There’s been a lot of talks lately about how energy-efficient windows can be beneficial to homeowners, but is this talk just hype, or are these benefits real?

The National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC), which gives guidance on ratings for windows, estimates that installing clear single-pane windows can save you as much as $280 a year and double pane windows $126 a year depending on which climate zone you live in within the U.S.

Significant savings for sure, but which energy-efficient windows are the best to install, and how do these windows contribute to utility cost savings?

Can New Windows Save Money On Energy Bills?

The short answer is yes. New energy-efficient windows reduce air leakage, keeping warm air inside in the colder months and out of the home in the hotter months. Windows with the following properties can provide several advantages:

Multiple Panes of Glass

Energy-efficient windows work better because they have multiple panes of glass that reduce heat transfer in and out of the home.

Double-pane and triple-pane windows consist of multiple panes of insulating glass sandwiched together with spacers creating air pockets between the glass layers. When they are sealed shut, they prevent air leakage and reduce heat loss.

Low-E Glass Coatings

Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings are excellent at keeping heat inside your home in the winter and out of your home in the summer.

An exterior Low-E coating has a lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). This measurement refers to the product’s capability to stop the heat-carrying infrared and ultraviolet light from entering your home while still allowing in sunlight.

In northern climates, where homeowners are looking to retain heat inside their homes, Low-E coatings work in reverse.

Energy-Efficient Frame Materials

Installing energy-efficient windows with energy-saving frame materials also reduces heat transfer in and out of the home.

Fiberglass, vinyl windows, wooden, or clad-wood window frames are the best performing options as they do not conduct heat well, while aluminum window frames are the least efficient.

Gas-Filled Windows

Energy-efficient windows typically have gas fills between window panes. These gases, e.g., argon and krypton, are non-toxic, odorless, and colorless and help insulate the home by slowing heat transfer through the window.

Types of Windows That Are Energy Efficient

There are three main options of energy-efficient windows to choose from that can help you make your home greener and more efficient.

These are:

Casement and Awning Windows

Casement windows are the most energy-efficient windows because they have a strong seal on all four sides. When you close a casement window, the sash presses tightly against the frame, preventing air from passing through the window. Additionally, in bad weather, strong gusts of wind only push the sash and frame closer together.

Awning windows have a single-glass pane that opens outward. They are energy efficient because they lock tight. As with casement windows, even if the wind blows hard against them, it tightens the seal more, reducing air leaks.

Single-Hung and Double Hung Windows

Single-hung and double-hung windows can help you increase the energy efficiency of your home. 

Interestingly, single-hung windows are cheaper to purchase and install and have a higher energy performance than double-hung windows because they have fewer moving parts.

Double-hung windows are ideal for aesthetic value; they are easier to clean than single-hung windows and more likely to be installed in homes with a modern feel.

Vertical and Horizontal Sliding Windows

Sliding windows are more energy-efficient than other types of windows because they lack complicated moving parts, allowing them to close tightly and firmly.

Additionally, most of the window panes that come with these single-sliding and double-sliding windows are gas-filled and low-E coating rated, which insulate against cold airflow.

How Much Will You Save?

Aging windows don’t do your home any favors and cost you money, as they attract higher heating and cooling bills.

And these savings are no underestimation! The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can save approximately $126 to $465 every year if you just replaced your existing windows for those with higher performance ratings. It also estimates that an energy-efficient window installation can save you approximately $27 to $111 annually.

Take a homeowner who spends $250 a month or $3000 a year on utility bills. If they replaced their windows, doors, and skylights for those with an energy star label, they could save up to $30 a month—or roughly $360 a year — on their energy bills. Energy Star studies also show that opting for double pane windows over single-pane windows can save between 21% and 31% off of energy costs.

It’s also worth noting that new higher rating windows can increase your home’s overall value. For example, installing a set of vinyl windows could add a whopping $12,000 to your home’s selling price, an excellent thing to consider if you’re thinking of selling your home in the future.

Since it costs approximately $150 to install energy-saving windows, it may take some time to recoup your investment, but in the long run, the savings are undeniable.

When Shopping For Windows, Trust the Experts at Winchoice USA

Now that you’ve learned more about energy-efficient windows, how about getting some for your home? If you want to make your home more energy efficient by changing your existing windows, WinChoice USA has an excellent range of replacement windows to suit every homeowner.

Whether you want to retain solar heat inside your home in the colder months or keep solar heat out of your home in the summer, our diverse window solutions can insulate your home against heat and cold up to four times better than traditional windows. They can help you save money, too, by minimizing your reliance on artificial heating and cooling appliances inside the home, reducing your overall energy monthly costs.

WinChoice USA is fully licensed, bonded, security-vetted, and insured. When you choose WinChoice USA to install or replace your windows, you can rest easy knowing that you’re getting energy-star certified windows with unbeatable parts and labor warranties. Additionally, we take customer service very seriously. Our technicians and project managers will never sign off on a job until you’re completely satisfied.

Don’t hesitate to talk to us today if you need energy-efficient windows in Hot Springs, AR. Contact us online or call (866) 407 5769 to get a free estimate and begin the journey of making your home more comfortable, greener, and efficient.