Money Saving Tips

If your house was built before 1980, then you may be literally throwing money out the window. Older windows are usually made from single-pane glass and lack many of the design features that make modern windows more efficient.

That draft you feel is a sign it’s time for an upgrade. But don’t worry, the money you save on your utility bills will help pay for all or part of your renovation.

Did you know?

• Up to 50% of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling
• Windows alone can account for 10-20% of your heating bill
• Older windows in direct sunlight may force your air conditioner to work harder

5 Tips for Energy Efficiency

1. Start at the Front
A home’s front door can play a vital role as one of the first lines of defense against the elements. If a door does not close properly or lets in a draft, utility bills will pay the price. Homeowners should check the weather-stripping and any gaps around the door that can let heat escape. If these features cannot be easily fixed, it may be time to replace the door.

2. Material Matters
Vinyl is the preferred choice for replacement windows today. In fact, vinyl represents 65 percent of the window replacement market. Vinyl windows reduce heat transfer and will help better insulate the home.

Another feature of energy efficient windows is Low-E glass. Low-E is a silver coating that’s designed to reflect infrared light and keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Most window and door manufacturers offer this option. JELD-WEN offers Low-E glass as a standard feature for many of its product lines.

3. Drive Home Efficiency
The garage is often forgotten when it comes to energy efficiency, but it’s one of the largest entry points of the home. The temperature of a garage greatly affects the overall temperature of the entire home. For energy savings in the garage, find a proper-fitting garage door and make sure that the door leading from the garage to the inside of the home is also energy efficient.

4. Energy Efficiency Pays Off
Beyond the initial purchase price of a product, consider the long-term value that energy efficient products offer in terms of annual measurable savings. In addition, many local utilities offer rebates for purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors. To find available rebates or incentives, visit ENERGY STAR’s Rebate Finder at: www.energystar.gov.

5. Give your home an energy makeover.
A survey or audit of a home’s energy usage and costs can identify specific ways to reduce home energy bills. Many state energy offices and local electric and gas utilities offer energy audit services, or may be able to provide other sources for this service.