colder Northern climates, the focus is on better insulation to save on heating costs.
• In hotter Southern climates, the focus is on blocking solar heat coming through the glass to save on air conditioning costs.
• In the middle of the country, performance is balanced between insulating power and solar heat blocking to save on both heating and cooling.

ENERGY STAR certified windows come in a wide variety of styles, colors, frame types, and operator types (ways of opening).  Check with your local supplier to see what brands they sell and then use the ENERGY STAR Product Finder to find the style and type that works for you.

https://www.energystar.gov/products/ask-the-experts/is-it-time-to-replace-your-windows