Giving your home a new look and feel, by replacing the windows and doors with Energy Efficient models, is pretty much the smartest investment you can make. Yes, it increases your homes’ curb appeal and resale value but more importantly, it can increase your quality of life. Today’s Energy Star rated replacement windows and doors offer better security, improved control of home-cooling, and such a substantial decrease in heat-loss that installing new windows and doors can dramatically change home heating costs.
What is the Energy Star mark all about?
Energy Star is an international standard for energy efficient products.
ENERGY STAR is the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency that was established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy, and to make it easy to identify and purchase energy-efficient home products that offer savings on energy bills.
How Windows and Doors make the mark?
Windows and doors are a major source of heat loss in Canadian homes. Installing new windows and doors that qualify for the ENERGY STAR mark will reduce your energy consumption and save you money. ENERGY STAR products have been independently tested and certified to be among the most energy-efficient on the market.
What else will ENERGY STAR rated windows and doors do for you:
- increase your comfort by reducing drafts
- cut down noise levels from outside the home
- control condensation and allow your windows to stay warmer
- alleviate premature deterioration and maintenance costs
- allow fewer ultraviolet rays to pass through glazed areas
- better protect your valuables from sun damage
- decrease home cooling costs in the summer months
- make the planet a healthier place for the next generation
How much money can you expect to save?
By minimizing air leakage and improving thermal performance, Energy efficient windows can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 50 per cent and reduce your energy bills. Here’s an example provided by the Siding and Window Dealers Association of Canada:
“On average it costs Canadian homeowners approximately $1200.00 per year to heat a home. Of that, industry standards indicate that about 25 per cent or $300.00 is due to heat loss through windows, if the windows are standard double paned units. By replacing drafty, old windows with energy efficient windows like Energy Star Approved units, a homeowner can save almost 60 per cent of their energy costs, or $180.00 a year.”
Your home energy costs may be higher or lower, but the percentages of savings still remain valid and substantial over the life of your home. Keep in mind that there are many other ways to add to your home’s energy efficiency and make your home more comfortable. Ask a Van Dolder’s Home Team member about more ways to save.