Buying energy-efficient windows is one of the best decisions you can make to improve your house in the Beehive State. Unlike any other home improvement, window installation in Utah can be considered as an interior and exterior renovation, enhancing the look and functionality of your property inside and out.
The most obvious benefit of this project is increased energy efficiency, reducing your HVAC costs noticeably all year long. A window replacement also contributes to noise reduction and daylighting, which are key ingredients to healthy living. ENERGY STAR–certified windows delivers excellent UV protection too, minimize the negative impact of sunlight to your loved ones and valuables.
However, an energy-efficient window upgrade is not all roses. You can’t think about this project’s indisputable advantages while overlooking its drawbacks. Below are the downsides of window replacement and ways to mitigate them.
Cost
Compared to low-efficiency windows, high-performance ones are more costly. Fortunately, energy-efficient fenestration products are not necessarily prohibitive if you have a small budget.
As you compare windows online, narrow down your options based on specific features. According to ENERGY STAR, the elements of an energy-efficient window system includes a durable, low-maintenance frame, multiple panes, an insulating gas, low-emissivity glass, and a warm-edge spacer. Before you focus on the price, cross out the products that do not tick all of the boxes.
If you still can’t find windows you can afford, seek financing. Over the long term, it is better to take out a loan to buy a set of units that will perform at a high level and last rather than settling with cheap alternatives you might have to replace soon.
Excessive Humidity
Thanks to their weathertight construction, made-to-order energy-efficient windows eliminate draftiness. This characteristic is not without a disadvantage, though. Airtight windows do not allow moisture to escape to the outside, which can lead to excessive humidity. Too much moisture-ridden air inside the house can result in bacterial and mold growth, condensation, and discomfort.
To combat humidity problems, put a premium on natural and mechanical ventilation. Strongly consider buying a dehumidifier to maintain a healthy supply of dry air indoors. If you do not want to buy a dehumidifier, you can neutralize extreme moisture by running your AC and a fan at the same time without lowering your thermostat.
Historical Inaccuracy
When upgrading your windows, you generally can’t replace in kind. If your house has great historical value, you might not be allowed to return your old units to preserve their signature features. If your windows are less than 30 years old, though, you do not have to settle with restoration if you deem replacement more appropriate.
Melted Vinyl Siding
Some experts say that energy-efficient windows have a reputation for melting vinyl siding. The sunlight reflecting off a piece of glass can toast low-quality vinyl panels, which begin to soften at 160°Fyou’re your next-door neighbor uses such siding, your new windows can inadvertently damage it.
On the bright side, little evidence supports that low-e glass exclusive causes this issue. Vinyl siding can melt even if the glass is clear. This problem is less likely to happen if the object is far enough from the source of reflection.
These downsides should not discourage you from tackling a window replacement. Instead, they should make you a wiser homeowner who can avoid making regretful decisions.
