Do Replacement Windows Improve My Home’s Value?

Are the windows in your home over 15 years old?

Are you putting up with draftiness, windows that stick in their frames, and skyrocketing energy bills?

Replacing older windows with new, energy-efficient models will improve the value of your home, but oftentimes people feel that a window replacement is very expensive. Well, I’m here to tell you that the investment is well worth it.

Window replacement is one of the best home remodeling projects in terms of return on investment. For average-quality vinyl windows, you can regain 80% of the project cost in added home value – according to the “Remodeling Impact Report.” For the average home, that’s a value add of about $12,000 if you should decide to sell your house. Wow!

The range for energy-efficient window pricing is wide, but in the end you will save up to 15% a year on your energy bill if older double-pane windows in a 2,600-square-foot house are replaced with energy-efficient windows with Low-E coatings.

You must remember that the savings can vary widely by climate, local energy costs, and the energy efficiency of both the windows purchased and the windows being replaced. You may also qualify for low-interest loans or other incentives offered by your local utility that can sweeten the deal.

Price vs. Energy Efficiency

Don’t be surprised to find that the most efficient windows are usually the most expensive. However, it’s not necessary to buy the highest-end products to realize utility bill savings or improve comfort and aesthetics.

So how do you choose the right replacement windows?

Thanks to the Energy Star rating system, you’ll have all the information you need to make the right choice. Energy Star labels tell you whether a window performs well in your climate based on ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council. They have done all of the work for you!

In addition, it’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with terms that appear on many window labels:

• Glazing is the glass used in the window. The number of layers of glazing (single, double, or triple) doesn’t necessarily equal greater efficiency, rather the presence or absence of the other items in this list affects a window’s total energy performance. Glazing coatings can significantly affect a window’s U-factor, or degree of insulation against the outdoors.
• Low-E stands for low emissivity, the window’s ability to reflect rather than absorb heat when coated with a thin metallic substance. Low-E coatings add up to 10% to the price of a window.
• Gas fills typically consist of argon or krypton gas sandwiched between glazing layers to improve insulation and slow heat transfer. They often won’t work at high altitudes because differences in air pressure cause them to leak out.
• Spacers are what separate sheets of glass in a window to improve insulating quality. The design and material of spacers are important to prevent condensation and heat loss.

There are many benefits of replacement windows on your home, and it starts from aesthetics and ends at home value. Don’t wait any longer, get those windows that your home so desperately needs!

For more great window ideas and guidance, visit our Windows Page today!