New Replacement Windows - As a plan to make my home more energy efficient, I replaced the windows in my house with new double pane windows. I thought you might like to know how these windows have changed the energy efficiency of my home.

To calculate the effect that the new windows have had, I looked at the past four years of electric and gas bills, (Dec 2004 - Feb 2009). I chose to compare the months of heaviest use: Dec-Feb (heating) and June-Aug (cooling).

Most of the heating relies on a gas furnace, whereas the cooling depends mainly on the electric central air and heat pump. The first major reduction of energy use occurred by replacing the old furnace and central air/heating system in 2006 with more modern systems. My old system was still heating and cooling the home but due to it being 15 years old, it is recommended by “Energy Star” to have it replaced due to extreme inefficiencies. Energy Star was absolutely correct, this change to a new heating and cooling system yielded about a 45% reduction in energy use during the coldest and hottest.

The second energy reduction came with the window replacement, which occurred early in March 2007. That past summer (2007), our electricity use was reduced by 35% compared to what was used in 2006. The temperature in our house seems more even. The areas around the windows that receive direct sunlight remained cool. This past winter the gas usage was down 32%. The only difference between those two winter seasons was the installation of the windows. The energy bills have been significantly reduced over the past year. Three years ago it was not unusual to have a monthly summer electric bill of over $350. In the same month of 2008 my bill was $128 (even though energy costs were significantly more in 2008 compared to 2005.

Besides the energy savings, the windows have proven to dampen the sound. Our home is located near an interstate in which the sound of traffic (especially at night) could be heard in the house. Now, even at night, the traffic noise is not audible. The effect is most obvious in comparing the level of sound when the windows are open compared to when they are shut. Shutting the widows is like turning off the traffic.

Cleaning my new replacement windows is also a breeze since they all can be tilted to the inside to be wiped down. The mini blinds are also much less dusty since the pollen and outside dirt and dust does not come in through the small gaps of the old windows.

These new double paned windows are proving in many ways to be a very very wise investment.