Maximizing Energy Efficiency: The Best Window Upgrades for Your Home
Everyone wants to save money where they can, whether eating out less and cooking at home more, DIYing lawn care, or cleaning your home yourself rather than hiring a professional company.
When spring and summer arrive, our energy bills skyrocket from the air conditioning constantly running in the warm months. Most of us set the thermostat a little higher to save on energy bills, but did you know the problem may be your home’s windows?
We’re well into spring and the scorching summer months are just around the corner – is your home equipped to combat increased energy bills? If you’re ready to maximize energy efficiency this summer, keep reading to learn about the best window upgrades for your home that will help keep your cooling bills down.
How Does a Window Increase Energy Bills?
Plenty of factors contribute to increased cooling bills during the summer months: damaged HVAC system, dirty filters, poor insulation, etc. But did you know that windows are one of the biggest culprits when you have higher energy bills? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain through windows during the warmer months is attributed to nearly 30% of your home’s energy use. That’s a large percentage, meaning your windows most likely are allowing hot air to enter and cool inside air to escape. How? Below are some reasons why your energy bills increase:
Drafty Windows
Have you ever felt around a drafty window? If you hold your hand up to a window, where the frame meets the glass, if it’s drafty you’ll feel air blowing, even if no fans are running and the windows are closed. If you can’t feel it, you can also check for drafts by safely holding a burning candle near the window, and slowly moving it around the perimeter. If the flame flickers, you have drafty windows. Drafty windows are dangerous and can lead to many issues like mold, wood rot, and of course increased energy bills.
Pitfalls in Window Installation
Unfortunately, you can’t guarantee that every window installation job will be perfect, especially if you hire an inexperienced company or one with bad ratings. Therefore, some common pitfalls in window installation can occur when an inexperienced or underqualified individual installs windows in your home. Some issues with window installation that could decrease their energy efficiency are a wrong size opening, poor quality windows, missing defects with windows before installation, bad insulation, etc.
Old Windows
Older windows don’t have the features modern ones have today.
When windows get old, they often develop cracks or cause drafts, even issues like mold or wood rot, depending on the severity of the damage and how well they were insulated and installed. High-quality newer windows have plenty of features that increase energy efficiency: optional gas fills, and window energy ratings like ENERGY STAR® and NFRC, which rate windows based on things like how quickly heat transfers, how much solar heat is transmitted, etc.
The Best Window Upgrades for Your Home
As a consumer, how can you ensure you install the best windows to maximize energy efficiency? Some window upgrades increase energy savings while shaving some dollars off your energy bills during the hot summer months. Below are some of the best window upgrades for your home:
Multi-Chambered Frame Design
Window chambers are tiny air compartments that are inside the frame, separated by thin walls. When looking to increase energy efficiency, you’ll want to install a window with multiple chambers in the frame design. Why? Chambers retain heat, making for a warmer home in the winter and a cooler one in the summer. A multi-chambered frame design is great for homes in Lynchburg since we have all four seasons that bring fluctuating temperatures and weather patterns.
Optional Gas Fills
You’ll also want to look for a window with optional gas fills to aid in energy efficiency. Most double-pane and triple-pane windows are filled with argon or krypton, unscented and colorless gasses used to fill windows. Upgrading your windows to include optional gas fills increases the window’s insulation, resulting in energy-efficient windows.
Premium Glass Packages
Windows with premium glass packages maximize energy efficiency. Look for Low-E or low-emissivity windows when you upgrade your residential windows. Low-E is a premium glass coating that is non-toxic and aids in thermal efficiency.
Home Evolutions VA’s Replacement Windows Maximize Energy Efficiency
Our window frame selection at Home Evolutions VA is the best in Lynchburg, offering a variety of styles to complement your home’s unique style while offering exceptional energy efficiency. Our MountainView Windows meet and exceed all ENERGY STAR® standards. With a multi-chambered frame design and premium glass packages and glass fills, there are plenty of options. Our Low-E windows and durable materials will protect your home while never harming our environment. We also have vinyl windows made from uPVC, a great eco-friendly option.
No matter your budget, we have replacement windows that perfectly fit your home and offer superior protection while eliminating drafts. Our MountainView replacement options are available in various styles, including slider, casement, awning, double-hung, and more to complement your home’s style.
Our window replacement service is easy, starting with a free estimate. We’ll assess your current windows, offer suggestions for window replacement, and give you a detailed estimate based on your needs. Finding the perfect window fit is easy when hiring Home Evolutions VA.
Home Evolutions VA can help with all your home improvement needs, whether you need help with an insurance claim or a quote for installing a new roof or gutter system. We’re here to help every step of the way throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free consultation!
