Do not ignore energy-efficient windows because of the cost involved. It may seem expensive now but in the long run you can reap financial benefits from it. Learn different energy-efficient solutions to repair broken windows as well as replace old ones and say yes to a beneficial window renovation project.
On 20th June, 2018, government cancelled the Green Ontario Fund leaving homeowners in the lurch. The initiative was a great way of helping local Ontarians in making their homes more energy efficient. Under the program, you could get up to $5000 to replace windows.
What should you do now?
If you finish the renovation work before Aug. 31, you can still qualify for the rebates. But, the news has disappointed several homeowners who were in the process of making a decision regarding a window renovation project. If you were relying on the rebates program for replacing the old windows in your home, do not lose heart. There are still ways in which you can opt for energy-efficient windows that do not lose heat and cold. Let’s take a look at few options available with you.
Repair the Existing Windows to reduce Energy Loss
If the windows are relatively new and you want to avoid the cost of a major overhaul, you can consider repairing them. It is an affordable option that will help you to reduce the loss of heat to an extent. Here are a couple of things that you can do to improve the condition of the windows.
1. Caulk the windows properly to prevent heat transfer. Hiring a professional handyman to caulk six windows will cost you $180-$200. You can also do it on your own by buying a caulking gun and caulk cartridges according to your requirements.
2. Weather stripping is also an efficient way of fixing air leaks. You can get weather-strips in your local home improvement store. Its price starts from $6 and can go up to $50 depending on the length, material, brand, etc.
3. Another way is to replace the single-pane glass with double-pane or triple-pane glass. It is a great way to add an insulation layer to the windows. A 36-inch by 24-inch double-pane window glass can cost you $200. Triple-pane glass will be even more expensive.
4. Storm windows are also an efficient solution of improving the thermal insulation of your home. Instead of replacing the window, you can pretty much install it to upgrade the existing windows. A single storm window can cost in the range of $90 to $130 depending on your requirements. Add labor cost to it.
5. Window treatments are a good way of adding charm to your home. They also do the additional work of keeping the heat in the room during winter and provide shade in summer months. When it comes to the cost of curtains, drapes, and blinds, the sky is the limit. It all depends on your choice.
Replace the Old Windows with New Energy-Efficient Ones.
If the windows are in a terrible condition or they do not match the décor of your home, it is time for a change. Remember that low-cost windows may look like a tempting purchase. But, by replacing the old ones with energy-saving windows, you will be able to reduce the energy bill and save money in the long run. Here are a few things that you should consider:
1. Check whether the windows work best for your climate zone by reading the ENERGY STAR® certified window labels. It will ensure that your money doesn’t go to waste.
2. Consider different options such as casement, awning, tilt-and-turn, etc., instead of sliding windows because the latter are not tightly shut against the weather-stripping and can cause energy loss.
3. Do not just focus on wood. It is susceptible to moisture damage and requires maintenance. Learn about other window materials such as vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass before making a decision.
4. Low-E coating will reduce heat transfer while still providing you access to natural light. Even using argon gas between two panes can lower the U-value and guarantee better insulation.
Energy-Efficient Windows are better for your Wallet
The cost of replacing a single window frame along with the glass can start from $150 and go up to more than $1000. The cost of energy-efficient windows varies according to the choice of material, glass, glazing, etc. Energy-efficient windows can be expensive to install and you may have to pay high installation cost of $50-$100 approximately. But, do not let the cost deter you from making your home energy-efficient. The Natural Resources Canada mentions that quality ENERGY STAR® certified windows can save 8% on your energy bill. The number can increase if you opt for better-quality products and ensure professional installation. Also, the value of your property will increase with energy-efficient measures. For example, vinyl windows can increase the value of your home by at least $10,000.
So, do not consider energy-efficient windows as an unnecessary expenditure. Treat the window renovation project as a long-term investment in your home.
Happy renovation!
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