Making your home more energy efficient can save you a great deal of money on your utility bills, especially with regard to electricity. According to the U. S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR certified homes and apartments average about 20% more in energy efficiency than new homes that are just built to code.
One part of making your home more energy efficient is to install newer windows with a higher performance rating and are better in terms of energy efficiency. Data from the Department of Energy suggests that up to 30% of the energy being used to heat and cool your home is needed to make up for the heat loss and gain that goes through your windows. That’s why energy-efficient windows should be an important consideration if you want to lower your electricity costs while keeping your home comfortable throughout the year.
How Energy Efficient Windows Work
Energy efficient windows have several different properties that can improve their energy performance. Each window will have more panes, which gives them more insulation. This can minimize heat loss during the winter months. Energy efficient windows will have at least two or three panes of glass, and the space between each pane is filled with a noble gas (such as argon or krypton) that keeps heat from being transferred through the window. Thin layers of metallic oxides are added to low-emissivity glass window, which allows them to reflect sunlight. This can reduce the amount of heat gain during the summer months. They also have vinyl or fiberglass frames, which have better insulation.
How Replacing Your Windows Can Lower Your Electric Bill
Replacing your old windows can have a considerable impact on your energy costs. According to ENERGY STAR, replacing your current single-pane windows with certified models can save you between $101 and $583 a year. But your actual savings will depend on your local climate, your utility rate, and your home’s characteristics. If you already have double-pane windows, replacing them with ENERGY STAR certified windows can save you between $27 and $197.
According to the Department of Energy, replacing your windows with ENERGY STAR certified windows can lower your electricity bill by an average of 12% compared to new products that haven’t been certified. But the energy savings will be much greater compared to your old windows.
The type of window that’s right for your home will depend on your local climate. Gas-filled windows with low-E coatings can minimize heat loss, which can be helpful in colder climates. But coated windows can minimize heat gain in warmer climates. If your area has a more temperate climate with both hot and cold seasons, windows with good insulation and low solar heat gain can make your home more energy efficient.
If you’re ready to lower your electricity costs by installing energy efficient windows, be sure to get in touch with Replacement Windows of Katy.