Are Replacement Windows Worth the Investment?
As energy costs soar, you need to find savings wherever you can. And while you can’t change supplier prices of electricity, gas, oil, or even wood, you can save money with energy-efficient windows. But replacement windows come in many sizes, styles, shapes, and ratings for energy efficiency. The materials used, how they are installed, and who performs the installation are just some of the factors to consider to determine whether replacing your old windows will be worth the investment. Ask the right questions and you’ll get an answer customized to your situation.
Where Do You Live?
Areas of the country with extreme temperatures use more energy so the annual expenditures will be higher. And while heating your home costs more than cooling it, as temperatures around the globe continue to rise, energy efficient windows can save you money on air conditioning, as well as heat. The summer of 2021 saw record high temperatures in Spokane, including the most days ever over 90 degrees and Boise, ID had its warmest July in recorded history. The more you need to spend on energy the more opportunity there is to save.
How Long Will You Be in Your Home?
In a red-hot real estate market, you might be able to sell your home quickly without making any major renovations to entice buyers. A fresh coat of paint and proper staging can make old look new, especially if you want to sell now. But if you plan to stay in your home for a while, you’ll want to look at repairs and renovations as the long-term investment they can be.
What Are the Benefits of Replacement Windows?
Energy efficient windows add curb appeal to your property and are a protective barrier against nature and the elements. When properly selected and installed, they can save you money over time and add value to your home.
Resale Value
According to the annual cost vs. value report issued by Remodeling magazine, vinyl replacement windows are among the top property investments you can make. The average investment recoup is nearly 70 percent and that doesn’t count the ways new windows can save you over time.
Energy Savings
On energy costs alone, new windows can save you hundreds of dollars every year. Replacing single pane windows with Energy Star Certified windows can save you between $101 – $583 annually and even replacing double pane windows can save you between $27 and $197.
Safety and Protection
Old windows that don’t open properly can be a deadly hazard if they are the only exit during a fire. Damaged, rotting windows also make access to your home easier for invaders, whether human or animal. Even allergens, like pollen and mold, can find their way into your home through old windows.
Do you draw the blinds so your rugs and furniture don’t fade? Replacement windows can block UV rays that damage furnishings! And while peace and quiet might be impossible with old, single-pane windows, well-insulated, replacement windows shut out city sounds and noisy neighbors.
Carbon Footprint
Energy efficient windows don’t just save you money; they can help save the planet! According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for 25% – 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. The more energy you save, the smaller your carbon footprint.
Energy efficient replacement windows can be a sound investment that helps to protect what will probably be the most valuable asset you ever own: your home. But it’s critical to choose both your windows and installers with care. The NOW Remodeling team has decades of home renovation experience, and we install Endure™ windows from Provia. Made in the U.S., these stunning SunShield® vinyl windows come in a wide variety of styles and are certified energy efficient by ENERGY STAR®. The insulated glass and window vinyl come with lifetime warranties.* Are you ready to invest in your home? Request your free quote today.
*ProVia warrants the insulated glass units utilizing Super Spacer in its vinyl windows against defects resulting in material obstruction of vision as the result of film formation between the interior glass surfaces caused by failure of the air-tight seal, for as long as the original purchaser owns and lives in the home. The rigid vinyl in the window is warranted against chipping, cracking, peeling, pitting, or blistering, for as long as you own and live in the home in which the product was originally installed. The vinyl warranty is transferable to one subsequent purchaser.