Is It Worth Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Illinois?

Energy-efficient windows are gaining popularity every year due to rising energy prices. But that’s not all – these products can increase the comfort of your home. In Illinois, where you will encounter both very high and very low temperatures throughout the year, these windows can make a really big difference in your life. In this article, we’ll look at whether it’s worth installing energy-efficient windows, and if so, how much it pays off.

What Are The Characteristics Of Energy-Efficient Windows?

As the name suggests, energy-efficient windows are designed to reduce the transfer of thermal energy. Importantly, it’s not always about retaining heat inside the house – it’s a functionality we expect in winter, but on the other hand, good insulation performance helps maintain a comfortable temperature in summer. Typically, energy-efficient windows consist of 3 panes of glass, are covered with additional coatings, and their frames are made of wood with better insulation parameters.

Key Features:

• Low-E Coatings: Reflect heat while allowing light to pass through;
• Gas Fills: Argon or krypton gas between panes improves insulation;
• Multiple Panes: Double or triple-pane windows provide better insulation than single-pane.

Pros of Energy-Efficient Windows

Reduced Energy Bills

This is actually the most important feature of these windows – lower heating and cooling bills result from less heat loss. All in all, you are able to save up to several thousand dollars a year by replacing your windows, and if you combine this with the installation of new home insulation and new siding, your costs will drop even further.

Improved Comfort

Large changes in temperature and humidity can have a very negative impact on your health, as they lower the body’s immunity. It is for this reason that we catch cold most often in autumn. What’s more, insulating windows prevent temperature drops at the window sills, which is simply unpleasant. This feature of energy-efficient windows is especially important in climates typical of Illinois or Canada.

Environmental Impact

By reducing energy consumption, these windows contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This makes them an environmentally friendly choice, helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

Are Energy-Efficient Windows Expensive?

Upfront Costs

You have to remember that although energy-efficient windows are produced by many different companies in different market segments, their average price is higher. While all Pella windows offer very good insulation performance, more expensive does not always mean better. However, you can assume that by paying enough for your windows, this expense will translate into lower operating costs for your home. What amounts are we talking about? On average, energy-efficient windows cost about $800 apiece, while with installation, it will be more than $900, and often as much as $1000.

Long-Term Savings

On average, homeowners in Illinois are able to save 25% to 30% on heating and cooling costs with these windows. Over time, these savings can accumulate, making the investment worthwile. Keep in mind, however, that the savings won’t be as spectacular if you have access to cheap electricity or your roof is in very poor condition – heat will simply escape upward instead of sideways.

Are Energy-Efficient Windows Good For the Illinois Climate?

Generally speaking, it’s hard to imagine a climate where windows with good insulation performance wouldn’t be a good option, although a great deal depends on energy prices. In the case of Illinois, where the average price per KWH is nearly 19 cents, it makes sense to try to keep heat loss as low as possible.

The big savings come from the variation in climate – in winter, temperatures often drop below 0 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit), while inside homes we try to keep around 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). These are big differences, so the insulation layer must also be efficient enough for the heating system to be able to provide you with a comfortable living environment with reasonable heat input.

On the other hand, in summer, temperatures can exceed 30 or even 33 degrees Celsius (86-91 Fahrenheit), while in the interior we further expect no more than 72 Fahrenheit. Efficient windows protect the interior from heating up, while not taking away access to light, as is the case when using blinds or curtains.

Heating Costs in Illinois

The cost of heating a home in Illinois varies significantly based on the type of heating system and the home’s insulation quality. For a 2,000 sqft home with poor insulation, annual heating costs can be approximately:

• Natural Gas: $2,020
• Heat Pump: $4,150
• Electric Furnace: $6,500
• Propane Furnace: $3,620

For a home with average insulation:

• Natural Gas: $1,700
• Heat Pump: $3,500
• Electric Furnace: $5,450
• Propane Furnace: $3,030

For a well-insulated home:

• Natural Gas: $1,300
• Heat Pump: $2,810
• Electric Furnace: $4,325
• Propane Furnace: $2,410

These calculations assume natural gas costs $1.06 per therm, propane costs $1.72 per gallon, and electricity costs 19 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Installation and Maintenance Of Energy-Efficient Windows

It is worth remembering that although self-assembly of windows is possible, in the case of energy-efficient ones it is worth investing in the services of a specialist. This is due to a very simple fact – the risk of error is quite high, and any leakage in the connections will result in a drastic deterioration of the insulation parameters.

When it comes to using energy-efficient windows, specialized knowledge will not be needed. If they are installed correctly, they will serve you for many years without any defects. The only thing to remember is to use detergents that will not damage the silicone or seals, but this applies to both energy-efficient and normal windows.

Energy-Efficient Windows in Home Remodeling and New Construction

These windows are an excellent choice for both home remodeling projects and new construction. They offer long-term energy savings and enhance the overall value of the property.

During home remodeling, replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. It’s an opportunity to upgrade your home’s aesthetics while reducing energy costs. However, it is worth remembering that this should not be the only treatment aimed at improving insulation performance – you also need to take care of replacing the siding or mineral wool in the attic.

In new construction, incorporating these windows from the start can set the foundation for a highly energy-efficient home. This can lead to substantial savings on heating and cooling costs over the life of the home. However, this is today’s standard – more than 80% of homes built after 2000 in the US are equipped with such windows.

How Long Does It Take for Energy-Efficient Windows to Pay for Themselves?

The rate of return on investment in energy-efficient windows will depend on several factors, such as initial cost, energy prices, and the current degree of insulation of your home. However, if we take into account the standard energy prices in Illinois, the average insulation performance of the roof and the gradual but slow increase in electricity and gas prices, we can assume that your investment will pay off within 10-15 years, with the value of your home increasing from the first day after installation. Typically, such a decision will make economic sense after just 2-3 years of operation!

Conclusion

Installing energy-efficient windows in Illinois is a worthwhile investment for many homeowners. The combination of reduced energy bills, improved comfort, and environmental benefits makes these windows an attractive option. While the initial cost may be higher, the long-term savings and available incentives can make the investment financially sound. By choosing these windows, Illinois homeowners can enhance their home’s comfort and value while contributing to a more sustainable future.