Windows are one of the most attractive features in your home, especially if you’ve installed newer replacement windows in your home with a certified contractor—it keeps your home looking modern. While replacement windows provide views, natural light, ventilation, and solar heat in the winter, they also have some drawbacks; Your windows typically account for 10 to 25 percent of your heating and energy bills.
During the summer months, your air conditioner has to work a lot harder to cool the house because of all the sun coming through the windows. To counteract this, you can use Energy Star windows, as well as appropriate shades and blinds to give the air conditioning system a break. Low-E windows also help by reducing the cooling load in your home by up to 15%.
Many American homes still sport single-pane windows. If this is the case in your home, now is the time to consider replacing your windows. The cost to you through energy and heating bills of sticking to single-pane windows far exceeds the cost of replacing windows with a certified general contractor or specialty window contractor. High-performance glass (such as Low-E glass) or an upgrade to dual-pane replacement windows is often the best option. If you’re not sure which one is appropriate, it’s best to work with a contractor who can guide you to the right decision.
For homes in colder climates, a smart option to improve energy savings is to upgrade gas-filled windows with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass. This is designed to reduce heat transfer, thereby reducing heat loss in colder months, such as the winters experienced by the East Coast in states like Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia.
If you live in a warmer climate, try choosing replacement windows from a contractor that has spectrally selective coatings. This is designed to work as a Low-E coating, however it reduces heat gain, preventing heat from being transferred into the home. If you can’t afford replacement windows right now, there are a few things you can do to improve performance in the short term while you work on replacement window planning with a contractor.
For cooler climates, try insulating plastic that goes over the window like a film. Shrink films are available that help reduce cold infiltration. Similarly, install fitted blinds on the drawer windows after weatherization is complete. If you have the option to do so, be sure to install shutters on the exterior of your home.
For warmer climates, use white blinds, shades, or shades that help act as a radiant barrier against the sun’s UV rays. You can also purchase and install sunscreen or other reflective films on each of your windows. If you have the budget to do so, you can design or purchase awnings for south and west facing windows that shade your home from the sun during the hottest part of the day.