Cut costs with energy-efficient windows

Are you obsessive about turning off your lights and shutting the refrigerator door seconds after you've opened it? If so, you might think you're an energy-saving superstar. But if you have older windows, you could be losing money on energy costs.

Windows can be some of the biggest culprits behind energy gains and losses in a home, says Dave Erickson, president of Grayhawk Homes, Inc., a home building company that was named a 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. And these energy fluctuations, Erickson says, can have a direct effect on your utility bills.

If you're thinking of upgrading your windows, consider how energy-efficient windows can help lower your bills, enhance the comfort of your home, and provide several other perks.

How to Tell If Your Windows Are Outdated

There are a few telltale signs that your windows may need to be updated, says Chris Pickering, vice president of marketing at Ply Gem, a company that produces exterior building products, including windows.

If you see condensation between your windowpanes and/or notice sources of air leakage, these are both indicators that your windows may not be performing correctly, Pickering says.

And while it's sometimes obvious when a window has a leakage problem, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) website says you may need to try an air leak test. One way to perform this test is to shut your window on a piece of paper and see if you can pull the paper out without tearing it. (If it doesn't tear, there's probably a leak.)

To get a more comprehensive picture of your home's energy efficiency, the DOE also suggests hiring a qualified technician to carry out an energy assessment and pinpoint the exact areas of air leakage in your home.

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How Energy-Efficient Windows Work

Even if you think your decades-old windows are holding up well, you're likely to find a selection of newer windows that are more energy-efficient than your vintage models. That's because many newer windows are approved by Energy Star.

Energy Star is a program created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help people save money and energy by choosing more energy-efficient products. The approved window models use several technologies, including high-quality framing materials, multiple panes of glass, special coatings that reflect UV light, and gas fillings that enhance insulation ability, according to Energy Star's website.

Windows that are approved by Energy Star must pass testing qualifications and meet the department's strict efficiency guidelines. According to Energy Star's website, the exact qualifications will vary depending on the part of the country you live in, but in general, the ratings take into account the window's ability to:

• Resist water build-up

• Block heat caused by sunlight

• Insulate

• Allow light to pass through

• Restrict air leakage

[Think energy-efficient windows are right for you home? Click to find a contractor in your area.]

How Efficient Windows Can Save Money

The Energy Department reports that windows, amazingly, are responsible for more than $35 billion that homeowners lose in air-conditioning and heating costs each year.

And while replacing all the windows in your home can require you to fork over a good chunk of cash at first -- between $7,500 and $10,000, according to EnergyStar.gov -- the investment can pay off over the long term.

So, how much can you save by replacing your windows with versions approved by Energy Star?

While it depends on what area of the country you're in, the Energy Department notes that a typical homeowner who has 300 total square feet of window space can reap up to $465 in savings each year after replacing single-pane windows with windows approved by Energy Star. Replacing double-pane clear glass windows with Energy Star-approved windows can save a homeowner up to $111 a year.

In addition to these energy savings, some local utility companies also offer rebates if you purchase Energy Star-qualified products. You may also be able to claim a tax credit of up to $200 if the windows are installed in your primary residence before December 31, 2013, according to Energystar.gov.

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Surprising Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

While the biggest benefit of energy-efficient windows comes from the money you'll save on utility costs, the other added benefit involves blocking out the uncomfortable heat that comes along with the summer sunshine.

The direct sunlight that comes through windows can sometimes inflict serious damage to valuables and belongings, causing items like photographs, wood flooring, and drapes to fade and become discolored, according to Energy.gov.

Fortunately, energy-efficient window treatments, as well as the coatings on Energy Star-qualified windows, can each help block these harmful UV rays and help keep your possessions in good condition.

[Ready to invest in energy-efficient windows? Click to find a contractor in your area now.]

What Styles do Energy-Efficient Windows Come in?

If you're worried about finding an energy-efficient window model that fits your home's particular look, Erickson notes that high-efficiency versions of windows are available in most of the common window styles.

In fact, in addition to selecting better performing windows, he recommends all homeowners to choose window models that are architecturally consistent with the look of their home.

As you can see, with their ability to lower utility bills, protect valuables, and even enhance the look of a home, window renovations can prove to be solid investments for savvy homeowners.