The Costs and Benefits of Replacing Your Windows
It's no secret that replacing windows can be very expensive, but so can retaining your existing windows. Older windows are usually single-pane and lack tints or coating. They can let in heat during the summer and allow ambient heat to escape during the winter, driving up energy bills. The typical payback of a window replacement project can vary due to the different window types, weather, the shape of the house, and that heating and air conditioning system. How much energy is escaping through the windows is indicated by two measures. The rate that heat transfers through the window is the U-value. Based on the temperature difference between the interior and exterior, it indicates the amount of heat lost or gained. A lower U-value is desirable. The R-value is the opposite of the U-value. High R-value means the window is more resistant to heat flow. Insulation is one way to reduce energy loss. Most windows today are double glazed windows, which consist of two panes of glass with a pocket of air or an inert gas between them. This gas is typically argon, which is nontoxic, clear and odorless. Krypton is another option but is rarely used. It offers better thermal performance but is more expensive. When the space between the panes is very narrow, krypton may be a better choice. Tinted or coating you windows with a low-e metallic layer is another way to improve thermal performance and reduce visible light transmittance. Tinting is the process of applying a light color, often of bronze, grey, green or blue, to window glass. Tinting blocks a certain amount of the entire spectrum of sunlight entering a house. The amount of light blocked depends on the density and color of the tint. Another option for energy efficiency is low emissivity, or low-e, coating which lets visible light pass through, but reflects infrared and ultraviolet rays. This coating consists of thin layers of metal that are deposited on the glass. In the summer, low-e coating can help to keep your home cool by reflecting solar heat. In the winter, it can cut heat loss from conductance by reflecting ambient heat back into your house's interior. A low-e coating also allows daylight to enter your home. Your home can make greater use of daylight and can see a payoff in lower lighting energy use. An alternative to complete window replacement is to install an additional glass pane that is placed next to the existing one, or a storm window. This offers an insulating panel to save energy and reduce sound. They are sometimes referred to as performance panels. You can be install storm windows either inside or outside the original pane of glass. They cost much less than replacement windows and offer 25-50% of the payback of replacement windows. When installing a storm window, the existing window frame needs to be in reasonable shape. Otherwise adding a storm window probably won’t make sense. It may be necessary to repair or replace any rusting or deteriorating frames before adding the storm window. No matter which strategy you choose, you'll want to enlist the help of a professional. While window replacement may seem like a straightforward task, if not done correctly, wind and water can infiltrate your home.How Replacement Windows Make your Home More Energy Efficient
Should you Install a Storm Window Instead of Replacing your South Carolina Home's Windows?
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