Active Storm Alert - Omaha & Des Moines areas! Click here to schedule a free inspection!

How Do New Windows Improve Energy Efficiency?

Image of Omaha window replacement taking place Omaha window replacement?

Energy efficiency and windows are closely linked in any home. Without an energy-efficient design, windows can be responsible for a great deal of wasted energy use in your home. Wasted energy is not only a detriment to the environment, but also your monthly budget, given that energy costs can add up quickly. If you have rising home energy costs as a result of inefficient windows, getting new windows can offer a significant improvement to the energy-efficiency of your entire home. Many different types of energy-efficient windows are available, so we recommend choosing the most energy-saving option that fits your budget. Omaha window replacement services can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home, benefitting both Mother Nature and your bank account. Keep reading to learn more.

Why Many Home Windows Aren’t Energy-Efficient

Unfortunately, many residential windows don’t offer adequate efficiency. With misleading marketing, home construction teams with little experience can convince homeowners to invest in their low-quality services. This results in very low-cost window installations and a high probability of window damage. If windows aren’t installed properly, they’re likely to break down far before their projected lifespan. As the windows start to break down, they’ll lead to more air leakage in and out of your home. This will force your HVAC system to use more energy to keep your household comfortable, thus racking up your monthly utility bills. Pella window being installed in a omaha home

Fix The Problem Now With New Windows

If your home’s windows weren’t installed with quality, you’re not alone. While you can’t go back in time to choose an expert Omaha window installation team instead, you can have the windows replaced. New windows will greatly improve your home’s energy-efficiency so that you don’t have to waste money each month on energy lost through leaky windows.

Choosing To Update or Replace Your Windows

To improve the energy-efficiency of your home, many homeowners struggle to decide between updating their current windows or replacing them altogether. Here are a few things to consider for both options:

Updating Your Current Windows

If your current windows are in good condition but don’t provide optimal energy efficiency, there are a few strategies that you can use to improve them. This option can save you money by avoiding the expense of a full window replacement if your windows haven’t yet reached the end of their lifespan. However, keep in mind that if your windows are on the older side, it will likely make more financial sense to replace them now, rather than investing in updates to them. To improve the energy efficiency of your existing windows, consider:
  • Caulking and weatherstripping
  • Solar control film
  • Exterior shading
  • Storm panels
  • Window treatments and coverings
a outdoor front view of new windows in a Omaha  home

Replacing Your Windows

In many cases, a full window replacement will offer the greatest improvement to your home’s energy efficiency. There are many different types of frames, glazing, gas fills, and window operations to choose from. Consult with your Omaha window replacement experts for help determining the right option for your home.

Maximizing Energy Savings From Your New Windows

If your current windows were poorly installed or have broken down over time, virtually any type of new window will, when installed properly, provide you with energy savings. However, you can maximize these savings by choosing windows that are equipped with energy-saving features. For your Omaha window replacement, consider the following features:
  • UV reduction
When UV rays from the sun hit your home’s windows, it can lead to heat transfer into your home. However, many windows manufactured today are equipped to reduce the impact of UV rays with a Low-E coating and argon gas.
  • A Low-E or “low emittance” coating is a clear, non-toxic window coating that boosts energy-efficiency by reducing the UV and infrared light that enters your home through the window glass.
  • Argon gas may be added in between the panes of double-pane windows for greater UV protection. This is because argon gas blocks UV rays from entering the home.
  • ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels
ENERGY STAR and NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) labels can help you identify windows that will provide superior energy savings for your home. Both of these entities inspect windows for energy performance and help inform consumers of the best window models for energy-efficiency in the home.
  • Insulated frameworks
Hollow window frames allow air from the outside into your home, leading to drafts. So, opting for insulated window frames is ideal for regulating the temperature inside of your home.
  • Low solar heat gain coefficient
Low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) indicates the degree of solar radiation allowed in by a window. To prevent heat gain in your home when it’s warm outside, you can opt for windows with a low SHGC. Contact AGR Roofing and Construction today to schedule your Omaha window replacement.

In This Article...

Key Takeaways

How to improve the energy-efficiency of your windows

Updating your current windows:

  • Caulking and weatherstripping
  • Solar control film
  • Exterior shading
  • Storm panels
  • Window treatments and coverings

Replace your current windows:

  • UV reduction
  • Insulated frameworks
  • Low solar heat gain coefficient

Related Blogs

Contact AGR

Want to talk to a roofer instead? Call us today!

Select an option below to send us a message or schedule your free inspection today!

"*" indicates required fields

Address
What Type of Service are You Interested In?*
(Select all that apply)
Please share any additional details or questions you have for us!
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.