Why Fall Is the Best time to Upgrade Your Windows

Fall is upon us in South Texas, which means cooler temperatures in the Rio Grande Valley will soon arrive and heating systems will fire up for the first time in months. With the impacts of climate change across our country, and extreme weather occurrences such as the freeze we experienced in 2021, the average U.S. household could pay up to 17% more during a Texas winder on heating over [previous] winters, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. When you add in inflation of goods and services and holiday season expenditures during the time of year, everything can cost you way more than you bargained for. Considering these factors, fall may be the best time of year to make those home improvements in Texas.

In this article, we will discuss the following three topics:

1. How energy-efficient windows can save you money during the fall
2. How energy-efficient windows can keep your home warm all fall season
3. Why fall is a good time of the year for exterior home upgrades

How Energy-Efficient Windows Can Save You Money During Fall

Before we jump into how much money energy-efficient windows can save you in the cooler months, let's chat about what makes a window energy-efficient.

How Energy-Efficient Windows Work

1. Frames: If you have older windows in your McAllen home, those windows are most likely made with aluminum frames. With aluminum frames, hot and cold air alike can easily pass through them, providing less seal protection. However, our Window World windows are created with vinyl frames, which is a material that is a poor conductor of heat, thus creating better insulation. Vinyl materials are also more cost-effective – therefore transferring those cost-savings to you, the customer.
2. Number of Panes: Most older windows have a single pane of glass that does less for insulating your home from external temperatures. We offer double and even triple-paned energy-efficient windows that are top-of-the-line.
3. Fancy Glass: In between the panes of glass, there is a gas like argon or krypton embedded that is denser than air and ultimately reduces the amount of air that is transferred into and out of your home. Think of the insulated glass as sunscreen for your home.
4. Window Installation: Believe it or not, how your windows are installed makes a huge difference in its ability to save you on energy costs. Factors such as removing old debris from the previous windows, how the new window is sized and fit, and caulking make all the difference. Luckily, our Window World Rio Grande Valley installers are the best window replacement professionals in the RGV.

Alright, let's talk dinero! Did you know that heat loss through windows during the cooler months is responsible for an estimated 25% - 30% of residential heating energy use? That's a lot of money being wasted in heating your home that will literally slip through your old windows.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it's estimated that you'll save between $126 to $465 a year by replacing single-paned windows in your home with energy-efficient ones. Of if you prefer percentages to gauge savings, according to ENERGY STAR “replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR certified windows lowers household energy bills by an average of up to 13% nationwide.”

*PRO TIP: We recommend getting a home energy audit during the fall season to help you determine how efficient your home's energy use is currently. This audit will reveal areas that need fixing and how to prioritize those improvements. This can be done by a professional service or done DIY-style.

How Energy-Efficient Windows Keep Your Home Warm During Fall

During the fall season, we like to spend more time at home with family and friends with things like enjoying a movie night or hosting our annual tamalada. With more time indoors, we should consider prioritizing the comfort of our homes. That's when energy-efficient windows come into play.

Energy-efficient windows can easily be identified by the ENERGY STAR label, which identifies that product as one that helps reduce energy consumption. Take for example, our popular Double-Hung Windows; these windows carry the ENERGY STAR certification because of key features such as our advanced sealing technology. Our Window World Rio Grande Valley sealing technology helps reduce the amount of air that leaks in or out of your home.

According to Energy.gov air leakage “occurs when outside air enters and conditioned air leaves your house uncontrollably through cracks and openings.” By lowering this air leakage factor, you can keep the warm air inside your home during the fall and winter seasons and reduce the need for your heater to work on overdrive. If you want to learn more about how to detect air leakage in your home, take a look at this quick guide.

Why Fall is a Good Time of the Year for Exterior Home Upgrades

1. Climate for Install: Fall provides the ideal weather for window installation in Texas, striking a balance between the extreme heat of summer and the chill of winter. This moderate climate is crucial for setting materials like caulk, which require a temperature between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to properly seal and dry. The mild weather also ensures that your home stays comfortable, even when it's briefly exposure to the outdoors when the windows are being removed and replaced.
2. Planning Around Vacation: If you have a family, fall is a great time to plan around because the kids are back in school. This allows for more free time to focus on projects, and you don't have to work around summer travel/vacations.
3. Prep for the Holiday Season: Get your home renovation projects in order right before the holidays so you can host with ease.

Conclusion

Exterior home upgrades will save you on heating your home in the fall, from ensuring your heater is running constantly, to preventing hot air from escaping through old window seals, energy-efficient windows from Window World is your solution. Fall is a great time to invest in the longevity of your home comfort because of the climate and it's a slower time of the year.

Fill out an inquiry form today to learn more about our window products!