Are you considering upgrading the windows on your New Jersey home? You may not give the windows on your home much thought, but they can make a big difference not just in your comfort level, but also in the value of your home. From the wide range of windows available on the market, today, East Coast Roofing, Siding, & Windows recommends considering upgrading to energy-efficient windows to maximize your benefits.

What are energy-efficient windows?
Energy-efficient windows, as the name suggests, are those that improve the energy efficiency of your home. They provide greater insulation than standard windows, which means there will be less heat transfer between your living space and the exterior of your home — that is, less heat transfer from inside to outside in winter and from outside to inside in summer. Because “energy efficient” is a somewhat arbitrary term, there are a few things you’ll want to take note of to ensure the windows you choose offer the best protection to your home.

U-Factor: The U-Factor measures how insulative your windows are. In New Jersey, you’ll want the U-Factor of your windows to be less than .30 for best performance.
SGHC: The SGHC is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and refers to how much of the sun’s heat can come through the window with a lower number meaning less solar heat is allowed through the window.

Energy Star: The U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set forth standards that windows must meet to receive an Energy Star rating. Windows that have this rating have met these strict standards so you can feel comfortable knowing the energy efficiency of these windows has been thoroughly demonstrated.

NFRC: The National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) is an independent nonprofit that rates the energy efficiency of windows using its own rating system. Exploring the NFRC rating for your windows will give you a wealth of information including their independent U-Factor and SGHC performance results.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows for New Jersey Homeowners

If you’re already in need of a window upgrade, energy-efficient windows should be a no-brainer. That said, if you’re still on the fence, let us walk you through some of the advantages of upgrading to energy-efficient windows for your home.


Money-Saving

It’s no secret that most people have their budget and finances at the forefront of their minds for any home improvement project. While energy-efficient windows will certainly have a larger upfront cost than lower-end window options you can expect the investment to pay off in the long run. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that upgrading to energy-efficient windows can save the average homeowner 7% to 12% on their monthly energy bills. That might not seem like much, but it adds up, particularly in the long, cold winters we experience in New Jersey. In addition to monthly energy savings, you can expect that your new windows will increase the value of your home. While this doesn’t necessarily equate to money in your pocket, it will increase the equity in your home and can nab you a higher price if and when you decide to sell the home. In fact, replacement windows have one of the highest return on investment percentages of any home renovation project!
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Increased Comfort
Because energy-efficient windows have higher insulative properties you can expect your home to feel more comfortable all year long. Heat transfer always moves from warmer areas to cooler areas which means that whether the weather outside is subzero or blazing hot you can expect your upgraded windows to help stabilize the temperature within your home. Less warm air will escape outside the windows during the winter and less hot air will penetrate into the home in the summer.

Less HVAC Wear and Tear
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If your home is less affected by the outside temperature your heating and cooling systems won’t need to work as hard. This is what leads to the monthly energy savings mentioned above but it also leads to a longer life for your HVAC system. An HVAC system that has to run nonstop will inevitably experience excessive wear and tear that will lead to more maintenance, excessive repairs, and early failure.

Noise Reduction
The insulative properties of energy-efficient windows don’t end at temperature fluctuations – you can expect a quieter and more peaceful home as your windows help to insulate against ambient noise outside. Each layer of glass in your window will help with soundproofing from noises like trains, traffic, airplanes, and landscaping equipment so your new two- or three-paned windows will greatly reduce these noises.
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Condensation Reduction
Condensation buildup is a common problem for single-pane windows. Condensation in your window is unsightly, but that’s really the least of your problems. Then this moisture builds up inside your window it can eventually drip into the home causing water damage to the structure that could be very expensive to repair. Double and triple-pane windows rarely experience problems with condensation as long as they’re properly installed, so investing in energy-efficient windows can put a stop to this problem before it even has a chance to start. To decide which types of windows are best for your home, consider your needs, preferences, and budget, not just in the short term, but over the long run as well. A bit of extra investment upfront can enhance your comfort and peace of mind while also adding value to your property. If you are ready to see what upgrading to energy-efficient windows can do for your New Jersey home, contact East Coast Roofing, Siding & Windows today!