WASHINGTON — There are lots of reasons to replace a home’s windows, but the idea that new windows will pay for themselves in lower energy costs isn’t always realistic, a local consumers group says.
Whether you’re replacing windows for aesthetics, for comfort or to lessen your carbon footprint, Washington Consumers’ Checkbook Executive Editor Kevin Brasler recommends comparison shopping first.
“We found huge price differences from company to company for the same window work,” Brasler says — estimates ranged between $1,700 and $5,000 for the same job and same number of windows.
Even though it might take some time to pay off in energy savings, the Department of Energy finds that “installing high-performance windows will improve your home’s energy performance”
It can also pay off in added comfort, improved aesthetics and functionality, which can offset the costs.
Brasler notes that if replacing your windows isn’t in the budget there are some cost-effective investments, such as adding insulation to the attic and buying — and actually using — a programmable thermostat.
“Simple things like weatherstripping [have] a dramatic effect on energy savings,” Brasler says.
If, however, you are looking to replace your windows, the Department of Energy offers some shopping tips:
- Look for the ENERGY STAR® label.
- Check with local utilities to see what rebates or other incentives are available for window replacement.
- Choose high-performance windows that have at least two panes of glass and a low-e coating.
- Choose a low U-factor for better insulation in colder climates; the U-factor is the rate at which a window, door, or skylight conducts non-solar heat flow.
- Look for a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)—this is a measure of solar radiation admitted through a window, door, or skylight. Low SHGCs reduce heat gain in warm climates.
- Select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings in temperate climates with both cold and hot seasons.
- Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass (COG) U-factors and SHGCs. Whole-unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product.
- Have your windows installed by trained professionals according to manufacturer’s instructions; otherwise, your warranty may be void.
Washington Consumers’ Checkbook is providing WTOP.com readers a look at the full rankings for a limited time.
