How Energy-efficient Windows Add Home Value

If you’ve just moved into a newly-purchased house, you should consider having your windows replaced with modern energy-saving models. These windows don’t just help you cut down on heating or air conditioning power cost; they could also boost the value of your home.

Homeowners can reduce their energy bills by taking note of window traits such as the U-factor, emissivity rating, presence of air sealants, and material of their windows. Experienced professionals know that windows are not a simple matter. For instance, according to the Department of Energy, the direction that the windows are facing can contribute to added heating and cooling costs.

Moreover, homeowners should read and understand energy performance ratings like U-factors and solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC) very carefully before they purchase replacement windows. A U-factor of 0.35 or lower means that the window doesn't transmit as much heat indoors as other windows do while a 0.6 SHGC means that a window can reliably provide sufficient heat indoors during winter.

The material used to construct a window should also be considered because certain materials (like aluminum) absorb more heat than others, regardless of the energy performance rating of the glass that they hold. Wood doesn't fail in this regard, although it requires frequent maintenance. Alternative materials like Fibrex strike a balance between durability and energy-efficiency although they only make up a small portion of the market because they are new.