The most common reasons that most homeowners in Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia decide to replace their windows are:
- Desire to decrease maintenance on windows
- Rotting frames
- Security concerns
- Warping of their existing windows
- Condensation build up
- Difficulty in opening or closing
- Noise
- High heating & cooling bills
Of the above reasons, the most common that we have found homeowners express to us is the desire to find a more energy efficient window and decrease their heating and cooling costs. There are some window replacement companies that offer products to address the aesthetic concerns, but others have products that can resolve all of them. Install the right windows and they will pay for themselves over a short amount of time.
Why are my windows so important when it comes to energy conservation?
There are many components to your home that contribute towards energy loss. There are some inexpensive solutions that most homeowners can address without the services of a professional. However, the Department of Energy estimates that 34% of your home’s energy use is spent towards Space Heating and Cooling. Windows and Doors make up a significant portion of your home’s sidewalls, and inefficient windows and doors can contribute a great deal of your home’s heating & cooling bills. The image below was contribute by the DOE to illustrate what an average home looks like during a winter day. It is a thermal image, with yellow & red indicating heat loss.
What can I expect to save when I replace my windows?
According to Energy Star, the average homeowner in the Washington DC Metro area (including Maryland and Virginia) will save up to $424 per year when they replace their windows with an Energy Star rated product.
What if I am planning to move in the next few years? Are new windows really worth it?
While Energy Star measures the value that new windows bring to your home and your energy bills, there are several studies that have been completed by independent organizations to determine the value that a homeowner can recoup with a remodeling project, if they will possibly be selling their home within the next 5 – 10 years. Window replacement has consistently ranked in the top 5 purchases that a homeowner can complete, with the homeowner recouping one of the highest returns on their investment.
