Increase Your Savings with Energy-Efficient Windows

If you’ve been experiencing drafts in your home for quite a while, high energy bills, or simply windows that are getting too hard to open or close, then perhaps it’s time to consider replacing your windows to obtain more energy-efficient windows. Even though they would indeed be a great improvement, replacement projects like this can become expensive. Are they worth the investment? Are they worth it?

According to a report by the National Association of Realtors®, the cost of having all-new vinyl windows for an average 2,450-square-foot house can run up $19,000. The cost is indeed considerably high. However, the same report also indicates that up to 80% of the initial project cost can be recouped in added home value after replacement. That is a value of about $15,000 in home value, should you decide to sell your house.

The Return on Investment

Additionally, the return on investment for the newly-installed windows can also be recouped through savings in energy bills. Depending on your window’s Energy Star rating, the Department of Energy estimates that about $125 to $465 can be saved per year. These values, however, will vary depending on the area’s climate, local energy costs, and the energy efficiency of both the windows to be replaced and the replacement windows.

Energy-efficient windows usually begin at $120 in price for a 36”x72”, single-hung window, but can also easily go up to 10 times that value for others. This could add up to about $270 to even $1000 or higher when installation labor costs are included. Do take note, however, that energy efficiency goes up higher the higher you go on the price range, generally-speaking.

Energy Efficiency vs. Price

It is no secret that the most efficient windows are typically on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, when considering buying energy-efficient windows, it is really not necessary to go buy the windows with the highest price in order to reap high energy savings. Thanks to Energy Star ratings, the job of balancing the cost of energy-efficient windows, the energy efficiency it provides, and the amount of savings to be earned just became easier.

The Energy Star labels on the windows will provide information about a window’s performance in a certain climate based on ratings provided by the National Fenestration Rating Council. Through this, it isn’t really necessary to buy the most expensive to have the most savings. You just need to balance it all out.