It’s another hot, humid summer on Long Island this year and that means your windows might be making you uncomfortable or costing you money in high energy bills. Weather forecasters expect the temperature to break the 90 degree mark in July. With it hotter than a Fourth of July firecracker outside, we’ll all be looking for ways to keep it cool and comfy inside.
Unfortunately, even if you have an efficient central heating and cooling unit, it takes a huge amount of money to keep your home comfortable if your home isn’t airtight. This is a good time to start thinking about managing your cooling budget. Aging, inefficient windows allow the cool air circulating throughout your home to escape and let the hot air in – forcing your air conditioner to work overtime. The harder the AC has to work, the more money you have to pump into keeping your home comfortable.
One way to save big this summer (and for many years in the future) is to install energy-efficient replacement windows and doors. This will cut down on leaking air and can even cut the amount of solar energy that penetrates your windows. How much you save depends on what type of windows you’re replacing and the condition of your current windows. Based on 2007 Energy Star estimates, homeowners in the Mid-Atlantic states saved between $90 and $425 dollars by upgrading to energy-efficient windows. The highest savings come from replacing single pane glass with high-performance windows.
3 Replacement Window Glass Choices
You can see that replacement window performance factors can make a drastic difference in your annual utility savings. Renewal by Andersen offers three glass types designed to help Long Island homeowners save more as the temperature goes up.
1. High-Performance™ Low-E4® Sun glass with its high-tech glass coatings control light levels in your home and deliver superior heat-gain control – giving you greater control over your energy budget.
2. High-Performance™ Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass, which allows more natural light to enter your home without compromising heat gain management, is an exceptional choice for homeowners looking for options to reduce energy bills in warm, humid climates. SmartSun™ replacement windows have an added bonus – they block up to 95% of harmful UV rays that can damage carpets and upholstery.
3. High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass, like our SmartSun™ glass is 45% more efficient than dual-pane glass during the winter. During hot summer months the percentage goes even higher – up to 56%.
Saving Money Isn’t Limited to Glass Options
High-performance replacement windows don’t rely on glass choices alone. You’ll also want superior weather stripping to block moisture and prevent air leaks. Choosing framing materials that reduce heat-gain and maintain structural integrity also improve energy-efficiency; saving you even more money. Designing custom windows based on your home’s orientation to the sun and landscaping makes sure when the temperature soars your power bills don’t go up with them.
Better Management After the Installation
While Renewal by Andersen of Long Island replacement windows and doors give you greater control over your cooling budget, there are other ways to take your savings even further.
When your air conditioner keeps running and running when no one is home, you are just throwing money out the window – so to speak. If you aren’t already using a programmable thermostat, talk to your air conditioner technician about installing one before it gets any hotter.
Window treatments for your new replacement windows can also help you proactively manage your budget. By closing shades or blinds during the hottest part of the day, your home will stay cooler. Selecting drapes with reflective backing for your new windows adds another layer of protection from solar heat gain, too.
Escalating utility bills can be discouraging. With replacement windows designed to help you capitalize on your home’s natural airflow patterns and by considering other internal and external factors you can save money on your energy bills this year and for many years to come.
Need help figuring out which replacement window glass and frame types are most advantageous for your Long Island home? Give us a call toll-free at (866) 609-5033 or take a couple of minutes to send us an inquiry by filling out the form on this page.
Check out this post for more information on replacement window energy efficiency.
