Temperatures in Dallas-Fort Worth can go to extremes — as any resident can tell you, they often exceed 100 degrees in the summer and can dip below freezing in the winter. But you don’t have to feel those weather effects inside your home or in your pocketbook. Properly sealed, updated windows will improve your home’s interior temperature, regardless of the time of year. Thanks to modern window construction, updated windows offer several benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider replacing windows in your home.

Save Energy, Save Money

In older homes, newer, more energy-efficient windows will increase comfort and energy savings. EnergyStar.gov reports that homeowners can save $145–$500 per year and reduce carbon emissions by as much as 4,000 pounds per year simply by replacing outdated windows. Considering that home energy use accounts for as much as 25 percent of an individual’s carbon footprint, updating your home’s windows is good for your wallet and the environment.

If you are considering replacing your current windows to gain energy efficiency, be sure to look at options for double-paned windows. Why? The main advantage of double-paned versus single-paned options is in the construction. Windows with two glass panes have a space between that is typically filled with either air or gas to reduce temperature flow across the window panes. The spacer is harmless and has no odor, even if the glass is broken. In essence, this sealed gap serves as a buffer between internal and external temperatures. In other words, your home will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, so you won’t have to crank the heat or A/C.

Improve Ambient Temperature

Aside from savings and environmental friendliness, new windows simply make your house more comfortable. Your home’s windows act as a seal, both against external temperatures and to maintain internal temperatures. As your windows age, these seals deteriorate. Replacement, energy-efficient windows will stabilize the ambient temperature inside. Ambient temperature is influenced by both external temperatures and the components within a room, such as people and insulation. Newer windows are constructed to help prevent drastic fluctuations in ambient temperature, an important factor for personal comfort.

How to Find the Best Windows

A few improvements in window technology have helped us better understand how to maximize energy efficiency in windows. When replacing your home’s windows, look for a label from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). It will provide objective ratings for the window’s performance and serve as a guide regarding features to expect. The label includes five key characteristics to be considered: U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Visible Transmittance (VT), Air Leakage (AL), and Condensation Resistance. Understanding these factors will help you choose the type of window that best meets your needs.

U-factor measures how much heat is transferred and how well a window provides insulation. The lower the U-factor number, the better the window performance. SHGC measures how well the window blocks heat caused by the sun. VT indicates how much sunlight the window allows to pass into the interior, and AL is a measurement of how much air passes through the window and the surrounding joint. Condensation resistance measures how well a window protects against water buildup on the pane. Talk with a window installation expert to ensure that you find the right mixture of characteristics to suit your comfort needs.

Thanks to the latest advances in windows, a set of replacement windows helps the environment, saves you money, and will make your home more comfortable throughout the year.

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