Windows energy star

Learn more about financial incentives that may be available to you. Windows are one of the more expensive things to replace in your home. With that wide of a price range, here are few things to consider:. Rebates for air sealing and insulation may be available through your local utility company. You can also check with your contractor to see if they know of incentives or rebates in your area. Air-sealing products reduce air leaks can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement, including: weather stripping, spray foam in a can designed to air seal, and caulk designed to air seal.

The Federal tax credit for residential energy efficiency through December 31, Learn more about this tax credit. This program includes a home energy assessment and common home improvements such as repairing windows or replacing a few damaged windows — but generally do not replace a whole house full of windows.

Some programs also offer storm windows. You can also contact your local electric utility to see if they offer energy efficiency home upgrades for low-income customers. ENERGY STAR certified storm windows are an affordable option for homes where full window replacement may be difficult, such as lower-income households, low-rise multi-family households, households working with HUD or weatherization programs, or households in historic preservation districts.

ENERGY STAR certified storm windows are designed to allow the right amount of solar heat through your windows to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and help you save on energy bills. Attic Insulation. Water Heater. Smart Thermostat. EV Ready. Skip to main content. Homepage Header Search box Search. Understanding Window Replacement Basics. Reasons to replace Any of these major problems could be a good reason to replace your windows.

Single-pane windows windows with only one layer of glass — These windows are poor performers at insulating against cold weather and typically do not have coatings to block solar heat in the summer, increasing air conditioning costs.

Single-pane windows are big energy wasters. Windows with air leaks or drafts and degraded sills and sashes — These windows also waste energy and are very uncomfortable to sit next to when it is cold and windy out.

Degraded windows can also leak water into your walls causing more problems and allow insects and other pests to enter your home. Windows that do not open or are painted shut — Windows that do not open prevent you from enjoying fresh air on a nice day or a cool evening after a hot day which can reduce energy costs.

Windows that do not open are also hard to clean and maintain. Other Considerations How many windows do you plan to buy? Window installation costs are lower for the contractor if they come to your home for a larger project because of the time it takes to haul the windows to your home, set up the site, and clean up the site.

Was your home built before ? Following lead paint clean-up protocols is good for your home because they require the installer to catch any lead paint chips that fall during removal of the old windows, to clean up the site with extra care when the job is completed, and to dispose of the old windows correctly. Talk to neighbors or friends who have had their windows replaced recently. Ask around to find leads on good contractors who sell a good windows product, provide product performance details, do not use pressure sales tactics, communicate well, have a good warrantee, and are clean and respectful during the installation.

Window Performance. Key Window Performance Parameters If you are considering buying new windows, it is important to choose ones that make sense for your climate. Here are some parameters to consider: U-factor — A measure of the insulating power of a window.

The cold, inside surface of an inefficient window pulls heat away from your body, so you can feel chilly in a sweater with the thermostat at 70 degrees. Do some of your rooms feel like a sauna in the summer? You get the light you need without the uncomfortable heat. Carmody, Selkowitz, Arasteh, and Heschong. Drapes, wood floors, a favorite photograph: all these things can fade or discolor after repeated exposure to direct sunlight.

Whether their value is monetary or sentimental, you want to protect your belongings from fading and discoloring. ENERGY STAR certified windows have coatings that keep out the summer heat and act like sunscreen for your house, protecting your valuables from harmful, fading ultraviolet light without noticeably reducing visible light.

These special coatings reduce fading by up to 75 percent. Your personal carbon footprint measures the carbon dioxide CO 2 emissions caused by your activities. It includes CO 2 emissions from such things as driving your car or flying in a plane, the manufacture and distribution of the products you buy, and turning on the lights in your home.

But how do you know which windows work in your climate? The following tips will help you buy with confidence. Shopping for new windows, doors, and skylights can be a confusing process. Follow these five tips to ensure your windows, doors, and skylights deliver savings and comfort you'll enjoy. Check the label to make sure the product you are considering is certified to meet the criteria for your area.

Learn How a Product Earns the Label. Skip to main content. Homepage Header Search box Search. Save energy and money. Explore models.