A window in Florida has a tough job to do: it must allow sunlight into the home while blocking the sun’s heat; it should keep cool conditioned air inside, and it should prevent wind and water from entering the house. Look for windows with a high NFRC rating and low U-Factor.
1. Lower Energy Consumption
The energy-efficient windows keep cool air in and hot air out, reducing your electricity costs and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They can also help you reduce your home maintenance and repair expenses, as well as save on heating and cooling bills.
Select a window with a low U-factor, which measures thermal resistance, to reduce heat loss in cold climates; and a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which limits heat flow from the sun into your home in warm climates. Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass numbers, to more accurately reflect energy performance.
The quality of your replacement windows can have a major impact on their energy efficiency. Look for a frame material that has natural insulating properties, such as vinyl.
2. Less Noise
During the summer, energy efficient windows help your house stay cool without increasing your cooling bills. The reason for this is because the insulation minimizes heat transfer from sunlight into your house.
This same insulation also reduces noise pollution from outside your home. Nobody likes being kept awake by the barking of neighborhood dogs or the noise from nearby highways and railroad tracks. Energy efficient windows will help reduce this incoming noise to make your home more tranquil and relaxing.
Energy efficient windows also block incoming UV rays that can cause furniture, carpets and wood flooring to fade over time. This protects your belongings, whether they are monetary or sentimental in value. This is especially beneficial if you plan on selling your home in the future.
3. Low Maintenance
Window replacement is a significant investment, so you want to be sure the products you choose are expertly designed and built to last. ENERGY STAR certified windows are durable, low maintenance, and backed by support you can trust.
ENERGY STAR certified windows are available in a variety of frame materials. Some frames are all vinyl, some are aluminum, some are wood, and some have combinations of different materials. Aluminum and vinyl frames are durable, low maintenance, and provide good insulation.
Many ENERGY STAR certified windows are also made of recycled material, making them environmentally friendly. They have high R-values, which help to keep warm air inside in the winter and cool air outside in the summer. They are also moisture-resistant, so they won’t warp or rot over time.
4. Energy Star Certification
You probably associate the blue ENERGY STAR label with energy-efficient consumer products. However, ENERGY STAR certification is also available for buildings and plants. This program helps buildings and plants save energy, cut costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings are rated on a 1 – 100 ENERGY STAR score, which shows how they perform in comparison to similar buildings.
A building with an ENERGY STAR rating is more attractive to buyers and tenants because it offers guaranteed savings. The ENERGY STAR logo is easily recognized by its scripted text, star and arc. Window installation services can help you select energy efficient windows that suit your needs and home style. They can even guide you through the ENERGY STAR certification process. Their services are available for homes of all sizes and types.
5. Increased Home Value
Homeowners often struggle with determining what renovation projects are worth the time, energy and money. While kitchens and bathrooms typically have high returns on investment, upgrading windows can also add value to a property.
Aside from reducing cooling costs, new windows can also block UV rays and prevent heat loss. In addition, they can reduce outside noise and improve home safety. These benefits may make your house more attractive to potential buyers and increase its resale value.
Moreover, homeowners that choose impact-rated windows can benefit from PACE financing. This unique program allows them to finance these upgrades with a tax assessment that is paid annually. This makes the upgrade affordable and accessible to more people. This makes it a worthwhile addition to any Florida home.