Photo credit: www.southernsuncontrol.com

There’s currently big appeal with replacing the older windows in your home with more energy efficient windows. Energy efficient windows coupled with the federal tax credit of up to $1,500 could mean bid saving on energy bills in the long run and an almost immediate return on some of the upgrade costs.
You should also be aware that there are other ways to reduce your energy bills. Such as sealing the doors, window sills, and any other areas where air might enter or exit your home, making sure your house is well insulated.

There are a great many details involved in windows, but here are some replacement basics:

Before you replace your windows, you should get a home-energy audit to determine how you can make your home more energy efficient. You might be able to just replace the glass, which has improved greatly in recent years. You might only need to weather strip or caulk to block cracks and holes. You might also have the option of adding exterior or interior storm windows or plastic window films to help keep the hot and cold air where it belongs.

Replacing your windows often makes the most sense when you have older single-pane windows with metal frames or your windows are rotting or broken.

Energy Star says that you can save about $500 a year in a 2,000 square foot home with 300 square feet of windows by replacing single-pane windows with Energy Star certified windows.

There a large variety of number-letter combinations involved in measuring a window’s efficiency.

Each component of a window has an R-value. The R-value indicates how resistant the material is to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the material resists heat flow.

The U-factor of a window measures how well the window keeps the hot air on the side of the window where you want it. The lower the U-factor, the better.

If a window says it’s Low-E (Low Emissivity), it has a coating that helps keep the heat from sunlight and ultraviolet rays from coming through the window. Low-E also will contribute to a lower U-factor.

The SHGC (Solar Heat-Gain Coefficient) measures how effectively a window blocks the heat coming from the sun. The SHGC measurement is from 0 to 1 and the lower the number, the better. If you want to qualify for the tax credit, look for a SHGC measurement of 0.30 or lower.

Because windows are a part of your home that usually stays put for decades, it’s important that you make sure that you get a good warranty with your windows from a company that’s going to be around to back that warranty up.

See more:
Weighing the Costs and Benefits of Replacing Windows
Should I Replace My Windows
Home Depot – Windows