Home improvements are among the top things that come to mind when people want to increase the value of their property. If you are putting your house on sale, you should focus on projects that can give you the highest return on your investment. Roof replacement, kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovations are typical projects homeowners do.
Another thing that can add value to your home is replacing your outdated windows. Keep reading to find out how.
Window replacement can give you a significant return on investment (ROI). The more energy-efficient a window is, the more valuable it gets. Many of today’s home buyers are looking for features that can contribute to lower monthly utility costs. More and more people also aim to reduce their carbon footprint, increasing the demand for energy-saving home features.
Sometimes, new windows can give you a higher ROI than major projects, such as kitchen and bathroom remodels. Knowing which features should be in your new windows can help you make the most of your investment. The U.S. Department of Energy says that up to 30% of energy consumption comes from heating and cooling your home.
When purchasing replacement windows, always look for the ENERGY STAR® label. Windows with this label often have multiple panes of glass, high-quality frames and insulative gas fills. They also usually possess a low-emissivity (low-e) glass or a glass with a specialized coating that deflects infrared lights. These features can help improve a window’s insulation, allowing them to do a better job at preventing energy loss.
Your Windows Are in Bad Shape
Compromised windows can cause water to enter your home and cause mold growth, rot, increased humidity and poor indoor air quality. Gaps around windows will cause conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to enter. When that happens, it will be harder to keep your spaces comfortable, and your energy bills might increase.
If your windows are old and hard to operate or have damaged glass and frames, you would need to replace them. You’ll be surprised at how replacing your bay windows can make a difference in your living space.
You Still Have Single-Pane Windows
Outdated, single-pane windows won’t do much at keeping outdoor temperatures from affecting your home. After upgrading to multi-pane windows, you will immediately notice a dramatic improvement in your indoor comfort. You’ll also find your spaces quieter since modern, energy-efficient windows excel at blocking outdoor noise.
Your Windows Are Putting Your Safety at Risk
Are your windows difficult to open and close? Are there bedrooms on your upper floors with windows that don’t open? Hard-to-operate units can put your safety at risk. Windows in the upper levels of your home should be able to act as an escape route in case of an emergency. Whether you need new casement, double-hung or bay windows, Renewal by Andersen® of Cincinnati has options for you.
Material
You want to choose a material that is better than your existing windows. Renewal by Andersen windows features Fibrex® material, which has the appeal of natural wood and twice the strength of vinyl. It’s guaranteed not to rot, warp or chip. Fibrex is also highly resistant to water and fire damage.
Style
Besides illuminating your living space, windows can boost your home’s curb appeal. Choose styles that go well with the architectural design of your house. Double-hung windows usually look great in traditional homes. Meanwhile, casement, sliding and specialty windows can accentuate the beauty of contemporary structures.
Glass Type
While single-pane windows have a lower cost, they won’t deliver the energy efficiency you’re expecting. Double-pane windows have two panes of glass with an insulative gas in between them. They keep outdoor air from entering your home, making spaces easier to cool and heat. It means that you will get long-term savings with multi-pane windows.
Maintenance
The maintenance requirements of windows vary by material. For instance, since wood is prone to moisture-related damage, it might need more upkeep. Fibrex material would never require scraping or painting. You can count on it not to develop mold or rot. All this material needs to last long and stay appealing is regular cleaning.
Keep in mind that your new windows are only as good as how they were installed. It’s why you should only trust experienced professionals – like Renewal by Andersen of Cincinnati – for your project. We install energy-efficient casement, double-hung, bay and specialty windows. Call us at (513) 283-8996, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We work with homeowners around Mason, Sharonville and Loveland, OH.
