Should I replace my home windows?
Did you know that windows and doors account for about 20% of a buildings heat / cooling loss? Making sure your windows are properly sealed and the sun is properly reflected plays a large role in controlling energy loss.
Efficient Windows
Properly sealed windows can save as much as 15% of the total energy lost through a window. Sealing windows is a simple process that just about any do-it-yourselfer can accomplish. A simple trip to your local hardware store for some caulking and weather-stripping is all you need. Use the caulking on fixed joints where air is currently able to escape. This typically happens between the frame and the wall on most windows. Caulking around the entire window frame may not be a bad idea. Weather-stripping should be applied where parts are moving. This can help stop drafts through older windows where the window doesn’t quite close all the way.
If you have gone around and sealed all your windows and still find that your energy bill is higher than desired maybe it is time to upgrade your windows. Window efficiency has grown drastically even in the last 10 years. If you currently have single pane windows from the 70’s chances are that you will see a great savings by replacing your windows. Single pane windows have an insulating factor (R-Value) of about 0.7 where as a double pane window has about a 1.6 value. This means that double pane windows lose about half the energy as single pane windows. If you want to go crazy and spend some extra money the double pane with suspended film and low-E gas between the panes can save you about 5.5 times that of your normal single pane windows.
Replacing your windows may not be the best option for you and your home but it is something to consider when fighting high electric bills. Here in Phoenix Arizona we, at Clear Cut Glass, specialize in custom window replacements. We have seen large savings and quick returns on investments during summer months but each house is different. Window placement, size and quantity all play equally large roles in determining the effectiveness of replacing windows.
If you have any questions concerning residential window replacements, contact us! Clear Cut Glass is proud to help the community grow and save money at the same time. We are experts in window replacement.