FACT: New windows can help you save money on your energy bill. If you live in a drafty house, you’re probably all too aware of the energy being lost through your walls and windows. Are you ready to replace your drafty old windows with new energy-efficient units? Believe it or not, the cooler months of the year are just as good a time as any to replace your windows. You may beg to differ; however, allow me to fully explain my stance before you write it off!
How much can I save?
Energy Star estimates that you can save at least $27 a year by simply replacing drafty old windows. If you currently have single-pane windows (meaning there’s one pane of glass), replacing them with Energy Star-qualified products will save you anywhere from $126-$465 a year (this depends on the number of windows you replace and your geographic location). The cost savings of replacing double-paned windows (meaning there are two panes of glass), however, is less than ¼ of that amount; you can typically expect to save less than $111 per year in this instance by their calculations.
When should I have my new windows installed?
Installing replacement windows during the cooler months of the year can provide a number of advantages and benefits to both your personal comfort as well as your bank account (although installing replacement windows at any time during the year will provide some benefits):
- You can typically save money because of special promotions during the colder months of the year.
- You can lower your energy costs and alleviate your concerns over heat loss and rising energy bills (which will save you more money) almost immediately.
- You can have your windows installed quicker by booking during this time of year.
- You will receive a more energy efficient installation during the cooler months because, during colder weather/temperatures, the wood framing in your home returns to its usual size (the wood tends to swell during the hotter months), thereby allowing the most tight-fitting and energy efficient installation possible.
Is there any financial assistance for replacing my windows?
To help with the cost of replacing windows, homeowners in Middle Tennessee can typically apply for rebate/incentive programs offered by their respective electric company (please see the MTEMC example below to get an idea of what’s out there). You generally don’t need to replace all of the windows in your home to qualify, and it doesn’t need to be a replacement either (installing a new window where there wasn’t one previously—like in an addition—qualifies), but you must use Energy Star windows as replacements:
Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation – MTEMC, in partnership with TVA, offers the In-Home Energy Evaluation for members who are willing to pay $150. The cost of the evaluation is waived if the recommended energy improvements by a certified MTEMC evaluator are completed according to specific guidelines and requirements. In addition, a member may qualify to receive a reimbursement for half the cost of the installation up to a maximum of $500 if an approved Quality Contractor Network member completes the work within 90 days.
L & L Contractors can install your windows all year round. We always strive to ensure that there is only a short time between your old window coming out and the new window going in, especially in cold weather, to minimize the loss of heated or conditioned air. This minimal loss is but a small price to pay for the instant savings in energy costs your new windows will provide. Whether you need a single window installed in your home or you need to replace all of them, no job is too big or too small for us. We provide windows in numerous styles to suit your taste, budget, and space. Give us a call today to schedule your free window consultation.
