It’s no secret that good replacement windows are not cheap. However, it helps to think of them as an investment, much like getting a new roof or an efficient air conditioner. Here’s how getting new windows can help save you money.
Energy Savings
To better understand how windows relate to your home’s energy efficiency, let us first take a small detour and discuss how an energy envelope works. The energy envelope is the enclosure that consists of the roof, the exterior walls and the windows. The objective of an energy envelope is to maintain consistent temperatures by keeping thermal transfer between indoor and outdoor spaces to a minimum. Consistent temperatures help reduce indoor heating and cooling requirements, which should ultimately lead to energy savings.
This is where windows can make a difference. A traditionally made window is mostly made of glass, a naturally conductive material. This means conventional insulation used on roofing and siding would not work on it, and buying traditional single-pane windows will allow thermal transfer. Choosing insulated windows equipped with double- or triple-pane glass will complement exterior wall insulation and help you save on your utility bills.
Cleaning and Maintenance Costs
Whether you prefer to clean and maintain the windows yourself or have it done by professionals, you have to set a budget for window maintenance. In addition to keeping them clean, certain types of windows require repainting every few years, which means you have to set aside a budget for painting tools and covering as well as the paint itself. You’ll also need to set aside time for such tasks, which means you need to work it around your schedule so you don’t lose work hours doing it.
Choosing low-maintenance replacement windows can help you save not just on the cost, but also on time and effort you would spend on window care and maintenance. Vinyl and composite frames are ideal for this purpose as they typically come with molded-in or factory-applied coatings, both of which hold their colors longer than painted frames and have typically warranted finishes.
Twin Cities Siding and Roofing is your leading provider of window and siding installation services. Give us a call at (651) 967-0873. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Minneapolis and the surrounding communities.
