Are Energy-Efficient Windows Worth It?

Aug 02, 2022

Companies offering energy-efficient windows

Did you know that the Department of Energy estimates that up to 30% of a home’s energy loss occurs through the windows? This means that your house windows are a significant component of your home’s overall energy efficiency. It’s therefore not surprising that more and more homeowners are opting for energy-efficient windows for their homes. But is it a worthwhile investment for you? If you’re considering a window replacement project for your home, here’s what you need to know about energy-efficient windows so that you can make an informed decision.

What Are Energy-Efficient Windows?

If you’re researching options for new house windows, you’ve likely seen a slew of companies offering energy-efficient windows. But before you jump into the hype, it helps to understand what exactly energy-efficient windows are and how they work. Energy-efficient windows are specifically designed with enhanced features and components that help prevent heat transfer into and out of the home. There are many different features that contribute to this energy efficiency, including:

  • Double-pane glass
  • Argon gas fills
  • Low-E glass coatings
  • Premium weatherstripping
  • Warm-edge spacer systems
  • Insulated frames
  • And more

All of these features are designed to reduce heat transfer. So, during the hot summer months, these windows are more effective at keeping the hot air out so that your home’s interior stays nice and air-conditioned. During cold winters, these windows similarly help keep the warm air inside your home and keep the cold air out.

The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

Now that you understand the different elements of energy-efficient windows and what they do, the next question to ask is, are these enhanced features worth it? Energy-efficient windows have a higher upfront cost than standard windows because of the enhanced components they include, so you’ll want to carefully evaluate the benefits to determine if they’re the right option for you. Here are some of the benefits to consider as you determine if energy-efficient windows are worth it to you:

  • Energy savings – Energy-efficient windows help reduce the strain on your HVAC system, which can lower your monthly heating and cooling costs.
  • Environmental impact – Energy-efficient windows reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
  • Comfort – Energy-efficient windows contribute to a more comfortable and consistent indoor temperature in your home, which can improve your quality of life.
  • Home value – Energy-efficient windows are an investment in your home that will increase your home’s value more than standard windows will.

The Costs Involved in Energy-Efficient Windows

Another important consideration as you evaluate whether energy-efficient windows are right for your home includes both the immediate and long-term costs involved with these windows. You’ll want to weigh these two factors against each other:

  • Initial investment – You can generally expect energy-efficient windows to come with a higher upfront cost than standard windows, but the actual numbers can vary drastically. This will depend on the quality of the window, the brand, your local region, and other factors, so getting a price quote from your local window company will provide you with the best insight.
  • Long-term savings – In the long-term, energy-efficient windows will offer a better return on investment (ROI) than standard windows thanks to the value they provide for your home and for the potential for reduced utility bills over time.

Other Factors to Consider Before Investing

In addition to the short-term and long-term costs and savings related to energy-efficient windows, there are a variety of related factors to consider as well. For instance:

  • Local climate – If you live in an area that has extreme temperatures, energy-efficient windows will offer more benefits than if you live in a climate that’s more temperate year-round.
  • Home age and insulation – While your windows are one source of potential energy loss throughout the home, they’re not the only source. You’ll also want to consider things like the age of your home and how well-insulated it currently is.
  • Rebates and incentives – When you choose ENERGY STAR® certified windows, you may qualify for federal and local tax incentives that offset some of the initial costs of these windows as well.
  • Alternative solutions – There may be alternative solutions that are more cost-effective to meet your needs rather than investing in new energy-efficient windows. For instance, certain window treatments offer energy-efficient benefits as well as window films, storm windows, and more.

The Bottom Line on Energy-Efficient Windows

There are a lot of considerations at play when determining if energy-efficient windows are worth it for your home. If you’re looking for new windows anyway, energy-efficient windows are likely a smart choice. Meanwhile, if you don’t need new windows, you may want to consider other ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home instead.

If you’d like more help deciding if energy-efficient windows are right for your home, turn to Rochester Windows & Doors. We proudly offer energy-efficient windows and other energy-efficient home solutions to meet your needs, and we can help determine the options that will suit your preferences, meet your budget, and provide the results you’re looking for. Contact Rochester Windows & Doors today to get started.