5 Ways New Home Windows Save You Money

Posted on February 6, 2024

In today's economy, finding ways to save money is more important than ever, especially with rising home insurance costs in the South. Upgrading to new windows can be a smart investment, offering both immediate and long-term savings. Here’s how:

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Investing in new windows for your home, especially those that are ENERGY STAR certified, can lead to substantial savings in heating and cooling costs. Not only do quality windows offer better insulation, keeping your home comfortable across seasons, but they also contribute to a reduced environmental impact. Here's a closer look at how new windows can be financially and environmentally beneficial.

Reduced Energy Bills

ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors, and skylights are designed to be highly energy efficient. By installing these in your home, you can expect to see a significant decrease in energy expenses. On average, switching to ENERGY STAR certified products can shrink your energy bills — and your carbon footprint — by about 12 percent nationwide compared to non-certified products.

Savings for Single-Pane Window Replacement

If you're choosing to replace single-pane windows, the savings can be quite impressive. On average, you might save between $101 to $583 annually. This also translates to a reduction in CO2 emissions, ranging from 1,006 to 6,205 pounds each year. In terms of gasoline, this saving is equivalent to about 51 to 317 gallons.

Benefits of Double-Pane Replacement Windows

Even if you're upgrading from double-pane, clear glass windows, the savings are noteworthy. Annually, you could save between $27 to $197. This change can also lower your CO2 emissions by 246 to 2,001 pounds per year, which is equivalent to saving 13 to 102 gallons of gasoline.

By opting for ENERGY STAR certified windows, you not only enhance the energy efficiency of your home, leading to reduced strain on your HVAC system, but also contribute to a more sustainable environment through significant CO2 emissions reduction. The financial and environmental benefits of this upgrade are clear, making it a smart choice for homeowners looking to save on energy costs while also being conscious of their carbon footprint.

Investing in new windows not only enhances the curb appeal of your home but also significantly boosts its overall market value. This upgrade is more than just a cosmetic enhancement; it represents a smart financial decision that can yield considerable returns. Here's a closer look at how new windows can be a valuable investment in increasing your property's worth.

Vinyl Windows Increase Home Value

According to the Remodeling’s 2023 Cost vs. Value report, replacing your home's windows with vinyl options can add an average of $13,766 to your property’s value. This impressive figure amounts to approximately 69% of the project's cost, showcasing a substantial return on investment.

Attractiveness to Potential Buyers

Beyond the numerical increase in property value, new windows make your home more attractive to potential buyers. They contribute to an updated, well-maintained appearance, making your property stand out in the competitive real estate market. This aesthetic appeal, combined with the practical benefits of energy efficiency and improved insulation, makes your home a more enticing option for buyers.

The decision to upgrade to new windows for your home is not just about enhancing the look of your home; it’s a strategic investment that can pay off substantially when it comes to selling your property. With the potential to recoup a significant portion of the investment and make your home more marketable, installing new windows is a wise choice for homeowners looking to increase their property’s value.

Energy-efficient windows play a vital role in enhancing the performance and longevity of your home's heating and cooling systems. By effectively maintaining indoor temperatures, new windows for your home can significantly reduce the workload on your HVAC system. Here's an in-depth look at how they contribute to reducing wear and tear.

Improved Temperature Regulation

Energy-efficient windows are designed to provide superior insulation, which helps in keeping the indoor environment at a steady temperature. During winter, they minimize heat loss, and in summer, they reduce heat gain. This stable temperature environment eases the burden on your HVAC system, as it doesn’t have to work excessively to heat or cool your home.

Decreased Strain on HVAC Components

When your HVAC system operates under less strain, the wear and tear on its components are greatly reduced. This is particularly important for parts like compressors and motors, which are typically under high stress when the system has to constantly adjust to fluctuating indoor temperatures. By lessening the demand on these components, energy-efficient windows extend the life of these crucial parts of your HVAC system.

Reduced Frequency of Repairs

With less strain on the system, the frequency of repairs decreases. This means fewer service calls, less downtime, and reduced repair costs. Over time, this can amount to significant savings, as the costs associated with HVAC repairs can be substantial, especially when dealing with major components.

Extended Lifespan of HVAC System

The cumulative effect of reduced workload and decreased repair frequency is a longer lifespan for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system that operates under optimal conditions can serve your home for many more years than a system that's constantly overworked. This not only saves you money in terms of repair and maintenance costs but also delays the investment needed for a system replacement.

The installation of energy-efficient windows is a smart choice for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency and comfort. Not only do replacement windows contribute to a more comfortable living space, but they also extend the life and efficiency of your HVAC system, resulting in long-term financial savings and a more sustainable home environment.

Reviewing your homeowner's insurance policy is a wise step when considering window replacement, as many policies offer coverage for such upgrades, particularly those aimed at enhancing energy efficiency or safety.

Significantly, wind and hail were the leading causes of property loss in the first half of 2023, with about 1 in 40 homes annually filing claims in this category. Upgrading to storm-safe windows, such as impact-resistant glass and roll-down shutters, is a critical preventive measure against wind damage, especially in hurricane-prone regions.

Residents living in areas prone to high winds might be eligible for a 10-15% credit on their insurance policy for implementing wind protection upgrades. However, it's important to note that these discounts and credits for wind-related protection can vary greatly. They are often most applicable in states with a high risk of wind damage and may require meeting specific retrofit standards.

The investment in storm windows might initially seem significant. With an average annual discount of $108-$162 on insurance premiums, it could take between 28 and 43 years to balance out the cost of the upgrade alone.

Yet, for homeowners in high-risk areas, this investment could be invaluable, potentially saving thousands of dollars in repairs in the event of severe storm damage. Thus, while the financial payback period may be long, the peace of mind and potential savings in the face of a major storm make this upgrade a consideration worth exploring.

High-quality windows are an essential component in safeguarding your home against extreme weather conditions. Their robust design and superior construction materials offer enhanced protection, which plays a pivotal role in preventing potential damage to your property. Here's an expanded view on how these windows serve as a protective barrier and contribute to significant cost savings.

Enhanced Durability Against Harsh Weather

High-quality windows are engineered to withstand severe weather elements like strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and even hurricanes. This resilience is due to features like reinforced frames, durable glass, and tight seals. Such windows maintain their integrity during harsh conditions, effectively shielding your home's interior from the elements.

Prevention of Water Damage

One of the critical ways high-quality new windows protect your home is by preventing water infiltration. During heavy rainstorms or snow, poor-quality windows can allow water to seep into your home, leading to issues like mold, mildew, and structural damage. High-quality windows, with their superior sealing and water-resistant materials, help keep your home dry and secure.

Reducing Impact from Debris

In areas prone to high winds or storms, flying debris can be a significant threat. High-quality windows can be equipped with impact-resistant glass, which can withstand the force of flying objects, preventing them from penetrating through the window and causing damage or injury inside your home.

Protection from UV Damage

High-quality windows often come with UV protection by using high quality low E glass, which is crucial in safeguarding your home's interior against the sun's harmful rays. Prolonged exposure to UV light can fade and damage furniture, carpets, artworks, and other belongings. UV-protective windows help preserve the condition and color of these items, saving you the cost of premature replacements or repairs.

At LAS, we have a rich history of adding value and beauty to homes across Southeast Louisiana. Being a local company whose team members are proud residents of this area, we take great pride in elevating the living spaces of our neighbors. Check out the stories of homeowners who have chosen LAS to enhance and enrich their homes.

Take a step towards enhancing your home with elegant designs and advanced technology. Our dedicated team is here to guide you in getting started. Elevate your living space with durable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing windows that not only add value to your property but also provide lasting comfort and safety for you and your family.

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Julia,
On behalf of Lighthouse Louisiana (formerly The Lighthouse for the Blind), please convey my thanks once again to your coworkers for supporting our summer camp for children who are blind. It is a rare thing to see a corporate family like yours, where people get together and give from their own hard-earned paychecks to local groups that are doing good work in the community. As donors, sometimes it’s hard to know what donations to organizations we care about are actually being used for. We consider LAS an important investor in our work, and we cannot thank you enough for helping us serve our clients.

Thank you,
Erin McQuade Wright
Director of Development

We just finished getting new windows from LAS and I can’t be any happier. From start to finish, this job was done professionally. The salesman, Garrett, came to the house on time and explained the windows and the process and answered any questions that we had at the time. He indicated the person who would do the measurements would call and set up an appointment within two weeks and the the windows would be built and installed in about 5 weeks. Well, the job – from the initial estimate to complete install – was three weeks. The installed that completed the job did an excellent job of install, caulking and cleanup. We can’t give them a higher rating. The most amazing thing so far is the look and how much it has cut down on outside noise. I highly recommend LAS and since they are local, from repairs to employing people, we keep it right here at home. We are very satisfied customers.

5 Ways New Home Windows Save You Money