It’s not even technically summer, and yet here in the Minneapolis metro area we’ve been having some hot and humid days already. If you’ve been running your A/C to stay cool, you might be wondering if there is something else you can do. It could be that it’s time to replace your windows.
Replacing old windows is something that can help keep a home more comfortable indoors. Yes, it’s an expense, but you should think of it in terms of an investment. Energy-efficient windows – especially those with a good Low-E rating, can save you on A/C cost.
While we know that the Minneapolis area can be cooler than other parts of the U.S., this doesn’t mean that we don’t get hot when the summer comes rolling around. If you’ve lived here for awhile, you know how hot July and August can be. And for most of us, that means using our air conditioners to keep our homes cool. Just how much someone spends on air conditioning depends on a lot of factors, but a good estimate is about $4.50 per 8-hour period. You could be spending close to $15 a day if you run it all day long! And assume it’s a hot month and you need it every day – that’s $450 for one month, just for the use of your A/C!
Did you know that if you have older windows in your home, not only are you spending more money than you have to but that you are working that air conditioner more than you have to? It accounts for around 25% of the home’s energy loss. And if your A/C is working overtime, you’ll probably need to repair or replace it sooner than you intended.
Vinyl Window Frames Provide More Insulation
The vinyl frames on a window provide more insulation than any some other types of window frame material. If your old windows aren’t doing a good job of insulating the inside of your home from the heat outdoors, you are spending more than you need to on your cooling bills. Replacing those old windows with energy-efficient ones that do a better job at insulating (look for high R values) can save a lot of money, and it can even keep the home cooler in the hotter days.
Low-E Window Glass
When you replace those old windows, we definitely recommend you upgrade to Low-E glass which cuts heat transfer. This reduces the temperature inside your home, keeping it cooler than ever before.
In addition to the Low-E coating on the glass, you can also add in extra gas in between the layers of glass which also help the loss and keep the home comfortable and cool during the summer months. And at times we recommend even triple-pane glass for windows that get all-day direct sun, such as southern exposure.
These energy savings are essential if you’re concerned about high summer energy bills. You don’t want to worry about spending more money than you need to in order to stay cool inside this season.
If you’re ready to replace those old windows for newer, more energy-efficient ones, please contact us for a free in-home consultation. We can help you choose the right windows for you and your home, as well as your comfort and your budget.
Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota home remodeling contractor specializing in energy-efficient replacement windows. We serve the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
