Home "Eco"nomics - Window Replacement
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Home "Eco"nomics - Window Replacement
"Getting new windows is one of the most satisfying ways to improve your home's efficiency. You save energy and your whole house will look nicer both from the street and indoors. But unless you have really old single-pane windows, window replacement is probably not the most effective change you could make. Read on to find out if you really need new windows or if you could save more energy elsewhere in your home."
"For most homes, windows account for about 10% of energy loss. That's significant, but so is the cost of new windows. Installing energy-efficient windows typically cost between $150 and $4,000 per window. Plus, you won't notice a difference in your energy bill unless you replace all of your windows. Homeowners who install Energy Star windows save an up to 13% on their utility costs throughout the year."
"Windows are not the biggest energy loss culprit. In fact, they are not even in the top five. If energy efficiency is your primary goal, there are other steps you should take first. Insulation is not as exciting as new windows and may cost just as much. But insulating your floors, walls, and ceilings can save three times as much energy. Sealing ducts can save half again as much as replacing windows and will do so at a fraction of the cost."
New windows can improve a home's energy efficiency and curb appeal. Windows typically account for about 10% of a home's energy loss, and Energy Star windows can reduce utility costs by up to 13% annually when replacing inefficient windows. Installation costs range widely, often $150 to $4,000 per window, and replacing only some windows yields minimal savings. Insulating floors, walls, and ceilings can save roughly three times more energy than window replacement, and sealing ducts can save about half again as much at far lower cost. Drafts, condensation, mold, or rot indicate replacement; a home energy audit helps prioritize.
Read at Earth911
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