Much like your uncle Ted, as homes age they tend to use up more and more energy. If you live in an area like Niagara Falls, chances are you own an older home. Purchasing new windows can help you save a bundle on your home energy usage in multiple ways. Here’s the lowdown.
ENERGY STAR
If you don’t know what an ENERGY STAR rating is, here is a quick primer. ENERGY STAR is an energy efficiency rating that correlates directly into heating bill savings, eco-friendliness and less energy consumption. By choosing a window that has an energy efficient rating, you stand to save 10 to 25% on your energy bill.
Energy efficient windows have two panes. This helps heat retention and provides insulation from outside noise. Today, most windows use argon or krypton to reduce the U-value and improve thermal performance. All you really need to know is the Energy Rating of the window. It will be a number in the 20’s or 30’s- the higher the number, the better. You will find many manufacturers Energy Rating numbers on the internet- go to the Energy Star Canada website. If the window that you’re thinking about buying isn’t listed there, be wary!
Tax Credits
There are times when you will see the government offering tax credits on house renovations like windows. Instead of pulling money out of your pocket to pay for windows, take advantage of these tax credits. That way, the money that you would be using to pay for windows can be put towards your energy bill.
Keep checking government websites for rebates and tax credits on energy efficient installations. These programs pop up and close fairly frequently.
Quality Windows
Spend the money on quality windows up front, and you will be in a better position when you receive your energy bill. Wood frames tend to be a little more expensive, but have great energy efficiency. Aluminum frames are less efficient, but less costly. In the middle are vinyl window frames. If you look long enough, you will be able to find something that fits your taste and provides you with the best possible energy efficiency. Generally speaking, a good quality vinyl window is the way to go.
Installations
If you have top-notch windows, but they were installed with two nails and a rubber mallet by ‘some guy,’ you won’t see the energy savings. A quality installation is more important than as a quality window. Spend the time finding out about your company’s installation process and their reputation, and ensure you will get an installation that transfers into savings on your bill.
Making the investment into new windows now will provide you with years of savings in the future.
Comments
I am really looking to save money on my energy bill. It seems like my energy bills get higher and higher each month. Do you really think the right windows will make my energy bills go down? I am willing to spend the extra money on windows and installation if they will help me save money each month on energy. I really like the bay and bow windows. They look very nice.. I think they would look good in my living room and kitchen. Are those very energy efficient?
The right windows will certainly help you save money on your energy bills each month. If your windows are very old and don’t have good ventilation, you will be spending more money on your energy bill than you need to. Getting new windows will cost you extra money in the beginning, but it will save you more money in the long run. Here at Clera, we specialize in installing energy efficient windows, so you should definitely think about it.
You know, I’ve been thinking about getting new windows for months now and you’ve finally convinced me to do it. I really didn’t realize how much money they can save me. The windows in my home are pretty old and I think they are the reasons for my high energy bills each month especially in the winter. I even tried wrapping plastic around them and nothing works. I think it’s finally time to invest in some high-quality windows.
I have been considering getting new windows for a long time now and I think you guys finally convinced me to do it. I honestly did not realize how much money windows could save me. I love saving money any way I can. The windows in my home are so old and they are probably the reason my energy bills are so darn expensive every month. I even tried wrapping plastic around them and nothing works. I am going to finally get some new windows in my house.