Energy Efficient Windows Can Help You Sell Your Home

One of the most cost-effective renovation jobs you can perform is window replacement. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine, you’ll realize a nearly 73 percent return on the money you invest in installing vinyl windows. Replacing wood windows returns nearly 79 percent of your investment.

Saving Money is Attractive to Homebuyers

Keep in mind that 15 to 22 percent of heat loss occurs through a home’s windows, so energy-efficient windows are a hot selling point. Saving money, however, is but one benefit of replacing old windows. Others include:

More Sunlight

Low-E windows reduce the amount of solar heat that enters the home while maintaining the amount of light that enters a room.

Condensation

Because the frame, space, and glazing materials resist heat conduction, condensation is reduced.

Protection from Fading

Plastic films and coatings reduce ultraviolet radiation, which causes fading of carpets and upholstery.

Tax Savings

You may qualify for a tax credit of up to $500 for many energy-saving improvements to the home, including these new windows.

Whether or not you’ll enjoy tax savings from installing new windows in your home by the time you read this is up in the air. Congress waits until the last minute to extend or end tax breaks. So far, the energy tax credit has been extended each year. Check with your tax professional to be sure.

When shopping for new energy-efficient windows, you’ll find a variety of types and materials. Frames may be aluminum, wood, vinyl, or wood clad in vinyl or aluminum. Vinyl windows provide a higher level of efficiency than the less-expensive aluminum windows.

The process of choosing new windows may be confusing, but the folks at the Efficient Windows Collaborative have recommendations for both new and existing homes.

Energy efficiency is important to many of today’s homebuyers so make sure that if you’ve made improvements, you let your agent know about them.