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Energy-Efficient Windows: Cost, Options, and How Much They'll Save You on Electricity

Gianna Cappuccio

Published on August 17, 2021

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Energy-Efficient Windows: Cost, Options, and How Much They'll Save You on Electricity

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The Department of Energy states that heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Windows are, for lack of a better description, actual holes in your home.

Installing energy-efficient windows is proven to lower energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enabling homeowners to save money and use less energy.

In this article, we’ll explore how much energy-efficient windows will cost, the number of options available, and how much they can potentially save you on electricity. Let’s dive in.

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What are energy-efficient windows?

Energy-efficient or energy-saving windows are best known for preventing cool or warm air from escaping your home. When you install energy-efficient windows, you ultimately increase your home’s insulation. Therefore, less heat and cool air have the chance to escape, saving you money and reducing your energy usage in the process.

Talk to local pros to get quotes on your energy-efficient window installation project

How do energy-efficient windows work?

Energy-efficient windows are crafted in a particular way with specific materials to ensure that they save you money and energy. Here are the components that help make energy-efficient windows work so well:

Low-E glass coating

Low-emissivity glass, also known as Low-E glass, can block out up to 90% of the sun’s rays, keep cool air in when it’s hot, and keep hot air in when it’s cold. Low-E glass offers several glazing options as well, such as tints, gas fills, and reflective coatings to further ensure efficiency.

Spacer systems

Spacers separate glass panes. In doing so, they provide a direct connection between the outside and inside of your home. It’s important to use highly-insulated spacers, such as 100% polymer structural foam to insulate the windows rather than metal.

Double and triple-pane glass

Double and triple-pane glass windows are exactly what they sound like: windows with two or three layers of glass as opposed to one. Manufacturers implement double and triple-paned glass to increase the blocking of UV rays. A triple-paned glass window can keep out up to 97% of UV rays on a cold day.

Gass fill

Upping the ante in efficiency technology is Krypton gas. Manufacturers fill the space between the insulated glass with Krypton gas to help reduce heat transfer. Krypton gas is twelve times denser than air, allowing it to easily slow down or even stop thermal energy from passing through a window.

How much can energy-efficient windows save you on your electricity bill?

The Department of Energy claims that installing energy-efficient windows in your home could save you anywhere from $100 to $500 a year. Energy loss can cost homeowners hundreds of dollars a year – often without their knowledge. To calculate your savings, we recommend conducting your own home energy audit to determine exactly how much energy-efficient windows can save you.

Energy-efficient window cost

The average cost of energy-efficient windows, excluding labor, ranges anywhere from $150 to $4,000.

The exact cost of your new energy-efficient windows will vary depending on the brand, window type, frame, and what type of efficiency materials you’d like installed.

Which energy-efficient windows are right for you?

Choosing the right energy-efficient window for your home depends on where you live and the surrounding climate. In Southern climates, homeowners should opt for more U-Factor (more insulation to keep cold in and atmospheric heat out) and lower Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (lets in fewer rays).

According to Energy Star’s Most Efficient 2022, the top five most energy-efficient windows are:

A Window Inc

Energy Core Horizontal Slider

A Window Inc’s Energy Core Horizontal Slider includes the AirCell insulated frame, warm-edge insulated Low-E3 glass, and a dual weep sill drainage that carries water away from the window.

Andersen Corporation

A-series Casement

Andersen’s A-series Casement includes a weather-resistant design and comes in a wide array of styles. The triple-pane glass provides the best in energy efficiency.

A Window Inc

Energy Core Picture Window

At the top of yet another category, A Window Inc. outs the others when it comes to picture windows. Its AirCell insulated frame, combined with the ¾” OA insulated glass and deep window frame ensure they’re rated at the top of the class.

Associated Materials Inc.

6400-6500 Series Patio Door

The manufacturers of five brands of windows, the Associated Materials 6400-6500 Series 3”, 5”, and French style outperforms all its peers.

Energy-efficient windows: in summary

Image source: SmartExteriors

Energy-efficient windows are an excellent choice for your new construction home or if you’re searching for a window replacement alternative that will save you money. While they may be more expensive than your typical, single-pane window, energy-efficient windows provide plenty of long-term benefits – especially when you consider your wallet. In our opinion, energy-efficient windows are well worth the investment.

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