Different homeowners have different reasons for pursuing home improvement projects, but one motivator that is becoming increasingly common is a desire to boost your home’s energy efficiency. Investing in replacement windows can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency and lower your energy bills.
But how exactly do windows affect your home’s energy efficiency? Renewal by Andersen® of Portland explains:
Creating an Energy-Efficient Home
What exactly makes a window energy-efficient? This is measured by a variety of factors, but solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and U-value are the two you should focus on. The U-value is the rate of heat loss from your windows, and is usually expressed as a number between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower your window’s U-value, the greater its resistance to heat flow and the better its insulation. When looking for replacement windows this winter, be sure to invest in units with a low U-value to keep your home cozy.
The SHGC indicates how well a window can block the heat from the sun. Expressed as a number between zero and one, windows with a lower value transmit less solar heat, a feature that’s beneficial for homeowners in particularly hot climates.
Improving Your Existing Windows
If you’re not prepared to shoulder the expense of a full replacement, there are other things you can do to boost your windows’ energy efficiency. For example, you can fit them with storm windows to help reduce air leakage and increase comfort. You can also replace worn-out caulking and weatherstripping to keep the cold out. Window treatments offer both aesthetic and functional benefits, as they can help minimize heat loss during winter while also boosting the beauty of your home.
For quality replacement windows, turn to Renewal by Andersen of Portland. Our durable and energy-efficient selection can help improve your home’s overall energy performance. Call us at (503) 419-3960 to schedule a consultation today. We serve Tigard, Beaverton, West Linn and the surrounding communities in Oregon.
