Do New Windows Really Lower Energy Bills?
Replacement windows may help reduce drafts and unwanted heat transfer, but the amount of energy savings depends on the condition of the existing windows and the rest of the home.
The Short Answer: New Windows Can Help, but There Is No Guaranteed Savings Percentage
If existing windows are drafty, poorly sealed or have failed insulated glass, replacing them may reduce some air leakage and unwanted heat transfer. But utility bills are affected by the entire home—not windows alone.
Professional Installation Is Part of Window Performance
These project photos show WindowPROHVAC window work in Eastern Kentucky. They are installation examples only; actual energy savings vary from home to home.
Chloe, Kentucky Project
Pikeville, Kentucky Project
How Can Old Windows Affect Energy Use?
Older windows can contribute to household energy loss in several ways. Air may leak around worn sashes or poorly sealed frames, and older glass may allow more unwanted heat transfer than newer insulated glass options.
During winter, a drafty window can make the area around it feel colder. During summer, solar heat and outdoor temperatures can make rooms near poorly performing windows harder to keep comfortable.
Air Leakage
Worn weatherstripping, poor fit and gaps around older windows can allow unwanted air movement.
Glass Performance
Insulated glass and Low-E coatings are designed to help control heat transfer through the glass area.
Installation
Even a quality window needs to be properly fitted, insulated and sealed around the opening.
What Do Low-E Glass and Argon Gas Do?
Low-E coatings are designed to control radiant heat transfer through the glass. Argon is an insulating gas commonly used between panes in sealed insulated-glass units.
These technologies can contribute to improved window performance, but their impact on a utility bill depends on the complete home and the condition of the windows being replaced.
Your Windows Are Only One Part of Home Energy Use
Household heating and cooling costs can also be affected by insulation, ductwork, HVAC equipment efficiency, air sealing, thermostat settings, home size, weather and how the home is used.
That is why WindowPROHVAC does not promise that replacing windows will reduce a customer’s utility bill by a specific percentage.
Comfort May Be Just as Important as the Utility Bill
Even when exact energy savings cannot be predicted, replacing windows that are drafty, fogged, difficult to operate or poorly sealed may improve how rooms feel and eliminate several everyday frustrations associated with worn windows.
When Can Replacement Windows Make the Biggest Difference?
The potential benefit is generally greater when the existing windows have obvious performance problems such as significant drafts, failed insulated-glass seals, damaged frames or poor perimeter sealing.
If your windows are already modern, well sealed and in good condition, replacing them solely to reduce the energy bill may provide a smaller improvement.
Planning a Replacement Window Project?
If you are still deciding whether your windows need replacing, read
7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows
.
To understand project pricing, see
Replacement Window Cost in Eastern Kentucky
.
For window age and lifespan information, read
How Long Do Replacement Windows Last?
.
Compare Replacement Window Styles
WindowPROHVAC installs
double-hung,
picture,
slider
and
casement replacement windows.
Window Energy-Efficiency FAQs
Will new windows definitely lower my electric bill?
No specific savings can be guaranteed. Results depend on the old windows and the overall energy performance of the home.
Can replacement windows reduce drafts?
Properly measured, fitted and sealed replacement windows may reduce air leakage around older window openings.
Does Low-E glass help with heat transfer?
Low-E coatings are designed to control radiant heat transfer through the glass.
Does argon gas improve window insulation?
Argon is commonly used between panes in insulated-glass units as part of the overall glass system.
Should I replace good windows just to save energy?
Not necessarily. The condition of the existing windows should be considered along with other energy improvements available for the home.
Learn more
About WindowPROHVAC,
browse our
Completed Jobs Gallery
or explore our
Replacement Windows service.
Want to Know Whether New Windows Make Sense for Your Home?
Contact WindowPROHVAC to discuss your existing windows, replacement options and a free project estimate.
