Did you know that by replacing your windows and adding blown in insulation to your home, not only will you save money, you’re also helping to protect the environment? Here’s a quick reference list of how replacing windows and/or insulation in your home can benefit you along with reducing your carbon footprint.
1.) Lower Energy Costs & ROI on Energy Savings
Properly installed windows and insulation provide a return on investment in as little as 6 months to 2 years. Reduced energy costs can add up fairly quickly and not only make your home more energy efficient, but can extend the life and efficiency of your HVAC unit. Unlike standard rolled batt insulation, blown fiberglass insulation is smaller and fits into small cracks or crevices throughout your attic where air typically leaks through. Less leaks means more money in your pocket.
2.) Going Green – Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Insulation and new windows result in lower energy usage and consumption. Reduced energy usage means that less fossil fuel is burned to produce that energy. This, as a result, decreases the amount of polluting gases such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. If reducing your very own carbon footprint is important to you, replacing your windows and/or insulation is an excellent first step in your contribution towards reducing your impact on global warming.
3.) Protecting Your Investment
Without proper insulation and vapor barriers in place, you run the risk of condensation wreaking havoc on your home. By controlling the condensation in your home you are helping to mitigate potential mold growth, corrosion of pipes, valves and fittings caused by water collected and contained within an insulation system. Mold and corrosion can result in expensive repairs to your home and it’s equipment overtime. Mold can be detrimental to your home’s condition and can prove to be a hazard to your health as well.
4.) Safer Home
Replacing your windows can block out up to 84% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and increase personal comfort in your home. There are even new options available like tempered glass that is less likely to cause injury if accidentally broken, where the glass breaks into granular chunks instead of splintering into jagged shards. Laminated glass has a polymer interlayer that holds the glass together if shattered. Thus adding protection from potential intruders.
For blown insulation, making the switch can significantly improve indoor allergies as the product doesn’t contain any chemicals or additives that can irritate a person’s allergies. It creates a barrier that can prevent pollutants, pollen and airborne toxins from entering your home due to air leaks as well. Overall, blown insulation improves the overall air quality in your home.
5.) Noise Reduction
Proper insulation and newer windows can significantly reduce noise pollution in your home. Without these in place you are likely to hear vehicles driving past, lawn mowers running at the crack of dawn, and the neighbors partying into the late hours of the night. If you’re easily inconvenienced by any of these mentioned scenarios, windows and insulation should be added to the top of your home priority list.
6.) Curb Appeal & Home Value
Did you know that new windows can improve your curb appeal, especially to potential home buyers? Newer windows shows you’ve made energy efficient and substantial cosmetic updates to your home. According to the National Association of Realtors, window replacement projects can return homeowners more than 78% of the project costs upon resale. When buying new windows for your home you’ll want to keep in mind aesthetics, function, and protections from hot and cold weather. Rated energy efficient windows will help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Speaking of the winter, even though the temperatures have dropped, it doesn’t mean your window replacement project has to as well. You can absolutely replace your windows in the winter, so don’t let Jack Frost stop you from making the improvement.
Photo Credit: Home Light, U.S.EPA , aapa.ca, Apartments.com, & Pella
