The older your home, the more likely your windows cost you money through higher heating bills. When you replace older windows with energy-efficient windows your energy costs decrease. Even replacing basic double-paned windows with quality energy-efficient windows brings cost savings.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows have more insulation. They keep your conditioned air inside the home longer. The Department of Energy estimates homeowners save $125 to $465 a year by replacing older single-paned windows with windows that have Energy Star ratings. Newer homes with less efficient double-paned windows can save $27 to $111 per year.
Not only will you save money, but you also decrease draftiness and noise. Anyone living in a noisy area can appreciate a quieter space.
Look for Energy Star Ratings
Wading through the different technologies available for window efficiency can overwhelm anyone.; however, not all technologies are beneficial for your climate. Finding the best window for you does not have to be difficult. Look for the Energy Star sticker for your climate zone certification. This label also includes important Energy Performance ratings (U-factor and SHGC) and Additional Performance Ratings.
Understanding U-Factor
U-factor indicates the rate of heat loss through the window. The lower a U-factor, the better a window blocks heat flow. Each portion of a window, such as the glass and the frame, will have a different U-factor. However, most windows identify the overall U-factor of the window. High-insulating windows have a U-factor around 0.30. A triple-paned window can get as low as 0.15. The Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC) recommends a U-factor below 0.25 for northern climates such as the Inland Northwest, though windows up to 0.30 are still energy-efficient.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
SHGC measures the amount of heat admitted from solar radiation. SHGC is expressed in a measurement between 0 and 1. The lower the number, the less heat the window allows in from the sun. People in northern climates heat their homes longer than they cool their homes. Thus, EWC recommends an SHGC rating between (0.35-0.60) for northern climates. However, if summers require significant cooling, EWC recommends SHGC ratings below 0.32.
Energy-Efficient Credits
The federal program for energy-efficient window replacement expired in 2017. However, you may still qualify for other credits, rebates or refunds. The following are options available in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas in the 2019 year.
North Idaho
Avista Utilities offers a rebate for qualifying window installation. To qualify, windows must be installed before November 29, 2019. They must have a U-factor of 0.30 or less and home energy usage must be over 8,000 kilowatt-hours of electric straight resistance heat or over 340 therms of natural gas heat.
Idaho Energy and Mineral Resources offer a low-interest loan program for residents and commercial buildings. Windows must have a U-factor of 0.35 or less for single-family homes.
Kootenai Electric Cooperative offer a rebate when replacing single-pane wood or double-pane metal windows with Energy Star windows.
Idaho State offers a tax deduction for replacing less efficient windows with more efficient windows. This tax deduction includes 100% of the cost of installation. Homes built or permitted before January 1, 2002 qualify for this tax credit.
Spokane Washington Area
Avista Utilities also offers a rebate in Washington for qualifying window installation. To qualify, windows must be installed before November 29, 2019. They must have a U-factor of 0.30 or less and home energy usage must be over 8,000 kilowatt-hours of electric straight resistance heat or over 340 therms of natural gas heat.
Inland Power and Light offer a similar rebate as Avista Utilities. Only electrically heated homes qualify for this rebate. Rebate can be used for both new and replacement windows. Only old single-pane windows or double-pane windows with metal framing qualify. New windows must be NFRC rated with a U factor of 0.30 or less.
Vera Water and Power also offers a rebate for replacement windows in electrically heated homes. Old windows must be either a single-pane window or a double-pane window with metal framing. New windows must have a U-factor of 0.30 or less.
Upgrading your windows can be one of the most effective ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Rebates and tax incentives available reduce the cost, making the decision even easier. Many rebate companies offers do require professional installation to qualify. Improperly installed windows will decrease their efficiency. Contact Specialty Home Products today to learn about other possible rebates and for your energy-efficient window installation.