Save Energy By Replacing Your Windows

• By Larry Parrish, CR, CGR, CAPS, GACP

• They’re leaky, they’re ugly and they’re hard to open. Yep, they’re a triple-pain. Consider replacing them.

• Few features of a house are more important than its windows. Windows make an architectural statement, but also provide light, ventilation and comfort; and significantly impact energy efficiency. Unfortunately, homes built before 1994 often have windows that don’t perform any of these functions very well.

• New windows improve comfort, reduce utility bills, are more convenient to operate and clean, and improve the appearance of your home. Even if you plan to sell in a few years, you can still benefit from replacing inferior windows. Quality windows definitely help with resale.

• Look for a label from the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) which uses U-Factors to measure the total performance of a window—glass, frame, weather-stripping, etc. Low U-Factor, better performance, lower energy bills. This also assures that the Energy Star 2010 standards are met, a requirement for the current Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credits.

• Bear in mind that the cost of labor for installation is the same regardless of the quality of the window, so it doesn’t make sense to skimp on the windows. For instance, vinyl windows are considered a bargain, but they don’t perform well with our altitude; fiberglass however, performs very well here and exhibits great longevity, at least two times that of vinyl, at a very small price difference.

• When shopping for a window supplier, make sure you are dealing with someone who provides good comparative info and no high pressure; if they are willing to give you what you need to make an informed decision, as a knowledgeable buyer, you are in good hands.

• Windows can be replaced year-round. Even in whole-house replacements, windows are usually replaced one at a time, open to the weather for about an hour. This enables replacement in all but the most inclement weather. An entire house replacement takes about 7-10 days to complete.

• A good installer is the most overlooked aspect of a quality window. If poorly or improperly installed, you not only lose all the benefits of replacing windows, you experience damage to your home.

Some window options:

1.  There are sources for historically accurate replacement windows
2. Cladding of the window’s exterior surface. In many colors, claddings offer the thermal and aesthetic advantages of wooden frames, but with a durable low-maintenance exterior.
3. If you’ll be painting, any credible supplier can pre-prime the wood – inside, outside, or both. The factory priming saves money and time, while giving a quality base coat for your finish.
4. Styles? Many! Single, double, or triple-hung, casement, awning, sliding, tilt-turn varieties—both fixed and operable. There are single light, true divided light, simulated divided light or removable grilles. There is circle-top, trapezoidal, oval, round, or custom shape. For dimensional interest use bay or bow windows.

• There are Federal Tax credits available through 2010. There is also ClimateSmart Loan money available here in Boulder County for the foreseeable future. Replacing your windows will build equity in your home, and significantly increase your comfort while decreasing your energy cost. Afterwards, you’ll wonder why you waited so long!

• Click here for more energy-saving blog topics.

• We always welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Please feel free to post in the “Comments Box” below.