Glass Companies Offer Energy Saving Options

If you live in an older home, chances are you’re spending a lot on energy costs. One of the leading causes of higher energy costs are older or defective windows, and you might want to look to your local window and glass companies to get an estimate on replacement. Though it will initially cost you a bit to replace your windows, it is an investment that will end up saving you money year round.

In the winter, you lose heat through your windows. You can combat this problem by covering them in plastic, but this is only so effective. You will still lose a great deal of heat, and ability to access the windows themselves. In the summer, the wrong kind of glass in your windows can allow too much heat in and make an oven out of your living spaces. Drawing the shades is one way to battle this, but then you lose out on all that natural light and end up spending more on electricity.

It might not be necessary to replace all of your windows, and in some cases you might be able to get away with simply having a coating or film placed on the glass of your existing windows. The use of window films can reduce the amount of heat let into your house by up to 79%. That’s an impressive number and will make a big impact on your electric bill in the summer. Many films will also help to insulate and hold heat in in the winter months. The film also blocks out harmful UV rays which is good for your health and also serves to protect your furniture and artwork from fading in the sunlight.

The only way to find out what you need is by having a professional come in and assess your situation. Look up glass companies in your area and have someone come out to your home to make recommendations and give you a quote. On older homes, windows tend to exist in non-standard sizes, so when you are looking at businesses, you should find one that can do custom pieces. This is also important if you are concerned with protecting the aesthetics of your home. Besides the obvious benefits of energy savings, replacing windows can also be a great opportunity to spruce up your houses appearance. When calling to look into glass companies, ask if it is possible to see photos of their previous work.

Whether you end up needing simply a film or a complete window replacement package, you will be facing a bit of an expense when looking to make your house more energy efficient. You should not let this deter you from taking on the project. Your savings over time will more than pay for the cost of the work. Also, many states offer tax breaks to people for undertaking energy saving home improvement projects, so before making any decisions to move forward, you should take a look into what sort of rebates are available where you live.