Energy Efficiency : What Can It Do for Your Home
Being energy-efficient means avoiding unnecessary use of energy particularly for repetitive tasks in order to curtail high levels of electricity consumption. Aside from cutting down costs of utilities not only per household but also throughout the economy, widely observed energy efficiency initiatives can help lessen the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.
On a household level, outdated windows are often identified as the main cause of high energy bills. In fact 25% to 30% of household cooling and heating energy consumption is caused by heat loss and gain occurring in windows. That is why taking a look at the current state of your windows is important, because faulty windows can cost you more in the long run in terms of utility bills. Moreover, getting your windows replaced will not only lessen monthly bills, but will also keep you and your family secure from harsh weathers.
Newer versions of windows are now available to improve energy efficiency in homes. However, most homeowners are unsure if it’s high time for them to look for replacement windows.
Do Your Windows Need Replacing?
Houses that have existed for more than two decades and still have the original windows in place are the most common structures that need window refurbishing. Still, if in case you’re unsure, there are signs that tell if your windows are due for upgrades:
- Increase in utility bills
- Trouble opening and closing of windows. Wooden windows eventually become hard to manage because they tend to age easily.
- Perforated or broken windows and decomposing window frames.
- No noise cancelling, which means you can hear noises from outside getting inside your home. Windows thar are energy-efficient can prevent sound waves from entering; as opposed to the regular single-pane and double-pane types of windows that cannot absorb sound waves.
- Condensation between two panes of glass as this is a sure sign that window seals have broken.
My Home Isn’t Old But How Can I Know if My Windows are Energy-Efficient?
One way of knowing whether your windows are energy-efficient or not, is to call a professional to perform an energy audit using a thermal imaging camera. However, make sure to approach your local utilities so you can check if they are trustworthy.
Another way is to do-it-yourself as there are some ways you can check if your windows need replacements.
If on a chilly day your windows feel colder to touch when compared with other objects around the house, it means the warm air being emitted by your furnace or heater because it instantly cools down once the air gets near the windows.
Another option is to light up a candle or an incense and then slowly move the candle near and around the corners of each window. If the flame flickers or the smoke moves, it is likely that drafts are coming through the windows.
You can also recognize windows in poor condition when visible light comes through the frames in certain spots. Check your window frames by using a flashlight in the dark to make the window frame holes visible.
What Window Materials are Energy-Efficient?
If cutting costs on electric bills is your main goal, vinyl window replacements are often recommended because the material meets energy efficiency standards. Besides, it can also improve the overall aesthetic of your home, which to may homeowners is a plus factor in the valuation of their property in the event that they will decide to sell the house.
If your looking for glass as window replacements in addressing leak issues, look for glass windows that are certified for low-emissivity (LoE). Low-emissivity glass is capable of keeping the heat out of your home during warm seasons. On the other hand, LoE can keep warm air in during the cold seasons.