There is a growing demand from homeowners to achieve environmental comfort. Especially having a home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. I have natural solar heating as the living spaces in my home are facing south. However, it is very hot inside in the summer. And it is quite cold in the winter. All the windows are large. I doubt that they were ever changed. I decided it was time to do just that to newer energy efficient windows. I will have all the windows replaced in phases. Starting with the downstairs. I am hoping it will reduce my electric bills as well.
I considered installing solar panels. However, my roofer told me that they can cause condensation to develop and this could damage the roof. There are other areas to place them, but I thought replacing the windows would be cheaper than solar panels.
If you are selecting windows for new construction or to replace existing windows, it is important to choose the most efficient windows you can afford. And the kind work best in your climate.
Energy efficient windows are an important consideration for both new and existing homes. Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25% – 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.
REPLACING YOUR WINDOWS
If you decide to replace your windows, you will have to make several decisions about the type of windows you purchase and the type of replacement you will make.
You may have the option of replacing the windows in their existing frame; discuss this option with your window retailer and installer to find out if it will work for you. I contacted HOME DEPOT. There sales representative came out and measured all of my windows. I explained that I couldn’t do all the windows at one time. I wanted to break them down in phases. I have eight on order. One large patio window is included in that total. Originally I knew the patio window needed to be changed, but since the sale was on and the other windows showed evidence that needing to be changed, I decided to start with eight.
ENERGY STAR STANDARDS
Replacing your home’s windows with ENERGY STAR rating will improve indoor comfort and filter out-damaging ultraviolet light, while potentially saving you hundreds of dollars a year on heating and cooling costs. This information can be found on the U.S. Department of Energy’s website.
Traditional window materials used in houses across the United States, single glass pane and later double-pane clear glass, do a poor job at keeping out the cold and excessive heat. If you have these windows in your home, you are likely spending hundreds of dollars a year more in home heating and cooling costs than you would with the latest ENERGY STAR qualified windows.
Replacing old windows represents a significant investment, but the payback in terms of improved thermal comfort, reduced energy usage, and money saved over the long term makes replacement a smart choice. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR qualified models can save you 7% – 15% on annual household energy bills annually, depending on your geographic location and the type of windows being replaced.
Before replacing your windows, be sure you have already properly insulated and air sealed your home. Refer to the U.S. Department of Energy’s DOE Guide to Home Insulation and DOE Guide to Air Sealing under Further Reading for more information.
ENERGY STAR STANDARDS
Having the ENERGY STAR STANDARDS recognition qualifies windows that have met strict performance standard established under the ENERGY STAR program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This recognition allows windows to feature:
- Double or even triple panes of glass with inert gases such as argon between them that vastly improve the ability to insulate against unwanted heat flow into or out of the house, depending on the time of year.
- Window frame materials designed to improve the window’s insulating abilities.
- Spacers that keep a window’s glass panes the correct distance apart to reduce heat flow and help prevent condensation.
- Special coatings to create low emissivity (“low-E”) glass. Such low-E glass reflects heat energy either into or out of the house, further enhancing insulation. It also reflects ultraviolet (UV) light away from the house and can protect your household furnishings from UV-induced fading by as much as 75%.
WINDOW INSTALLATION ESSENTIALS
Even the most energy-efficient windows can result in a drafty house and moisture condensation if they are not properly installed. Make sure to follow manufacturers instructions, seek out trained installers and watch for lead dust. Most homes build before 1978 contain lead paint, which can pose a serious health hazard during home renovation. Learn about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Renovate Right” campaign – and make sure your window installer is EPA certified.
IRS HOME IMPROVEMENT CREDIT
If you make qualified-efficient improvements to your home after January 1, 2023, you may qualify for a tax credit up to $3,200. You can claim the credit for improvements made through 2023.
Exterior windows and skylights that meet ENERGY STAR EFFICIENT certification requirements can allow a credit limited to $600 total.
The IRS has an article titled “Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit” which includes other deductions for different home improvements. https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit.
