Did you know that the majority of cool air in your home escapes through older windows in a house? The direct impact this has on keeping your house cool during summertime is that your AC units will have to work harder to keep the house maintained at a cooler temperature. This increases the energy output significantly and will lead to more expensive monthly energy bills. And when you live in a hot weather city like Phoenix, the last thing you need to worry about is keeping your home cool and paying more money for that comfort.
One way that Phoenix residents can save money each month on energy bills during the summer is to make sure that the windows in your home are at least sealed properly in an effort to keep that cool air inside your home. You can also look into replacing the windows in your Phoenix home in an effort to reduce energy consumption. But simply replacing windows in your home alone will not maximize your savings on energy bills.
Important Steps for Selecting the Right Windows & Installing Them to Maximize Your Summer Savings
Step 1 – Choose the Right Energy Star® Rated Windows
The first step in making the choice to install new windows is to pick a window that will be functional and affordable at the same time. And when it comes to keeping the house cool for summer, this means buying and installing only Energy Star® rated products. Energy Star® rating is overseen by the US Federal Government Department of Energy and ensures that a product meets or exceeds stringent testing and produces results which are designed to reduce energy consumption. In regards to Energy Star® rated windows, this means that the windows are constructed to keep air from entering or escaping the house which reduces the energy production of HVAC units (heaters and AC units) during the year. Anytime you are shopping for new windows, make sure they are Energy Star® rated first and foremost. Learn more about what qualifies as an Energy Star® window.
Step 2 – Have a Professional Window Installer Inspect Your Home & Measure Properly
The next step for making sure your windows are as energy efficient as possible is to ensure a professional window installation company visits your home to measure properly. Although most windows are a generic size, buying a window that is not perfectly sized for your window pane will lead to potential leaks and not produce the energy savings you are trying to achieve. This is why it is recommended to have a professional visit your home and measure each window you plan to replace. While they are measuring, ask them about the best ways to seal your windows, so you can provide extra protection against heat or cold escaping or entering the home.
Step 3 – Have the Professional Install the Energy Star® Rated Windows
The final step in choosing to replace your windows comes with the installation. And although many people might want to undertake this project themselves, most often this leads to minor mistakes which can lead to small leaks that grow into larger problems. This is why it is recommended to have a professional window installation expert install the new windows, window seals and other support items to ensure your windows are as energy efficient as possible.
When you stick to following these three basic tips for buying new windows in hot weather areas like Phoenix, you’ll be able to keep your house cool in the summer months in a more energy efficient way that will have your saving money every month on your energy bills.
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