CUSTOMER REVIEWS
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows are responsible for as much as 30% of a home’s heat loss and gain. Energy-efficient windows can improve your home’s comfort and lower your utility bills. New windows are an effective way to combat the extreme heat waves that can come with Massachusetts summers. Learn more and get started with your upgrade as early as possible this season.
The Massachusetts Summer Challenge
Massachusetts has a humid, continental climate that brings warm summers and plenty of rain. While many homeowners think of the state’s frigid winters when they’re considering home comfort costs, summer cooling is just as important. Inland areas like Springfield, MA, tend to be warmer than coastal locations.
While average highs peak around 84 degrees in Springfield and 82 degrees in Boston, periodic heat waves kick summer temperatures up a notch, sometimes for weeks at a time. These heat waves can come surprisingly early, sometimes hitting as early as May. Temperatures have soared into the upper 90s in Western Massachusetts. Heat at this level can present a serious health risk for families who don’t have adequate cooling.
What Makes Windows Energy Efficient?
Energy-efficient windows reduce the movement of heat between the inside and outside. These energy-efficient windows use things like special coatings and fills between the panes of glass. Energy-efficient elements like these help to keep your home cool in intense summer heat.
Low-E Coatings
Low-e coatings are typically made of metal or metallic oxide, and are thin enough to be invisible. The coating minimizes solar heat gain, so heat doesn’t transfer through the window as effectively. A low-e coating will typically reduce your energy costs by 30-50%.
Multi-Pane Construction
Additional window panes provide greater insulation from the heat. Single-pane windows are rare nowadays. Double- and triple-pane windows are more energy efficient. You can evaluate the efficiency of your windows by checking the R-value, which tells you how well a product insulates your home. A double-pane window typically has an R-value around 3.8, while a triple-pane window gets a rating around 5. A triple-pane window is up to 50% more efficient than a double-glazed window.
Gas Fills
Double- or triple-pane window construction leave a gap between layers. Gas fills are inert gases pumped into this space. These gases are heavier than ordinary air, so they don’t transfer heat through the window as quickly. The thermal conductivity of argon is 33% lower than that of plain air, while that of krypton is 60% lower. Krypton is more efficient per dollar, but it’s a more expensive choice upfront.
Signs Your Windows Are Costing You Money
Your windows will give you important clues about their efficiency if you look closely. Aging windows may have warped frames, shrunken weatherstripping, and moisture between panes. If they stick or rattle when you open and close them, the panes are no longer sitting securely in the frame.
Place your hand near the window to feel for uneven temperatures. If you feel hot spots on the glass, heat is transferring more than it should.
Drafts around the window are a sure sign that heat is sneaking in during the summer. You can check for drafts with a candle. Place it next to the window with no fans or AC running and watch the flame. If it flickers, there’s an air leak.
Energy Savings and Cost Benefits
Energy-efficient windows can lower cooling costs significantly. When you’re considering your budget for new windows, you should also consider the savings you’ll enjoy once they’re installed. ENERGY STAR-qualified windows check many of the most important boxes for efficiency. These windows include:
- Double- or triple-panes
- Gas fills
- Low-e coatings
- Well-insulated frame materials
- Spacers between the panes
Upgrading to ENERGY STAR-qualified windows can reduce your energy costs by 7-15% compared to standard windows. In Massachusetts, homeowners lower their energy bills by an average of 12% when replacing a single-pane clear window, and 6% when replacing a double-pane clear window.
Added Window Features for Massachusetts Homes
Modern windows with thoughtful elements and additions improve comfort and efficiency. Exterior attachments, like window awnings, can reduce solar heat gain by as much as 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows. In the Massachusetts climate, retractable awnings are best. This way, you can let the winter sun in for added warmth, while blocking it out during seasonal heat waves.
Shutters provide both efficiency upgrades and storm protection. Between 1980 and 2024, Massachusetts suffered 15 severe storms and 9 tropical cyclones that caused at least a billion dollars in damage. Durable shutters also help protect your new windows from extreme weather. You can also close shutters during days of extreme heat to fully block out the sun. Consider implementing these home upgrades with your next new siding installation.
Cost Cutting: Making New Windows Affordable
If you are concerned about the cost of new energy-efficient windows, Mass Save programs can help. Mass Save offers a $75 rebate per window when you upgrade from a single-pane window to ENERGY STAR-certified “Most Efficient” windows.
The Mass Saves HEAT loan offers financing for certain ENERGY STAR-certified window installations. To use this loan, customers must schedule a Home Energy Assessment and complete the weatherization recommendations along with their window installation. You must work with a participating contractor to get this deal. Mass Save HEAT loans can help you finance up to $25,000 in applicable improvements.
Making the Smart Investment in Comfort and Efficiency
New energy-efficient windows should be a top priority if your home still features single-pane installations or you have aging windows with drafts and condensation compromising your comfort. Contact DelPrete for window replacement options that improve comfort and efficiency.