Window Replacements Are a Valuable Investment
Overall, the cost of window replacements is worth the money you’ll spend—you’ll recoup about 70 to 80 percent of your costs on your home’s market value. So if your window replacement cost is $400, you can expect that to increase your home’s value by $280 to $320. To give you some perspective, replacing a home’s entry door returned around 97 percent of the initial investment while adding a sunroom returned just 52 percent. Very few improvements recoup 100 percent or more of their costs.
Energy Star rated double-pane window replacements can be up to 50% more efficient than single-pane windows. Windows installed today are completely different than windows installed 20, 30 or 40 years ago. The majority of heat loss is going to go through the glass, which is why windows went from single pane sliding glass in the old days to double pane. Also, Low E coatings and Argon gas or Krypton gas between layers to all the windows Clearwater Exteriors carries significantly boost energy efficiency to further cut down on heat loss.
Aesthetics
Picture windows: The wide, single pane of glass of a picture window gives you a clean and uninterrupted view of the outdoors from your breakfast table or living room. Their simple design also makes them a nice complement to modern architecture.
Convert a window into a French door: This is an affordable way to get more light into your home, which goes over well with buyers who are looking for more openness in home plans. Cost depends on materials, wiring, and other factors, but you can expect the price of converting a window into a French door to start at $525.
ENERGY-STAR certified windows:
Rated by the Department of Energy and the EPA for high energy performance, Energy-Star windows represent a savings of anywhere between $27 to $465 per year on your energy costs. Generally, if you live in an area with extremely low or high temperatures, you’ll see the most difference in your energy expenses, particularly if you’re replacing outdated single-pane windows.
Those savings may not be enough to completely earn back the cost of installation, but when you factor in government incentives, the price is much more competitive. Check the DSIRE, or the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, which lists all existing incentives and policies for renewables and energy-efficient products.
Other Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows:
Of course, the cost of windows is not the only way to measure their worth. More efficient windows will also keep you more comfortable, as well. Additionally, the Department of Energy has found that replacing outdated single-pane windows has a positive environmental impact. The energy saved in heating and cooling offsets up to 6,205 pounds of CO2 emissions—the equivalent of 317 gallons of gasoline!
Taken as a whole, the higher market value, energy savings, and increased comfort level of new double-pane window replacements make a strong argument for a replacement project, particularly if you have outdated, inefficient windows. Contact us today to learn more!