In recent years, energy-efficient windows have become incredibly popular among homeowners who want to renovate their houses. Given the rate of global warming, it’s not surprising that energy-efficient solutions have taken the lead in many industries, including the window industry.
But, as you’ve probably already guessed, the benefits of energy-efficient windows don’t stop at eco-friendliness. So, if you’re planning to invest in new windows and are wondering if energy-efficient ones are worth it, keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Energy-efficient windows can reduce your energy bills by up to 30-45% thanks to their superior insulation properties and advanced technologies.
- These windows can make your house feel incredibly more comfortable because they maintain stable indoor temperatures, reduce drafts, limit noise pollution, and prevent UV exposure.
- Installing energy-efficient windows can increase home value and offer you the possibility to benefit from various financial incentives.
- Making our homes energy efficient is one of the first steps toward becoming more conscious of the economic and environmental impact of energy use and combating climate change.
1. Lower Monthly Energy Bills
One of the most compelling reasons to consider energy-efficient windows is the significant reduction in monthly energy bills. Did you know that window walls, windows, and doors account for 35% of your house’s heat loss? You may not notice this at first but, over the years, the energy bills will steadily increase as you rely more on heating and air conditioning systems.
According to Save on Energy, windows that are ENERGY STAR-certified can help you save approximately 45% on energy bills. They are designed to minimize energy loss by providing superior insulation. They can:
- Reduce heat loss and heat gain;
- Prevent drafts;
- Allow natural light in while blocking heat.
If your windows do their job well, your HVAC system won’t work as hard, which leads to reduced energy consumption. This means you’ll enjoy a cool indoor environment during the summer and a warm one during the winter without using too much energy. However, this is only possible if the windows are high-quality and feature advanced technologies such as Low-E glass, two or three glass panes, and gas fills that enhance their insulating properties.
2. Enhanced Comfort
Energy-efficient windows can truly help you feel more comfortable in your own home. And who doesn’t want this?!
With their superior insulating properties, these windows help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, which means your house won’t feel hot during the summer and cold during the winter. Considering the weather in Canada, this is undoubtedly a win! You’ll feel comfortable in your house throughout the year, regardless of the season. And you won’t have to worry too much about always adjusting the thermostat.
Another thing that can contribute to your comfort is the lack of drafts and hot and cold spots. Energy-efficient windows are tightly sealed, so you can place your furniture wherever you want. There’s no need to avoid sitting near windows anymore!
3. Reduced Noise Pollution
Living in a noisy environment can be quite stressful – this can negatively impact both your day-to-day tasks and sleep quality. Over time, the lack of a good night’s sleep will make you feel more stressed and it can negatively affect your overall well-being. Luckily, many energy-efficient windows can solve this problem, especially if they’re made of high-quality materials that provide excellent sound insulation.
The type of glass, the number of glass panes, and the pane spacing – all enhance the soundproofing capabilities of energy-efficient windows. For example, an energy-efficient window has the space between the glass panes filled with an inert gas like argon or krypton, which enhances both insulation and soundproofing. The larger that space is, the better. The more glass panes a window has, the better.
4. UV Protection
Another significant benefit of energy-efficient windows is their ability to block harmful UV rays – that is, if they’re equipped with Low-E coatings, which block UV rays and infrared light. Some tinted windows can also provide UV protection, but they also limit the amount of natural light that floods your home, which isn’t a problem with Low-E coatings.
Besides protecting yourself against UV exposure by installing energy-efficient windows, you’re also protecting your furniture from fading and deterioration. This translates into further savings on replacements and repairs.
5. Reduced Condensation
Condensation on windows can be a persistent problem, especially if the windows are old or their seal is broken. Over time, condensation can cause mold growth and even damage the window frames and furniture. If the condensation is between the glass panes, it affects window functionality and insulation.
As such, energy-efficient windows significantly reduce condensation because they keep the interior glass surface warm in winter. Ultimately, this contributes to a more pleasant living environment and less window maintenance.
However, don’t forget that condensation can also form on perfectly insulated windows if indoor humidity levels are too high. Therefore, make sure that indoor humidity is always within the recommended range.
6. Environmental Benefits
In an era that prioritizes environmental sustainability above anything else, every homeowner should consider investing in new energy-efficient windows.
According to Green City Times, energy-efficient windows can save 1.1 million barrels of oil per day in the U.S. alone – this is 1% of the world’s total oil consumption per day.
It is also believed that by replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows, homeowners can contribute to a reduction of 1,006-6,205 pounds of CO2 emissions annually. As such, because they help maintain energy balance within homes and reduce the need for electricity and, therefore, CO2 emissions, energy-efficient windows play an essential role in combating global warming.
In other words, if you install ENERGY STAR-certified windows, you are directly contributing to limiting climate change. And because you’re willing to make this investment for both your home and the planet, you’re eligible for various grants and initiatives, which take us to the next benefit.
7. Access to Incentives
People eager to contribute to environmental efforts don’t have to navigate this process alone! Given the rate of climate change, governments and various organizations around the world are trying to do the best they can to help people understand how they can contribute.
When it comes to home renovations, homeowners may qualify for various tax incentives, rebates, and energy discounts offered particularly for renovations aiming to improve a building’s energy efficiency. These incentives can significantly reduce the initial costs of purchasing and installing new windows, making it a more affordable home improvement project. In Canada, for instance, you can apply for the CMHC Green Home program or the Canada Greener Homes Loan.
Taking advantage of these programs makes it possible for you to save money on heating, cooling, and electricity bills while enjoying the numerous benefits of energy-efficient windows. It’s a win-win situation!
8. Increased Home Value
It is estimated that homeowners can recover up to 80% of their investment in energy-efficient windows. This makes it a smart home improvement project that can help you save money on energy bills while significantly increasing the value of your property.
Nowadays, potential buyers are looking primarily for homes with energy-efficient features – they’re often willing to pay more upfront for long-term savings, and new windows can definitely make your property more attractive to them. Plus, high-quality windows can improve your home’s curb appeal, which further increases property value.
Additionally, a home that feels more pleasing to live in (partly thanks to energy-efficient windows) is more appealing to potential buyers and can be sold at a higher price. Not to mention that high-quality windows free the new owners of future expenses related to repairs – at least for a few years.
9. Less Maintenance
One of the often-overlooked benefits of energy-efficient windows is the fact that they don’t require too much maintenance, especially if they’re manufactured from high-quality, technologically advanced materials that can cut the duration of your maintenance routine in half.
For example, Magic’s casement windows lack cranks and hinges, so you don’t have to worry about lubrication anymore. In addition, since they don’t open like standard casement windows, you can clean both glass surfaces from the inside. Plus, since energy-efficient windows minimize condensation, you won’t have to spend your winter mornings wiping the glass surface down to remove the extra moisture.
How to Choose Energy-Efficient Windows?
With the multitude of options in the window industry, it’s understandable that choosing the best windows can be quite challenging. If your goal is energy efficiency, there are two things to consider:
- If the windows are ENERGY STAR-certified
- The NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label
If the windows are ENERGY STAR-certified, you can rest assured their energy efficiency is top-notch. Alternatively, you can check the NFRC label, but this implies informing yourself about energy ratings, including:
- U-factor
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
- Visible Transmittance (VT)
- Air Leakage
Homeowners usually rely on this label to compare different products and their energy ratings. Nonetheless, it’s important to understand what these ratings mean and what numbers you should be on the lookout for. For example, while it’s always recommended to get windows with a lower U-factor, you should choose the SHGC based on the climate.
Why Choose Magic’s Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors?
If you’re looking for the best energy-efficient doors and windows in Canada, you should definitely book a free consultation with Magic, and here’s why:
- Our Hybrid Fusion Frame – a combination of vinyl, aluminum, and steel – is one of the most energy-efficient and durable frame materials in the industry.
- We brought glass production in-house, which means we can customize your windows based on the climate in your region.
- We use the best-performing warm-edge spacers, which significantly improve our windows’ insulation capabilities.
- We use 25% more gas between the panes, which, yet again, makes our windows more energy-efficient.
- Besides our fully retractable insect screens, you can also install our solar shades and thermal blinds, which further contribute to our windows’ energy efficiency. In fact, our double-pane windows with our thermal blinds are even more energy-efficient than triple-pane windows.
- Our windows are designed particularly for Canadian weather – we’re so confident that they’ll keep your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter that we’re offering an industry-leading 40-year warranty!
- Our windows feature our Parallex hardware, which means you won’t have to spend too much time and money on maintenance, cleaning, and repairs.
- We guarantee excellent installation, which is extremely important for a window’s long-lasting performance.
- All our windows are ENERGY STAR-certified. Additionally, you can check their energy ratingshere.
Curious to learn more about our products? Give Magic a call!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save on energy bills by installing energy-efficient windows?
Energy-efficient windows can account for significant energy savings, reducing your energy bills by 30%-45%.
Do energy-efficient windows reduce noise from outside?
Energy-efficient windows can reduce noise pollution, providing superior sound insulation and contributing to a quieter indoor environment. However, their soundproofing properties depend on the quality of the materials used in manufacturing the Insulated Glass Units.
Do energy-efficient windows keep heat out?
Energy-efficient windows do keep heat out, especially if they also have Low-E coatings.
What are the benefits of energy-efficient windows for the environment?
Energy-efficient windows significantly lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to the fight against climate change. Choosing these windows is a proactive step toward a greener environment.