BENEFITS OF ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS AND DOORS
Go to home improvement stores to explore options and understand costs associated with energy efficient windows and doors. Get in-home estimates from a few window and door companies, asking them lots of questions about window and door replacement and the scope of the job. If repair is an option, a handyman or glass company might be a good place to start. In all scenarios, use your newly gained knowledge about energy efficient doors and windows to negotiate the best price. Finally, consider buying during the winter. Window and door sales tend to decline during the colder months, often resulting in great deals for the savvy shopper.
TYPES OF REPLACEMENT WINDOWS
The type of replacement windows you choose will impact your energy cost savings. Wood windows can be elegant and can be painted or stained to achieve a desired look for your home. Wood unfortunately absorbs water and will rot without regular maintenance. High quality vinyl windows on the other hand are virtually maintenance free and can offer some of the best insulation available. Aluminum windows are cost-effective and can be painted to match your home, but aren’t as energy-friendly because the aluminum frame conducts heat.
TIPS TO LOWER WINDOW REPLACEMENT COST
Custom window sizes add as much as 15 percent to your bill, which for an average home can range from $5,000 to $20,000. You can also save money by replacing a few windows at a time. Start with the ones that are in the worst shape and in the draftiest part of the house. Consider glass and/or frame repair if only a few windows are causing the bulk of your concerns. A local glass contractor or handyman can often handle these smaller repair jobs at a fraction of the cost of replacing all the windows in your home.
WINDOW REPLACEMENT TIP – GO WITH A FACTORY-APPROVED INSTALLER
Factory-approved window installers are generally well-trained and held to high customer satisfaction standards, frequently verified through homeowner surveys and/or field testing. And, if there is a problem during the installation, you’re less likely to deal with finger-pointing because the manufacturer and installer have a positive working relationship.
WINDOW REPLACEMENT IS NOT A “GET RICH QUICK” PROPOSITION
Although significant energy loss comes from poorly functioning windows and doors, don’t view replacement as a “get rich quick” opportunity. Instead, purchasing new energy efficient windows and doors should be considered an investment with a long-term financial return. The more immediate benefits will be appearance, noise reduction, and ease of use.
HOME MAINTENANCE TIP – CAULK AND WEATHERSTRIP WINDOWS AND DOORS
Make your home more energy efficient with these simple window and door repairs. Apply caulk around windows and doors that seem drafty. That, along with some weatherstripping solutions, could solve the problem and extend the life of your windows and doors. Consider investing in storm windows and/or getting some of the windows/doors repaired to eliminate leaks and postpone replacement.
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