Windows - Saving Energy and Cost

Windows in a home are often the last thing a homeowner considers replacing. Even after all of the home’s appliances, ductwork, insulation, roofing and siding have been made to be more efficient; the common window is the last to go. Homeowners do have some good reason for ignoring the single or double panes, as windows can be expensive and difficult to replace. 

Yet, just as one would hire a contractor to give a quote on new flooring, a roof or siding, a contractor can be hired to replace a window or several within your home. You can save money by hiring the right kind of contractor and maintain the current look of your home. Spending a little money on a contractor and a new window or two can save you a lot of money on energy costs in the long run. 

If you are very concerned about the cost of replacing all of the glass in your home, then consider replacing one or two at a time. Just changing out one old window and replacing it with a new one can make a difference in the energy loss your home experiences. Because of the efficiency of the modern glass, it is able to decrease both heat and cooling losses. There are definitely ways that window making has improved over the years with technologies making the common, everyday glass very advanced.

Ask your contractor to assess which window seems to be leaking the most warm and cool air. They should be able to quickly tell you though infrared technology where the most energy loss is taking place in your home. With their recommendations in mind, you can start slowly replacing the worst first and work your way through the house. Within several months, you could have all new windows installed in your home by investing a bit at a time. 

If you aren’t concerned with cost, but mostly want to make sure the project gets done right, then you may want to spend more time assessing contractors. There are plenty of names out there to choose from and you want to be sure you get hooked up with someone of experience. Check in with neighbors or your local home improvement store to see if they have names of contractors they trust. 

Lining up a few contractors for estimates can also help you find the best match. Make appointments for each of the contractors to survey your home and give you an estimate as to what the cost and timeline might be. Chat with them about the kind of products they use, what window brand they are most comfortable with and what you could expect in general. Choose the contractor that seems the most forthcoming with the information you need. 

Choosing a contractor and determining what you need your initial cost to be is the best way to approach replacing your homes windows. Through thoughtful consideration, you can make a plan to get your home’s window energy efficiency up to par with the rest of your home.