Conduct an Energy Audit and Replace Home Windows to Improve Energy Efficiency

Installing energy-efficient home windows is one way of reducing how much energy you spend at home. To get the best results, you should first conduct an energy audit. It will help you determine the extent of home renovation necessary for improved energy efficiency.

The primary purpose of an energy audit is to evaluate a house's energy efficiency and to provide suggestions on how to improve energy use in the home. An audit looks at the efficiency of heating and cooling mechanisms at home and assesses areas where excess energy is being used. Professional energy auditors may use equipment such as blower doors and infrared cameras to record information about how heat is released or kept indoors. For greatest efficiency and accuracy, energy audits should be conducted professionally. However, it is also possible for homeowners to do their own DIY energy audit.

DIY audits rely on manual inspection of areas and appliances around your home that may be a potential source of energy loss. You will have to take a checklist and examine your home's insulation, power outlets, and any installed heating or cooling systems. Because they do not use special equipment, DIY home audits aren't as thorough as professional energy assessments. However, they can still be a useful guide when pinpointing areas for potential savings.

DIY energy audits have often identified home windows as one of greatest contributors to energy inefficiency. This is especially true for older houses and buildings that have not yet been upgraded to modern standards. Single-pane glass, which is often found in old or historic homes, is not specially treated with any kind of insulation. Windows with this type of glass allow heat to enter and escape the home more easily. This leads to greater energy consumption for heating and cooling.

Once the audit has identified the areas where a great deal of energy loss occurs, you can choose to replace old home windows in those rooms with energy efficient ones to improve thermal regulation indoors.

Also called storm windows, energy efficient windows are effective at maintaining internal temperature in homes because they prevent cool air from escaping during winter and prevent harsh sunlight from penetrating through the glass during summer. They are typically made of a specially treated glass, and may come as double-paned windows to provide even better insulation. Genuine quality energy efficient windows should be manufactured and installed according to Energy Star standards.

Some energy efficient windows can be installed from the inside and fitted over existing panes without disrupting the overall appearance of the windows or the house. This is ideal if you do not want to damage antique window fittings or engage in extensive renovations, which require additional building permits and approvals. This type of installation is also recommended if the existing windows are still in good condition, with only minor repairs such as caulking and weather-stripping necessary.

If your existing windows already have large leaks or broken frames, then you should consider completely replacing the windows and window casings as well. Home windows should also be replaced if they pose a safety risk, such as if they are loose or cannot shut properly. While a complete replacement involves a more complex and expensive project, the end result will be much more satisfactory than patching over substandard construction. You may want to make arrangements with a general contractor for installing new windows, as well as if you also need to have work done in other areas of your home.

With the help of a thorough DIY energy audit, you can make sure that your new home windows are truly energy-efficient and save on energy costs.