Arkansas homeowners are being misinformed about how much money they can save on their energy expenses when they have new windows installed. So many contractors go on and on about how much money their window will save you in energy cost and will throw out some very incredible percentage just trying to close the deal. The truth is, most homeowners aren’t told that there are MANY factors that contribute to how much they will save on their energy expenses. Although having new energy efficient windows installed in your home will certainly help, it isn’t the only determining factor when figuring out just how much you will save.   

Calculating the energy savings for replacement windows

When it comes to determining the savings for new, energy-efficient windows, there are many factors involved. Some contractors will tell you that some of their clients have been able to save more than 50 percent on their heating and cooling costs, but not every homeowner will see such a large return on investment. A more realistic savings is in the 30 percent range, but a lot depends on how “old” your old windows were. Installing insulated replacement windows will keep your utility bills to a minimum, but the actual amount of this savings is determined by a couple of key factors, such as:

• The type of window you had before and what you will have after installing replacement windows
• The U-Values and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient ratings of the window you are installing
• The type of material used in the window frames
• The method of installation

Architectural and Landscaping Considerations

Some of the other indicators for energy savings you will want to consider are the number of windows and the relative size of them in relation to the entire home. The placement of the windows can also play a role, such as west or south facing walls. If you have shade around the home that comes from other buildings or trees or glass that is covered by an awning or overhang can skew the amount of savings you will have.

Utility Habits and Other Factors

Some of the other factors that influence your heating and cooling costs include:

• Number of people living in your home
• Activity level in your home
• Insulation in your home (walls & attics)
• If your home is on a slab or blocks
• Efficiency of your heating and cooling system (age)
• Where you set your thermostat

While there’s no scientific formula to measure energy savings exactly, installing energy efficient windows in your home will help. When you factor in all of the elements it’s easy to see how some people save more than others when installing replacement windows. Be sure you are comparing “apples to apples” when it comes to purchasing replacement windows for your home. Also, check the facts and take the current conditions in your home into consideration. Replacement windows are a big investment so make sure you choose high quality windows and that they are installed by well-qualified, experienced professionals! If you are interested in learning more about vinyl replacement windows, call us today and schedule an appointment for a free estimate.