Windows are part of the U.S. Government Energy Star Program that helps home owners choose products that are energy efficient and less harmful to the environment. By choosing windows with the ENERGY STAR label, consumers know they are getting a product that has been determined to be energy efficient.
Windows are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), an independent agency focused on providing non-biased information for consumers. There are five standard window rating categories that appear on the NFRC label on windows and in determining a windows’ qualification for Energy Star status. The labels help consumers choose the best windows based where they live and how much direct sunlight a window receives.
Benefits of energy efficient windows
Energy efficient windows also provide several other benefits many people are unaware of. Because of their superior insulating properties and better seals, energy efficient windows will keep your home quieter, reduce the amount of dust that comes in around window seals and virtually eliminate condensation on the inside of windows (especially with double or triple pane windows).
By eliminating drafts and hot and cold spots, your home will be more comfortable. Windows with Low-E coating reduce the amount of UV rays that enter your home which means curtains, flooring, furniture and wall hangings will fade and deteriorate less. And because your air conditioner and heater will run less they will last longer.
Return on investment
According to many experts, installing energy efficient windows in your home, or mobile home provides the best return on investment (ROI) of any home improvement project. The ROI, calculated as a percentage of the cost of the new windows that you will recoup when you sell your home, is estimated at 80%.
Other home improvement projects boast high ROI’s as well but unlike other home remodeling projects that only provide a return on your investment when you sell your home, replacing your windows with energy efficient models will save you considerably on your monthly utility bills.
According the National Association of Realtors, the average return on popular home improvement projects is:
- Major kitchen remodel — 68.7%
- Bathroom remodel — 64.1%
- New roof — 59.5%
- Family room addition — 62.5%
- Master suite addition — 63.0%
See the results of the full story here.
Energy efficient window links