The United States Department of Energy says that inefficient or drafty windows are the cause of 25% of residential heating and cooling use. This statistic means that, in other words, you could be saving up to 25% in energy if you install new, energy efficient replacement windows to your Kirkland, WA home to replace the outdated, old, or inefficient windows.
Windows are great, but drafty windows can really take a big bite out of your energy budget. There are two main kinds of windows you should look for when replacing windows for energy reasons: double pane and triple pane. Double pane glass windows have two glass panes that are coated in two layers of Low-E coating, therefore helping to block about 80% of the sun’s UV rays. Triple pane glass windows are similar to double in that they have two layers of Low-E coating, but these windows have an additional third pane of glass that helps them block about 90% of the sun’s UV rays.
Adding replacement windows to your home is a quick way to boost energy efficiency and energy savings. However, replacement windows are a big investment. The average family in North American spends about $2,000 per year on energy bills, but that doesn’t count when the number goes up because of old appliances, faulty ducts, and other inefficient cooling and heating systems. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient while you’re saving up for replacement windows.
- Program the Thermostat – Invest and install a programmable thermostat to create temperature programs that meet your schedule and needs so you’re not heating or cooling your home unnecessarily.
- Energy Star – Energy Star rated products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Look for Energy Star ratings and labels to make sure you’re choosing the most efficient products.
- Full Loads – Only run the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer when they have full loads.
- Replace Filters – The filters on air conditioners and furnaces can make the machines run more and harder if they’re dirty. Clean or replace filters to prevent this.
- Turn off Electronics – Large electronics use energy if they’re plugged in but not in use. Curb this extra energy loss by plugging electronics into power strips and turning off the strips when the electronics aren’t in use.
- Turn off the Lights – Reducing light usage can also save money. Turn off the lights when not in use, or install dimmers, timers or motion sensors.
- Shades – Window shades, blinds, drapes, or other window treatments help reflect light, and therefore heat, away from the house.
These tips can help you keep your home efficient until you install replacement windows. When you’re ready to invest in Kirkland, WA replacement windows just get in touch with Puget Sound Window & Door. We can help with any of your replacement window needs. Call or visit us today for more information on what we can do for you.