How Much Energy will Replacement Windows Save You?

Save Energy with Replacement Windows

There are many reasons why you might find yourself thinking about window replacement. Maybe your basement is always freezing, or you dread the sight of your energy bill every month. No matter what, everyone can benefit from new energy efficient windows. The question is: how much energy can you save with new windows?

Using the NFRC Label

The best place to start is with the NFRC Label when you go window shopping. The NFRC is a national council whose sole mission is to objectively rate the energy-savings capacity of every window submitted to them. They measure a window’s efficiency using four numbers:

1. U-Factor (0.2-1.2)—the lower this number, the better the window is at keeping in heat when it’s cold outside.
2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (0-1)—the lower this number, the better the window is at keeping unwanted heat from entering.
3. Visible Transmittance (0-1)—the higher this number, the more natural light is allowed to enter the room.
4. Air Leakage (0.1-0.3)—the lower this number, the better the window is at keeping air out. This rating is optional, and so may not appear on all rated windows.

Utility Bill Savings

Using these four factors, most customers experience 20-30% energy savings in their monthly utility bills, but we have seen cases where customers benefited over 50% year-over-year savings! You’ll feel the affects both in your comfort and your budget.

However, every home is different, and efficiency can vary based on poor insulation, bad door seals, or even windows that are installed incorrectly. If your current windows have broken seals or no low-emissivity coating though, you will notice a marked difference in the performance of your new energy efficient windows.

Energy Star Replacement Windows

You can achieve the best results by following Energy Star guidelines. They publish the best optimal NFRC ratings you should seek for savings in your area; in other words, they can tell you the best-rated window to get without paying for performance that you don’t need.

For Atlanta in particular, the guidelines recommend windows that meet the Energy Star South Central climate zone standards. Look for a U-Factor of 0.3 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.3. You can consult this helpful Energy Star guide for more detailed information.

It’s not a matter of whether or not your investment in new windows will pay off—it’s about how much energy you could save by putting in new energy efficient windows. Get to know the NFRC labels and Energy Star guidelines and you’ll soon be an expert. Or give us a call at (470) 275-5159 and we’ll get you on your way to savings you never thought were possible.