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In this week’s Renewal by Andersen of Long Island replacement window article, we’ll tell you how to save money when you order your new windows, and money every month going forward.
According to Energy.gov, the typical American family spends at least $2,200 annually on home energy bills – that’s the portion of your electricity, gas, fuel, etc. used to run your household. Almost half – roughly $1,049.40 – is spent on heating and cooling the home! On Long Island, consumers are looking for ways to lower those monthly expenses – especially since people living in New York pay the next to the highest home heating oil price compared to all US states (second only to the District of Columbia).
The good news is that you can get the high-quality windows you want and need to control home energy costs associated with heating and cooling your home.
Here are some money-saving tips to guide you on your replacement window journey.
If you want to get the best price on replacement windows, planning is the best way to ensure you succeed. Instead of going into a showroom blind, depending on the salesperson to tell you what you need, do your research first. Learn about how frame materials, glass choices, and design all impact the energy-efficiency and purchase price.
Make a list of features you need. For example, not all glass is created equal. If your heating bills are higher than your cooling bills, your existing glass panes may not be controlling heat transfer effectively. Today, factory applied technology can help you maximize heat gain and reduce the amount of heat that passes through your glass from the inside. For non-biased, evidence based information, sites like Energy.gov and the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) http://www.nfrc.org/ have tons of articles and resources to help you learn more about individual window components.
Making a list of which windows face north, south, east and west will help you make wiser choices about glass options. Detailing how each room is used helps you determine if you need patterned glass to obscure the view, or even impact-resistant glass to bolster security. And finally, think about the people who occupy your rooms most often. Hardware choices can make it easier for an older person with arthritis to open a window, or more difficult. Child guards prevent windows from opening wide enough to allow a toddler to crawl or fall through an open window.
Planning helps you make better decisions. Avoiding impulse add-ons helps you stay on budget, without compromising comfort, security or beauty. For example, there are some replacement window dealers that insist the best path to the lowest possible heating and cooling bills is buying triple-pane windows. But on Long Island, it is difficult to justify the additional costs. Double-pane, insulated glass window units provide ample protection against our normal weather patterns at an affordable price. Being selective means you buy exactly what you need and want, without pressure to invest in add-ons – unless of course those add-ons help you reach your vision for the final upgrade.
A word about upgrades and accessories – most window dealers will quote you a price that includes a selection of hardware, operational levers/handles, and color finishes. We offer a standard insect screen with every window sold, and for those who prefer superior protection against airborne pollen and no-see-ums we offer an upgrade path to TruScene insect screens. Optional accessories may not improve energy-efficiency, but they often enhance security, improve property resale values and make your spaces more beautiful. If you’re up against a hard budget, tell your window consultant. A professional window consultant will work hard to keep you on budget and ensure you design windows that will keep saving you money every month, year after year.
Use these strategies, and don’t be afraid to ask about discounts or special pricing. Ready to find out how Renewal by Andersen of Long Island replacement windows can help you lower heating and cooling costs? Fill in the short form on this page or call (866) 609-5033 to schedule a private consultation today.