Feb 27 2007
Make no mistake about it -- windows are one of the biggest sources of home energy loss. A large majority of your home's energy shortcomings occur through convection, outside air infiltration, conduction and radiation through your windows and doors. Energy and heat value has become a major selling point during the recent boom in renovation resale, and modern replacement windows should be added to any list of planned property improvements to optimize efficiency potential.
Even with newer houses, the windows and doors that can come standard are "builder's" models, designed to be inexpensive and easy to install. These models are not engineered to be energy-efficient, nor are they ever made from high quality materials. That makes window replacement one of the best ways to improve your home's energy efficiency, with the potential to save you thousands of dollars over the years and increase resale values.
Windows and doors are an area in which renovators can never afford to cut corners. Updating inferior models with the latest replacement window technology on the market not only saves current owners a staggering amount of money but can prove overwhelmingly attractive to savvy buyers. The word is getting out that not all replacement windows are created equal, and taking short cuts in this area can greatly limit your asking price. Features to look for in cutting-edge replacement windows include triple-glazing, spacers to reduce condensation, argon and krypton gas insulation and Celuca™ composite frames which deliver twice the insulating value of standard vinyl.
Newpro, a replacement window company in New England, are so confident that their windows will save you money -- they put it in writing. The Newpro Fuel Savings Pledge states that if all windows in the heated areas of a home are replaced with their products, the owner will see at least a 40% reduction in fuel consumption or Newpro will pay the difference.