Style is the first priority that most people have in mind when they choose new windows for their homes. While this is important in decorating your home and maintaining its curb appeal, your choice of windows shouldn’t be limited by aesthetics. If you’re in the market for Houston, TX replacement windows, you should understand that your choice of windows can affect your energy bills as well as your home’s value.

According to the United States Department of Energy, dealing with the heat that comes in or goes out through windows is responsible for 25% to 30% of residential energy use. Your choice of windows is crucial for the regulation of heat in your home, and thereby, the money you spend on your energy bills.

If you’re considering replacing your windows for ones which are more energy efficient, there are some things that you should be on the lookout for. To begin with, the Department of Energy recommends that you see if the windows have an ENERGY STAR label attached to them. Afterward, you should look over ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council, which will assist you in finding the windows which are most appropriate for your situation. These ratings will be listed on any window which has an ENERGY STAR label. With them, you’ll be able to compare and contrast how each type of window regulates energy. The Department of Energy estimates that those who install windows with an ENERGY STAR label can save between $125 and $465 yearly.

Something particularly relevant to those who are looking for energy efficient windows is the solar heat gain coefficient. This rating will let you know how much energy from the sun filters through your windows. The lower the number, the better the windows are in filtering out solar radiation. With the warmer climate in Texas, this indicator will be crucial in determining which windows will best reduce the amount of heat that comes into your home. As a result, they will allow for energy savings on air conditioning.

While saving on your monthly utility bills may be the most obvious incentive to install energy efficient windows, it need not be the only one. Replacing outdated windows can also increase the value of your home by thousands of dollars.

While these are all attractive propositions, you should never select or install new windows without first consulting experienced professionals in the field. Should you have any questions about Houston, TX replacement windows and which ones might be most appropriate for you, don’t hesitate to contact Milestone Windows & Doors.