Do Replacement Windows Save Energy?

Aug 9, 2022

Are you thinking about buying replacement windows for your home? If so, you’re probably wondering if replacement windows will save energy. The short answer is yes! Replacing your inefficient windows with Energy Star-certified windows can significantly lower your energy bill.

How Much Energy Will I Save by Replacing My Windows?

It depends! There isn’t an easy answer since everyone’s homes are different. The amount you’ll save depends on several factors:

  • The age and condition of your existing windows
  • The design of your current windows (size, type, number of panes, etc.)
  • The design of the replacement windows (size, type, number of panes, etc.)
  • The quality of your replacement window installation
  • The quality of the sealing and insulation in other important areas of your home like your attic and crawl space. If these important areas of your home aren’t properly sealed and insulated, you won’t save much energy by replacing your windows. 

Call McCloud for Replacement Windows Today

When you choose McCloud Windows for your next renovation, we can help you estimate how much energy you’ll save with replacement windows. Call us today to learn more about our wide range of energy star qualified products. We source our windows from manufacturers located right here in Ohio, and all of our installations are performed by manufacturer-certified installers with at least 10 years of experience. Contact us today for a free estimate.

What are Energy Star Windows?

Energy Star windows are windows that have been certified to meet certain energy performance ratings. Energy Star is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Star windows have special coatings that insulate your home from the heat and the cold. These energy-efficient windows help save you money and keep your home comfortable all year long.

Lower Energy Bills

With energy-saving windows, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to warm and cool your home. This translates to a lower energy bill every month.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Home energy use is a large part of your carbon footprint. You can reduce your home’s emissions by installing Energy Star windows.

Protect Your Furnishings

Energy Star windows have coatings that protect your furnishings from harmful UV light. Too much exposure to UV light can cause your floors, carpets, furniture, pictures, and other valuables to fade over time. These coatings can reduce fading by up to 75 percent.  

What Makes Energy Star Windows More Efficient?

Energy Star windows don’t have to be made with any specific technologies, but these features are common in Energy Star certified products:

Multiple Panes

Energy Star windows have two or more panes of glass with air or gas-filled spaces between them. Windows with multiple panes of glass insulate a lot better than single-pane windows. The extra panes also improve impact resistance and sound insulation.

Quality Frame Materials

Energy Star window frames are made with quality materials that improve insulation and reduce heat transfer. Energy Star window frames can be made from aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, wood, composite, and combination materials.

Low-E Glass

Energy Star windows have special coatings that reflect infrared light. Low-E glass also reflects UV light, which helps protect your floors, carpets, and other furnishings from fading.

Gas Fills

Some Energy Star windows have gases like argon or krypton in-between their panes. These non-toxic gases insulate better than air.

Warm Edge Spacers

Warm edge spacers keep window panes the proper distance apart. They also insulate the pane edges, which reduces heat transfer.

More Reasons to Replace Your Windows

Energy savings are just one of the many reasons why it’s a good idea to replace your windows. Here are a few more benefits of renovating your home’s windows:

Home Value

Replacing your home’s windows is a worthy investment. New windows can add thousands of dollars to your home’s market value! If you’re thinking about selling your home soon, recently upgraded windows allow you to demand a higher price.

Security

Upgrading your home’s windows can make your home more secure. Old single-pane windows with bad locks are security risks. Modern windows have better locks and multiple panes for increased impact resistance. Replace those old windows with better ones for the peace of mind you deserve. You can also add aftermarket window locks for added security.

Noise Reduction

Replacing your windows can also improve your home’s sound insulation. Modern Energy Star windows with multiple panes will let in much less sound than old single-pane windows. Sleep sounder by replacing those thin old windows today. 

Curb Appeal

Replacing your windows gives you an opportunity to change your home’s appearance! Achieve the home of your dreams by choosing from a wide selection of styles from McCloud Windows. With plenty of windows and frames to choose from, you’re sure to find a look you love.

Contact McCloud for Your Next Window Renovation

Looking for a window contractor that can install specialty windows for your home? McCloud Windows carries a wide range of window products manufactured right here in Ohio. We install the following types of replacement windows for homeowners in the Columbus, Delaware, and Dayton areas:

Windows We Install

  • Awning windows
  • Bay windows
  • Bow windows
  • Casements
  • Double hung
  • Garden windows
  • Patio doors
  • Picture windows
  • Sliders (2 lite sliders and 3 lite sliders)
  • Specialty windows (rounds, half rounds, octagons)

HVAC Tips for More Energy Savings

Looking for more ways to reduce your energy bill? Here are some HVAC tips that can help you save even more money:

Seal and Insulate Your Attic and Crawl Space

Most of your conditioned air leaks out through your attic and crawl space. In the winter, warm air escapes through the attic because warm air rises. In the summer, your cool air sinks and escapes through the bottom of your home. Sealing and insulating your attic and crawl space are crucial steps to take if you want to save money on your energy bill.

Seal Your Doors and Windows

While most air leakage occurs at the top and the bottom of your home, it’s also important to properly seal your doors and windows. Keep an eye out for damaged caulk and weatherstripping and replace these as necessary.

Take Care of Your HVAC System

The better you take care of your HVAC system, the more efficient it will be. Here are a few tips for keeping your HVAC system in good shape:

  • Change your air filters regularly
  • Keep your air vents open
  • Don’t block your air vents with furniture or other items
  • Clean your HVAC unit’s outdoor components
  • Get a professional HVAC inspection

Schedule a Home Energy Audit

An energy audit is when a professional energy auditor examines your home to identify its weaknesses in terms of energy efficiency. Energy auditors conduct tests to assess your windows, walls, doors, eaves, attic, crawl space, HVAC systems and more. An energy auditor can give you more specific advice on how to make your home more energy efficient.

Contact Us for Energy Star Certified Windows Today

Contact McCloud Windows for energy-efficient windows today! We’re proud to provide Columbus, Delaware, and Dayton, Ohio with high-quality windows and installation services. Call us today or fill out the contact form below to get a free estimate.