The average American house has 22 windows, according to research by the Environmental Protection Agency. These panes allow natural light to flood into your space, and you might crack them open in warmer months for a nice breeze. And because of all this, you may think that your windows decrease electric bills.
That may be true but, in some cases, your windows might adversely affect your electric bills, too. How is this possible? Here’s everything you need to know about how your windows can cost or save money.
An Old Window Might be Drafty
If you have old windows in your home, you’re probably well aware of this fact. That’s because old single-glazed windows tend to allow more heat or cold air to enter your home when you’re trying to keep the place cool or warm.
Because your old windows reduce or raise the temperature in your home, they can end up costing you money. You’ll have to use more air-conditioning or heat to compensate for their lack of protection. So, replacing your panes with Energy Star rated windows can help save you cash.
Newer Models Maintain Temperatures More Effectively
On the flip side of the coin, you can save on electric bills by swapping out old windows for new ones. Depending on where you live, you can get windows that work with your area’s climate and either keep cold or heat out efficiently.
Without heat or air-conditioning escaping through your windows, you’ll no longer need to push your HVAC unit to its limits. In other words, you’ll use less energy to regulate the temperature in your abode. And that means you’ll use fewer resources in the long run, thus saving on energy bills over time.
How much money can you save with new windows? Well, that depends on where you live and the type of windows you’re replacing. But if you’re swapping out very old single-pane windows, you could see significant savings — think hundreds of dollars each year.
Light Can Play a Factor, Too
You could also save on other expenses if you put in new windows. Let’s say you have your current panes covered with heavy curtains so the cold air doesn’t get through. Alternatively, you might use blinds to keep your space cooler in summer since heat seeps in through the windows.
A new set of panes will allow you to keep your windows open and let in natural light. That can help save money on electric bills, as well.
Save on Electric Bills With New Windows
It does cost a significant amount of money to install new windows, of course, so it’s a big decision as to whether or not you should invest in them. However, to answer your question, modern windows will help you save on electric bills. So, if you have the funds to cover the installation, it could be worth it for you in the long run.
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