While home energy costs are on the rise, homeowners can save significant amounts of energy and money with high-performance windows.
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Fortunately, homeowners can find some relief by upgrading their windows. ENERGY STAR−rated windows are a good starting point. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR−qualified windows, doors and skylights reduce energy bills—and carbon footprints—by about 7 to 15 percent compared to nonqualified products.
Estimated savings vary depending on regional heating and cooling costs, but ENERGY STAR models currently save U.S. homeowners an average of $320 annually when replacing single-pane windows or $160 when replacing double-pane windows.
Maximize Your Savings
When considering new windows, remember high-performance windows offer even greater energy savings potential—up to 40 percent more than minimum ENERGY STAR windows. High-performance models use a combination of more energy-efficient components to provide better insulation against temperature extremes.
To maximize savings, look for high-performance models featuring nonmetal spacers that provide the best insulation and more impact on energy bills. Nonconductive spacer systems minimize the transfer of cold and heat energy from a home’s exterior to its interior. Windows with nonmetal spacers provide a warmer edge-of-glass temperature for increased interior comfort compared to models using conductive metal spacers.
In addition to nonmetal spacers, look for the following window features to maximize energy savings:
- Low-emissivity (low-e) glass to block heat-generating UV light and reduce cooling needs;
- Energy-efficient frame materials with insulated cores for a superior thermal barrier;
- Argon or krypton gas filling to reduce cold and heat transfer.
High-performance windows are available in both double-pane and triple-pane models. In some cases, a double may provide better efficiency than a triple. However, as a general rule of thumb, triple-pane windows offer the greatest performance. In either case, look for windows with low U-values (or high R-values), which indicate better energy efficiency. In addition, homeowners should watch for characteristics such as a window’s solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible light transmittance (VT).
Additional Savings
The savings don’t necessarily stop with the installation of energy-efficient windows. Homeowners can save money on their taxes by installing qualified windows. Check with your window provider or the IRS to learn more about tax incentives.
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