If you think of purchasing new windows as an investment, you’ll want to know if that investment will pay off. Will spending this money upfront end up saving you money each month? Without a doubt, the answer is YES. If your windows are more than 10 years old, they are costing you money each month on your electric bill. Likewise, if you live in a state affected by hurricanes like we do here in Florida, you are likely to receive discounts or credits on your homeowner’s insurance for upgrading to storm-safe windows.
Electric Bill Savings
Depending on the type of windows you are replacing, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you could save a full 50% every month on your electricity bill by upgrading your windows. Even windows that are only 10 years old are far less efficient than today’s modern windows. The most energy efficient windows are double-pane glazed windows. For extreme hot or cold climates, a gas (usually argon or krypton) is often added in between the glazes to further reduce heat loss / absorption. Additionally, you can opt for low-emissivity (or low-e) coated glass to help reflect rather than absorb the sun’s rays. No matter which replacement options you choose, you will absolutely save on your monthly energy bill.
Insurance Savings
Wind and hail are typically the number one cause of loss and damage to homes each year in the United States. Your main line of defense to prevent wind damage – especially in hurricane-prone areas – is to upgrade to storm-safe windows. While wind-related discounts and credits on your homeowner’s policy will vary from insurer to insurer, upgrading to new windows with some type of wind protection (impact-resistant glass, storm shutters, etc.) can save about 10-15% on average. This can either come as a one-time credit or as a lower monthly premium depending on your carrier. As an added bonus, upgrading your windows not only saves you money each month but could also end up saving you thousands in repair costs should your home be affected by a bad storm.
Your home is arguably your greatest tangible investment. Replacing your home’s outdated windows not only has many aesthetic, environmental, safety and functional benefits but will also save you money each month on your energy and insurance bills. Homes here in Florida would especially profit from new windows because of the high temperatures during the summer and the threat of yearly hurricanes. Let Bozarth Contractors help you make your home more comfortable as well as safer all while saving you money.