With 263 days of either full or partial sun, San Diego is one of the best places to live for the vitamin D lovers of the world. It only makes sense, then, to let sunlight in your home as much as the sun shines outside. But if your windows are outdated, inefficient, or just not getting the job done, they could be blocking that natural glow or letting money slip through the cracks. It’s time to consider an upgrade.
New windows are a valuable investment in your home. While they require an upfront cost, the long-term benefits are well worth it. As with all home repairs, the money you put in will ultimately return to reap some handsome financial rewards. Read on to learn how window replacement can save you money and put cash back in your pocket in seven different ways.
1. Energy Efficiency
It’s no secret that energy-efficient windows can save you money. The real question is, how much money can new windows save you?
According to Energy Star, replacing old windows can save you between $71 and $501 annually on energy costs. But to be more specific, when replacing single-pane windows, you can save an estimated $126 to $465 a year on your utility bill. If you’re replacing double-pane windows, you can expect to save $27-$197. Over the course of 10 to 20 years—the typical lifespan of energy-efficient windows—those savings can easily add up to thousands of dollars, putting more money back in your pocket.
Most homes have at least 10 windows, which means the energy savings can be substantial when multiplied across your entire house. For a home with 10 single-pane windows, that’s $1,260-$4,650 saved over 10 years.
Many people overlook a hidden benefit: protecting your home’s interior. Energy-efficient windows with ultraviolet light (UV)-blocking coatings reduce the harmful effects of sunlight on your furniture, carpets, and wood floors. Over time, UV rays can cause fading, discoloration, and even warping that can be costly to repair or replace. With the right windows, you’re also preserving the quality and beauty of your home.
HVAC Wear and Tear
Your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is one of the most expensive appliances in your home and arguably your home's biggest ongoing investment. When you install energy-efficient windows, you will have fewer drafts and a more efficient system. New windows reduce unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system, which can save you a substantial amount money. A new HVAC system in a home of 1,000 square feet will cost you between $6,000 and $12,000. So, the longer you can put that off, the better.
Tax Credit
You can also receive a tax credit when you install energy-efficient windows. The government offers a federal tax credit of 30% of the cost of your windows, not including installation, with a maximum credit of $600 annually for windows and skylights. This tax credit, part of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, incentivizes homeowners to choose environmentally friendly upgrades. The tax credit remains available for products purchased and installed between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2032, giving you plenty of time to take advantage of these savings.
2. Home Security
Security is an attractive selling point for buyers and for good reason. In 2023, over 2,800 residential burglaries were reported in San Diego, according to the City of San Diego. Burglars love a home with old windows as locks, frames, and the glass itself may make it easier to access your home and valuables. New windows can discourage would-be burglars from targeting your home.
As you look into your new windows, ask your contractor about the most secure options for your home. In particular, ask about casement windows. Casement windows have a hinge at the side of the frame and hand-operated locks leveraged from inside the home. Burglars have a tough time breaking through these hook-shaped locks and would need to shatter the glass in order to gain access to the home.
Modern replacement windows offer robust frames, upgraded locks, and impact-resistant glass to make it much harder for intruders to gain entry. These upgrades provide peace of mind to families with young or elderly loved ones who may prioritize safety or have extra reasons to be vigilant about home security.
3. Increase Home Value
Because of how much they save on utilities and how they help deter burglars, replacement windows can increase the value of your home in a smart way. New windows have an impressive return on investment.
New windows will make a home feel more modern and functional. Buyers recognize the benefits of upgrades like double-pane glass for noise reduction, tilt-in panes for easy cleaning, and UV-blocking coatings that protect interior paint finishes. These practical features show your potential homebuyer that the home is well-maintained and updated, which can be a factor in their purchase decision. A house with fresh, stylish windows eliminates one more project on its to-do list, making it more appealing in a competitive market.
But the value goes beyond resale. New windows also safeguard your home’s structure. Old, leaky windows can lead to moisture problems that cause rotting walls, dangerous mold, and costly, time-consuming repairs. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient windows is all about protecting two of your largest, most significant investments—your home and your health.
4. Decreased Artificial Light
The San Diego area enjoys some of the best sunlight in the country. New Milgard windows allow the same sun to pour into homes and reduce the need for more artificial light, benefiting your home and health. While convenient, artificial light can contribute to issues like eye strain and disrupted sleep cycles and circadian rhythms. Overexposure to harsh artificial lighting can affect your mood and productivity over time. So, not only does your utility bill go down because of a more efficient thermostat, but it also goes down because you need fewer lamps during the day.
Additionally, for those concerned about the sun’s harmful effects, low-E coating radiates heat and damaging UV rays away from the home. So homeowners can enjoy the sun’s warm rays from the comfort of their homes without worrying about dangerous side effects.
5. Boost Your Mood with Natural Light
More windows means more light, and more light means better moods. Approximately 16 million people suffer from clinical depression in the United States. Of those 16 million, roughly 13 percent take antidepressants. Productivity loss and health care needs due to clinical depression cost the United States approximately $210 billion.
An Australian study measuring brain chemicals discovered people had higher serotonin levels on bright sunny days than on cloudy ones. Serotonin is the “happy chemical” your brain produces naturally that boosts your mood. You may not live in a place where you can just step outside. And if you have windows that leak cold air, you won’t want to be by them.
6. Stay Home More, Spend Less Elsewhere
Approximately 19.5% of Americans work from a remote office, usually from home, according to MIT Sloan. New windows make the home an even more appealing workspace. You will find yourself seeking out the local coffee shop less and basking in the light and beauty created with new windows regularly.
By investing in new or replacement windows, your home will be more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Due to their energy efficiency, you can more easily maintain the temperature and enjoy the ambiance of your personal space.
7. Increased Curb Appeal with New Windows
Not only will your home increase its value with new windows, but it will appear more valuable. New windows have the potential to improve your home’s curb appeal, desirability, and sell ability when the time comes for you to move. When you add shutters, paint around the windows, or add window boxes with charming foliage, you can change the whole look of the front of your house.
Let US Window & Door Help
When you consider investing in new windows, you can easily see how spending some money upfront will mean big returns in the long run. The upfront investment will go a long way toward slashing monthly energy bills, increasing your home's value, and making your living space more secure and comfortable.
At US Window & Door, we've been helping San Diego homeowners with window replacements for over 36 years. As Milgard's #1 Rated Dealer, we specialize in providing high-quality windows designed for Southern California's unique weather conditions, backed by professional installation and a lifetime limited warranty.
Whether replacing outdated windows or upgrading to energy-efficient options, our team is here to make the process easy and worry-free. Contact US Window & Door today for a free estimate and take the next step toward a brighter, better home.
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