
It will not be long before winter’s cold reach will be felt in our homes – some more than others. If you have old, drafty, inefficient windows, now is the time to replace them, before the cold weather arrives. Installing high-quality replacement windows can save you up to 33 percent every month on heating and cooling bills, year after year.
Check out these six ways new replacement windows can keep your home warmer this winter:
- They get rid of drafts. Did you know that drafty windows and doors are often the culprit when it comes to energy loss? Your heat is literally going out the window! Energy.gov says new windows can help reduce heat loss by 10 to 20 percent. If you suspect you have a drafty window, here’s a test: light a candle and hold it (carefully) in front of your window frame. If the flame flickers, you have a leak.
- They reduce the need for caulking, film and weather stripping. If you find yourself applying new caulk ever year to keep out drafts, you are wasting time, energy and money because these elements tend to crack or dry out, resulting in the need for yet another application. Plus, caulking is never as airtight as new windows.
- They provide extra protection from the elements. Today’s windows are usually comprised of energy-efficient double-pane glass, which is great. However, you can also get available options to add such as low-E coatings and argon gas between the panes. That’s because single or double paned windows are not always enough, especially if you live in an area like Worcester and central New England, where we experience some extreme cold.
- They have a lower U-Value. (Well, our windows do, anyway.) The U-value measures how effective a material is as an insulator. The lower this number is, the better the material acts as a heat insulator. For example, Rescom’s Bristol windows have a U-Value that’s 30% lower than Energy Star’s lowest U-Value requirement thanks to their reinforced vinyl frame designs. This material doesn’t absorb or retain extreme temperatures of heat or cold, meaning the temperature is neutral when you touch it.
- They work in tandem to create a weather-tight barrier for your home. That’s because your new windows combine sturdy frames and advanced glass packages, professionally installed, to keep you comfortable throughout the season. Our Bristol windows carry the NFRC label, illustrating their energy-saving properties.
- They brighten your home and encourage more natural light. Don’t be afraid to let the sun shine in this winter! You may have covered up your old windows with blinds and drapes, fearing drafts. Now, you can open them with pride and let the sun stream through. You’ll use less heat and save money.
