energy efficient windows cost

If you're building a new home or if you are doing a major remodel, energy-efficient windows will be a very good investment. They are costly than low-quality windows but they deserve their prices. Anyway, replacing your old windows may not be economically attractive or advantageous...

When to invest in new energy efficient windows

Invest on high quality windows if you are building a new home, or re-siding, or doing a big remodeling...

The initial cost of energy efficient windows is higher than that of low quality units. Special glasses can add around $1 per each square foot of glazing, and other energy features like argon gas filling, warm edge spacers or insulated frames, will add some more hundred dollars to your investment, but you will recover the extra cost in a few years time. And you will be rewarded by comfort and lower heating and cooling bills.

When not to invest in new energy efficient windows

Similarly, if your windows are old and inefficient and if their replacement is just a question of time, replacing them now can be worthy...

However... if your windows aren't too inefficient and too old, if their replacement isn't urgent, do some simple math involving the cost of the new windows and their payback period before advancing...

The cost/benefit relation is often unfavorable for replacement windows, and it may be better to perform other more cost-effective energy improvements before replacing your (not so bad) existing windows...

New Energy-Efficient windows cost

The cost of a complete window replacement can amount to $7,500-$10,000 to an average home, according to organizations like Energy Star.

This price includes not only the cost of top energy-efficient windows and materials, but also the installation (you should ask the contractor to break down the price quote by materials and installation costs).

Obviously, low-efficient and non-qualified windows, will be cheaper. But the difference of cost - say $1,000 to $3,000 for the whole set of windows - doesn't justify the option for low-quality windows. The extra-cost demanded by new energy efficient windows will be recovered in some few years in improved comfort and energy savings.

The savings provided by qualified windows vary with the climate, and the type and size of house, but they amount at least to $200 or so per year in mild climates, and several times more in harsher ones...

Alternatives to window replacement

in existing homes, if you are in a tight budget, instead of replacing your windows you may prefer to make window improvements like weatherstripping and caulking, or consider storm windows to improve the energy efficient of older units, or consider the use of window films, blinds, awnings, shades in hot climates, or make other home improvement investments like wall and attic insulation...