The Crucial Facts You Need To Know In 2017
If you’re going to invest in new replacement windows or siding in 2017, you DON’T want to miss the opportunity to significantly improve the energy efficiency in your Kansas City home.
Get it right and your energy efficient windows or siding will save you money, month after month and year after year. Get it wrong, and you’ve missed a golden opportunity to slash your energy bills.
Here are the 4 key questions and answers for energy-efficient windows and siding:
Question #1: Should I even be replacing my windows and/or siding? Maybe they are already energy-efficient enough?
Answer: Of course, without knowing the specifics of any situation, it’s impossible to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, this is a fact: over the last decade, there have been many technological innovations and leaps forward. Any window or siding product 10 years old or older can likely be improved upon significantly.
Question #2: How can I know that I’m getting energy-efficient siding or windows? Do I just have to take the salesperson’s word for it?
Answer: There are real facts you can look at to verify what you’re being told. Windows and siding get independent ratings that are reliable guides to energy-efficiency.
For windows look at the U-Factor rating ((Link to Guide to Windows Blog!))– the lower the better. U-Factor is important during cold months for minimizing heat loss out your windows.
Another window rating to pay attention to is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Again, the lower the number, the better. The SHGC is a measure of how much heat windows allow into your home. The lower the SHGC, the better your windows will help you stay cool in hot months.
For siding, the big number to know is R-Value. The higher the R-Value, the more energy-efficient the siding. Keep reading to learn an example for increasing a siding’s R-Value.
Question #3: Is it worth investing more to add extras to windows or siding that increase energy-efficiency?
Answer: This in part depends on your goals, but in general investing more up-front will yield better long-term savings.
For example, with energy-efficient windows, you’ll likely be asked to choose from a variety of available glass packages. Since up to 70% of the energy that escapes from your home goes out your windows, better glass packages are almost always the best long-term investment.
Similarly, for energy-efficient siding, you can invest more for better long-range gains. Let’s say for example that you are getting vinyl siding. Choosing foam-backed siding can add 3 or 4 to the R-Value. That’s a significant boost.
The bottom line is that it’s not a good idea to dismiss a higher up-front investment immediately. Weigh the price of the extras against long-term energy-efficiency gains.
Question #4: How do I get more specific answers about energy-efficiency for MY Kansas City home?
Answer: The best thing you can do is find a consultant that you feel comfortable with – someone that prioritizes educating you on your energy-efficient windows and siding over trying to “hard sell” you.
If you have a bad experience with a Kansas City window or siding company, don’t feel obligated to put up with it. Keep going until you find a salesperson or consultant who gives you straight information without sales pressure.
Getting energy-efficient windows and siding for your Kansas City area home is not only possible; it can also save you a bundle over time.
Johnson County Siding & Window Co. Inc. is dedicated and committed to bringing Kansas City homeowners windows and siding that not only look good, but provide the most value for your home. Give us a call today at (913) 782-2878 or fill out our contact form. We’d be thrilled to speak with you and to schedule a free consultation.
