Are You Throwing Money Out The Window?

(ARA) - Someone once said, "Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or beautiful." The old adage rings true today as value-conscious Americans scrutinize where they’re spending their money and question whether they are getting the best return on investment - the largest of which is typically a home. With fluctuating gas prices, escalating energy rates and the uncertainty of an election year looming, getting the most for your money is more important than ever. Start the fiscal analysis by taking a critical look at typically your biggest investment - your home. Is it saving you money or is it a money pit that continues to drain you of your hard-earned dollars?

Are you throwing money out the window?

Start your home assessment with the easiest and most obvious energy-busters: windows and doors. An old, single pane window is like having a four-foot square hole in the side of your house in terms of potential energy loss. It leaks air and offers little defense against the energy-robbing ravages of Mother Nature. Replacing old, drafty, ineffective windows and doors is a fundamental first step for saving money down the road.

"The financial benefits from home improvements, like window or door replacement, are quickly realized, said Elaine Sagers, vice president of marketing for Pella Corporation. "Day in and day out, the aesthetics of the home are more appealing, the utility bill is typically lower, the home is more comfortable and the outside noise level is reduced."

According to a recent Associated Press article, replacement windows are "the new stars among energy-savers." Compare the energy-efficiency of replacement windows several ways before buying.

Get the facts about factors that relate to energy efficiency, like U-values, Low-E (low emissivity) coatings, argon gas-filled windows and weatherstripping. U-values measure the insulating value of windows and other fenestration products. The lower the U-value, the better job a window does in keeping out heat and cold (which is the opposite of R-value - the higher the R-value, the better insulation in the walls and ceilings). A low U-value can help save money in all climates.

Most quality windows today feature glass with a Low-E microscopic coating that helps reduce heat, as well as ultraviolet (UV) rays that can fade carpet, walls and furniture, helping to protect your investment in home furnishings and family heirlooms. The addition of argon gas in between panes of glass enhances energy performance. In warm climates where air conditioning is essential, choose a window with a lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) to block more of the sun’s heat rays to keep your home cooler.

An easy way to choose energy-efficient windows is to look for products that meet ENERGY STAR requirements. The ENERGY STAR program was created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers identify windows and other products that save energy. ENERGY STAR qualified windows help assure homeowners the windows they choose are the most appropriate for their area in terms of energy efficiency.

When replacing windows, have installers fully insulate crevices around the window before it is fitted in place, to maximize energy performance. Air leakage around doors can add up as well. Look for doors that carry the ENERGY STAR label, offer tight weatherstripping and high-performance glass to get the most from your investment. Consider adding a quality storm door to your home to provide greater protection from the elements and added energy efficiency, in addition to a quality entry door system.

Courtesy of ARA Content

If you are looking for an Arizona window replacement contractor please call us today at 480-736-2822, or complete our online request form.