New Windows Are Important to Your Energy Bills

Whether replacing your windows actually pays for itself isn’t really the question. There are a range of benefits associated with window replacement, often having to do with things like updating the look and feel of your home. But the good news is that new windows can certainly save you some money on those energy bills. If you or someone you know is looking into window replacement in or near Portland, OR, rest assured there a variety of reasons to take the investment seriously. Saving on energy costs is just one of those reasons. For many families, however, it may be a particularly important reason—especially if you are also interested in updating the look of your home or dealing with windows that aren’t working properly at the moment. Regardless of the climate in which you live, windows are a critical barrier between you and the outside world. Unless you want those outdoor elements affecting your energy consumption in unwanted ways, new windows may be essential.  

As The Spruce puts it, “It is no secret that new replacement windows will save you energy and provide greater comfort within the house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EnergyStar program estimates that the average U.S. home can save $126 to $465 a year when replacing single-pane windows and $27 to $111 a year for double-panes (with EnergyStar-qualified replacements, not new construction).”  

How do you save money? Newer windows tend to be better at keeping air where it should be, reducing the reliance upon air conditioning or heating. Most families want their homes to remain comfortable places, not too hot and not too cold. The right windows may be essential to maintaining that kind of equilibrium.  

As Home Advisor explains, “Steve Poitz, a member of the Canadian Window Standards Subcommittee and an engineer who specializes in energy-efficient windows, states that even a clear glass, double-paned vinyl or wood-framed window can reduce energy usage by up to 24 percent in cold climates during the winter, and by up to 18 percent in hot climates during the summer, when compared to older, single-pane models.”  

You may find research suggesting that energy savings won’t in and of itself pay for the windows over the course of time. That’s interesting, but it really isn’t the point. Such an argument presupposes that energy savings are literally the only reason you should look into new windows. That simply isn’t the case. Old windows often fail to work properly, sometimes struggling to open or shut as they should. They can also look out of date, sometimes resembling styles that were popular 20 or 30 years ago. If you are looking to update the look of your home in general, new windows may be an important component thereof. The big point is that you can also save money on those energy bills in the process. That’s a big perk.  

If you are looking into window replacement in the Portland, OR, area, consider reaching out to Lifetime Windows & Doors. We pride ourselves on handling your needs in a friendly and professional fashion, making your windows decisions easier in the process. You can visit us at 14710 SE Lee Ave, Portland, OR 97267 or place a phone call to (503) 230-0500.