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You’ve likely heard that installing new windows can save you a bundle on your energy bill. But just how much cold, hard cash are we talking about? The short answer is, “It depends.” It depends on how outdated your old windows and the frames are, what new windows you opt to install, how many replacements you do (One? All?), and just what your definition is of “savings.”
There’s no one, concrete number when it comes to how much lower your energy bill will be with new windows. However, Energy Star says that homeowners can expect to save “at least 27 per year by replacing windows”—but don’t be discouraged by that low number. That’s the bare minimum, and Energy Star goes on to say that “If you have single-pane windows, replacing them with a quality pane can save you between 126 and 465 per year.” How many windows you have, or don’t, plays a big role.
Calculating the Benefits
However, if you have double-paned windows, Energy Star says that the cost savings will be less than 25 percent of the single-pane amount. Most homeowners can estimate that they’ll save about 111 per year if they’re replacing double-paned windows. Some owners get caught up in the trap of replacing vs. repairing, but the vast majority of the time it’s more cost effective to replace.
According to the California Office of Historic Preservation (an organization that knows a thing or two about the high cost of old windows), homeowners are under pressure to replace rather than repair—and with good reason. Unless you’re investing in a historic home and want to keep the original parts as much as possible for aesthetics and historical significance, you’re better off replacing. Repairs can be costly, result in subpar energy savings and cause more trouble than they’re worth.
Just In Time for Summer Heat or Winter Cold
The extreme seasons including freezing temperatures and hot summer months are when your new windows will really show what their made of (literally). If you’re planning to take the new window plunge, talk to a company that specializes in windows. They will be able to tell you about the factors that increase energy savings and walk you through the many options available.
Finally, remember that window replacement is just one avenue for lowering energy bills. Complement these additions with better practices, whether it’s closing off rooms which aren’t regularly used, adding home insulation or choosing a lower temperature setting for your home while adding some fuzzy socks to your indoor outfit to keep warm. A little bit can go a long way, and new windows are a long-term solution. Some homeowners may recoup the costs quickly, and there’s no greater joy for a homeowner than watching those monthly energy bills dwindle—but whether you’re replacing one.
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