Whether you are building a new home or remodeling, you will have to decide what kind of windows to install. This is a big decision, as not only do you have to consider the style of window but also the material you want for your window frames.
No matter what style or material you choose, however, you should consider energy-efficient windows.
Energy-Efficient Windows
The two main differences between energy-efficient windows and regular ones are the structure and the special coating. While a typical window contains only a single glass pane, energy-efficient windows usually have multiple panes.
The spaces between the panes in an energy-efficient window are filled with insulation, which helps to reduce heat conduction. This quality can be especially beneficial on hot days. Another major difference with energy-efficient windows is that they contain a low-emissivity (low-E) coating to help further control heat conduction.
This coating provides certain benefits when applied to both the exterior and interior glass pane. During the summer, the low-E coating reflects sunlight, which helps keep a home cooler. In the winter, the coating helps prevent heat from escaping.
Now that you are aware of the differences, here are three great reasons to install energy-efficient windows in your new home or during your next remodeling project.
1. They Help to Minimize Heating and Cooling Costs
In order to minimize your heating and cooling costs, you need to keep cold air outside during the colder months of the year and reduce the amount of heat that gets inside your home during the warmer months. Inefficient windows waste up to 30% of heating and cooling energy according to Energy.gov, which is why it’s important to have the right kind of windows.
By installing energy-efficient windows, your home will stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which can help curb energy costs considerably. This is especially true when ENERGY STAR qualified windows are installed.
In colder states like Wisconsin, homeowners can expect to decrease their energy bill by about $150.
2. They Will Increase the Comfort Level of Your Home
You want to be comfortable when you’re inside your home. Whether you’re spending a cozy evening indoors during the winter or trying to escape the heat in the summer, having energy-efficient windows can increase the comfort level of your home.
During the colder months, energy-efficient windows allow you to put your favorite chair next to the window without having to worry about getting too cold. This is because the glass on the interior of an energy-efficient window stays warmer, which helps keep cold air where it belongs.
In the summer, energy-efficient windows help to reduce the amount of heat that gets absorbed through the glass.
3. They Can Help You Qualify for an Energy Tax Credit
Getting energy-efficient windows may help you qualify for certain tax credits. One tax credit in particular is called the Nonbusiness Energy Property Tax Credit. The federal government will extend this tax credit to homeowners through 2021.
Homeowners who make certain improvements to their home that reduce the amount of energy used can qualify for this credit. These improvements include the installation of energy-efficient exterior windows. Homeowners can claim up to 10% of the total cost of certain energy-efficient improvements up to the maximum amount of $500.
Of this $500, up to $200 can be taken for energy-efficient windows. Because certain stipulations exist to getting this tax credit, homeowners should consult with their accountant or whoever prepares their taxes to see whether or not they qualify. In order to get the tax credit, taxpayers will need to file Form 5695.
If you are ready to take advantage of all the benefits that energy-efficient windows have to offer, contact the window installation experts at Pella Windows & Doors of Wisconsin today.
