Upgrade can cut energy use, utility bills
Whether a home has just been built or has been around for decades, it could benefit from having new windows installed.
And while the aesthetic advantages are obvious, new windows can have an even more noticeable impact on the homeowner's wallet.
According to Matt George of Window World of Butler, window technology and construction have grown by “leaps and bounds” in the last decade, with windows becoming more energy efficient. He added that replacing windows is one of the few home improvements that actually pays the customer back.
“On average, you're normally looking at a 10-year payback with heating and cooling,” he said.
That return on investment has a lot to do with the way in which windows are constructed. George said new coatings that are applied to the inside of the windows work similar to when a person puts aluminum foil on their windows. It bounces heat back out in the summer and keeps heat in during the winter.
Additionally, new spacer systems are being used to keep the panes separated. George said in the 1980s, those spacers were often made of metal, which would conduct the heat and cold to make for inefficient windows. Those pieces would also fail, causing the glass to flex to the point of cracking, which would then lead to humidity causing a fogging effect.
“It created that dirty, milky look,” he said.
New windows feature foam or putty that allows the glass to expand and flex more. It also helps reduce the heat transfer rate, which limits the way in which heat and cold travels through the glass. They also feature three panes to maximize this effect.
Even though Butler County, particularly the southwest portion, has seen dramatic growth and new building, George said that doesn't mean the windows being used are the most efficient. He said windows can be low-grade despite having a brand name. He said the state requires a one-year labor warranty on windows, but homeowners may not see a problem until two to five years down the road. This could include warping and twisting which leads to inefficiency, George said.
More obvious issues arise in older homes, where windows can be 50 years old or more. George said homeowners may feel a draft in these windows and take steps to eliminate it, including screwing or caulking them shut.
However this doesn't solve the problem, as the windows are often so old that they act primarily as a way to stop wind and weather from getting into the home, and not helping to control the temperature. George added the air often travels over those windows and directly into the house.
Additionally, these windows, especially when screwed or painted shut, create other issues.
“It's a fire hazard, and definitely not a good situation,” he said. “Anything is a vast improvement upon that.”
George said taking the step to replace or upgrade windows depends upon a person's wants and needs. He said it is usually easier and more convenient to do all windows in a home at once, as it limits the interruption on day-to-day life.
However, he said if being done in pieces, many homeowners start with the front of their home to focus on the curb appeal.
“If you can't take a big bite, we'll do the front because it looks nice and provides more efficiency, then work your way around side-by-side,” he said.
George added that financing is available, as are tax credits for some home improvements. He said he recommends that homeowners check to see if they qualify and meet the criteria before committing to a purchase.
Additionally, George said warranties cover all products, including glass breakage. He said the goal is to install a product that will last and require little-to-no upkeep or replacement.
“The goal for everybody ... is we don't want to ever talk to them again once it's installed,” he said.
