Aiming for energy efficiency is one of the easiest ways to tackle climate change while also working to directly reduce energy costs across the board. As such, installing energy-efficient replacement windows is one of the best ways you can save money on your home’s energy bills while also doing your part to help protect the environment.
What is Energy Efficiency?
According to energy.gov, energy efficiency is “the use of less energy to perform the same task or produce the same result.” In terms of energy-efficient homes, this means using less energy in order to heat or cool your home. As you might expect, windows (along with entry doors) are a key factor in the overall energy efficiency of your home.
Why Energy-Efficient Windows Save You Money
In data provided by the Department of Energy, “heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.”
In other words, by having energy-efficient replacement windows installed in your home, you will save money by reducing your heating and cooling costs year-round.
Why Our Windows Are Better
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) tracks and rates the energy performance of windows for consumers. Two of these values are “U-factor” and “air infiltration.”
A “U-Factor” is the rate at which a window transmits non-solar heat flow, and “Air infiltration” is the amount of air leakage through a frame in a given time. The lower the U-factor, the more energy-efficient the window, and the lower the air infiltration rate, the more airtight that window will be.
As for insulation, our windows are infused with argon gas and actually assembled in a dedicated argon chamber. They also use a wide, stainless steel spacer which, unlike the aluminum components of our competitors, does not conduct the cold, meaning you’re kept nice and toasty in the Winter.
An R-value shows how proficient a given form of insulation is at keeping heat from leaving (or entering) a home. The higher the R-value, the more effective and energy efficient the insulation. A typical home has an R–value of 13; our windows have an R-value of 21, meaning they have even more insulative power than an average house!
Put simply, our windows perform better, last longer, are more energy efficient, and have a lifetime warranty. None of our competitors, such as Marvin, Pella, and Renewal by Andersen, measure up to the rigorous energy-efficient standards held by Home Guard.
Maximizing Energy Efficiency with Proper Installation and Maintenance
Even the best energy-efficient windows can underperform if not installed correctly or maintained over time. Do not underestimate the importance of professional installation and regular maintenance to maximize your return on investment with energy-efficient windows.
The Importance of Professional Installation
Incorrect installation can lead to gaps, air leaks, and improper insulation, negating the energy-saving benefits of your energy-efficient windows. It’s essential to rely on experienced professionals to ensure your windows are installed correctly, providing the energy efficiency and performance you expect.
Choose RJW For All Your Replacement Window Needs
RJW has been replacing windows for more than 28 years, and we are confident that we offer the quickest and most efficient installation methods for every project we tackle.
We offer an exceptional selection of durable, energy-efficient replacement windows from top brands such as Home Guard Windows & Doors, and we can help you decide what type of replacement window is best for your situation. Not to mention every member of our installation team is licensed and insured for your peace of mind!
Contact us today for a free consultation!