Updating your home with energy-efficient windows

Windows are an essential feature in every home. When open, they let in fresh air. When closed, they should provide enough thermal protection to block outside air from seeping inside. They should also prevent paid-for heated or cooled air from escaping.

Energy-efficient windows boast a strong barrier between outside and inside air to help maintain your home's temperature while using less energy. If your home's windows aren't energy-efficient, your HVAC systems may run longer, increasing energy costs.

The following article explains what to look for if you're in the market for new energy-efficient windows and provides tips on how to make your home's existing windows more energy-efficient.

Buying energy-efficient windows

If you're considering replacing your home's windows with energy-efficient windows, consulting a professional may be necessary. However, knowing what to look for before consulting a specialist may be helpful.

The following are common energy-efficient window details to consider as you shop:

• U-Factor: Varying from 0.20 - 1.20, this rating system measures how well the window insulates your home. The lower a window's U-factor (Opens in a new tab), the more insulation it provides.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Ranging from 0 - 1, the SHGC (Opens in a new tab) measures how much of the sun's heat can penetrate a window. The lower the value, the better protection it provides.
• Pane quantity: Adding more glass panes to your window creates a thicker barrier, providing more insulation.
• Inert gases: Filling the space between two or more panes of glass with an inert gas, such as argon, may improve insulation.
• Low emissivity (low-E): Windows coated with low-E materials contribute to improved insulation and heat protection.
• Window frame materials: Because the window frame supports the windowpane, both should be airtight without gaps or cracks.
• Spacers: Used to separate each pane of glass, they also help insulate your window and protect your home from drafts.

Energy-efficient upgrades for older windows

Updating your existing windows may provide more insulation for your home. Consider making the following adjustments to improve older windows' energy efficiency:

• Blackout curtains: Look for thick curtains with thermal insulation rated for summer and winter. You can also buy thermal curtain liners for additional insulation.
• Insulating film: Made in a variety of materials, insulating film is typically easy to install and can help improve your windows' thermal properties.
• Low-E film: Available in various shades, some varieties are capable of blocking up to 99% of UV rays to help prevent solar heat from passing your windows' surface.
• Storm windows: Mounted on the outside of your home's windows, these provide an additional layer of coverage and thermal protection.
• Caulking: Remove old caulking from each window's interior and exterior before adding a fresh layer to help prevent air from passing through cracks and gaps.
• Weather stripping: Instead of caulking, you may install weather stripping to windows to help prevent air exchange between unsealed window edges.

Protect your home with insurance

Updating your windows may increase your home's value, giving you more to protect. Contact your American Family Insurance agent for a policy review today. They can help you determine if your existing policy provides the right coverages and limitations for the best protection. They may also be able to help you find qualifying discounts and bundle savings.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites that may be linked in this article.

*Customers who bundle home and auto insurance policies may save up to 23% on both policies together (as of December 2023). Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the home and/or auto policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on a home or auto policy.