WHY REPLACE OLD WINDOWS?
The Learning Center
If you are interested in installing replacement windows in your home, there is good reason to do it now. Replacement windows offer a home
an enhanced interior and curb appeal and an increase in energy efficiency. Replacement windows provide one of the best returns on
investment of any home improvement project and they may never need to be replaced again. One of the major barriers to getting new
windows installed is an upfront cost for materials and labor. The majority of that money will be recouped when the home is sold. According to
the 2009 Survey of Cost versus Value by Remodeling Magazine (remodeling.com), replacement windows generally have between 85 and 90
percent return on investment. This figure is among the highest of remodeling products. This means that even if you move, you will gain value
from your choice to replace your windows.
From an energy saving perspective, traditional windows and doors have been a weak link in home construction, often accounting for 35 to 40
percent of a home’s heat loss in the winter and an even larger fraction of heat gain in the summer. New technology has greatly improved the
energy efficiency of today’s products. Fortunately, “window shopping” has been simplified for consumers by the National Fenestration Rating
Council (NFRC), which has testing and performance standards.
The four key elements of efficient windows are: U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Visible Transmittance, and Air-Infiltration Rate. U-
Factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The lower the number, the more the window will help reduce heating bills.
Windows with a U-Factor under 0.30 are excellent. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is the metric for how well a product blocks heat caused by
sunlight. The lower the number, the more it will help reduce air conditioning bills. Windows with a SHGF under 0.30 are excellent. Visible
Transmittance measures how much light comes through a product. The closer to 1, the more light is transmitted. Air-Infiltration Rate
measures how much air can seep through window cracks and is measured in cubic feet of air that penetrates a square foot of window
surface per minute.
1. Why should I replace my old windows?
< back to list of questions about replacing windows
3245 Miracle Drive
Murrysville, PA 15668
724-387-2991
PA Contractor ID
PA001856
The Learning Center
If you are interested in installing replacement windows in your home, there is good reason to do it now. Replacement windows offer a home
an enhanced interior and curb appeal and an increase in energy efficiency. Replacement windows provide one of the best returns on
investment of any home improvement project and they may never need to be replaced again. One of the major barriers to getting new
windows installed is an upfront cost for materials and labor. The majority of that money will be recouped when the home is sold. According to
the 2009 Survey of Cost versus Value by Remodeling Magazine (remodeling.com), replacement windows generally have between 85 and 90
percent return on investment. This figure is among the highest of remodeling products. This means that even if you move, you will gain value
from your choice to replace your windows.
From an energy saving perspective, traditional windows and doors have been a weak link in home construction, often accounting for 35 to 40
percent of a home’s heat loss in the winter and an even larger fraction of heat gain in the summer. New technology has greatly improved the
energy efficiency of today’s products. Fortunately, “window shopping” has been simplified for consumers by the National Fenestration Rating
Council (NFRC), which has testing and performance standards.
The four key elements of efficient windows are: U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Visible Transmittance, and Air-Infiltration Rate. U-
Factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The lower the number, the more the window will help reduce heating bills.
Windows with a U-Factor under 0.30 are excellent. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is the metric for how well a product blocks heat caused by
sunlight. The lower the number, the more it will help reduce air conditioning bills. Windows with a SHGF under 0.30 are excellent. Visible
Transmittance measures how much light comes through a product. The closer to 1, the more light is transmitted. Air-Infiltration Rate
measures how much air can seep through window cracks and is measured in cubic feet of air that penetrates a square foot of window
surface per minute.
1. Why should I replace my old windows?
< back to list of questions about replacing windows
3245 Miracle Drive
Murrysville, PA 15668
724-387-2991
PA Contractor ID
PA001856
