The Mercury News

Here are 3 great reasons to replace aging windows

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Windows in a home are easy to take for granted. Unless windows are showing signs of wear and tear or so dirty that it’s hard to see through them, it’s easy for them to go unnoticed. However, replacemen­t windows can add value to a home and even save homeowners a substantia­l amount of money.

Much of the savings that can be attributed to new windows is related to energy efficiency. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy estimates that as much as 30 percent of heating and cooling energy can be lost through heat gain or heat loss, and aging, inefficien­t windows contribute to such losses.

Replacing those windows can save homeowners substantia­l amounts of money, with one expert at Angi estimating that installati­on of energyeffi­cient windows can help trim energy bills by as much as 12 percent.

Cost savings are often noted when firms promote replacemen­t windows, but homeowners should know that replacemen­t windows also provide numerous additional benefits. In fact, the following are three great reasons for homeowners to consider upgrading their windows today.

1. Reduce carbon footprint

The U.S. Environmen­tal Protection Agency reports that replacing single-pane windows with Energy Star-certified windows can help to reduce CO2 emissions by a significan­t margin. The EPA reports that such windows can save the equivalent of as much as 6,200 pounds of CO2 emissions thanks to reduced energy consumptio­n associated with the new windows.

2. Brighten up a home

Natural light brightens a room and can make it appear larger. Homeowners who have grown accustomed to old windows may not realize how little light such windows let into their homes.

Aging windows can become foggy over time and prevent natural light from getting into a home. That can create a gloomy feeling and force homeowners to turn up the thermostat on cold days. New windows brighten the home and the natural light that pours in on a cold day can help heat the home at the same time.

3. Cut down on noise

Window manufactur­ers are always on the lookout for ways to produce windows that make homes more comfortabl­e. Noise reduction is one way to accomplish that goal, and Consumer Reports notes that tripleglaz­ed windows can help to dramatical­ly reduce outside noise.

Homeowners who currently have singlepane windows may be astonished by the difference in outside noise levels when upgrading to triple-glazed windows, which contain a third layer of glass. That third layer of glass significan­tly reduces noise levels, making triple-glazed windows ideal for homes on busy streets or those in urban areas with lots of foot traffic.

Replacemen­t windows pay numerous dividends. Homeowners can reap these rewards and others by replacing aging windows.

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