As a homeowner, you’ve probably heard over and over again that Tustin, CA replacement windows can save you a ton of money on energy costs. If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Windows are basically giant holes in your insulation, and old windows can be especially drafty. These drafts can seriously hike up your energy usage, and therefore your bill, right?   

Yes, replacement windows can help you save money on your energy bill. A 2009 Energy Star study shows tat homeowners can save at least $27 a year on their energy bills if they replace their windows with new, more energy efficient models.  If you have single plan windows and replace them with double pane, Energy Star rated windows you can see between $126 and $465 in savings every year. If you have double paned windows, however, you will only see $111 in energy bill savings.   

There are even more ways replacement windows can save you money. One is Federal tax credits. If you need help paying for your replacement windows, or are looking to save a few bucks, you can apply for a federal tax credit. You must use Energy Star windows in order to qualify, but you don’t even have to replace every window in your home. Homeowners saved 10% of their replacement window cost in 2011, up to $200.   

It’s important to remember, though, that you don’t always have to replace your windows to see improvements in your energy usage and spending. A California Office of Historic Preservation study found that homeowners thought that replacing their windows was their only option, and were pressured to do so. Actually, repairing existing windows can help you save money, too.   

A 2004 study found that new windows can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,000 per window, not including labor costs, while repairing existing windows can cost as low as $50 per window. Depending on the state of your window, repair is a great way to increase energy efficiency and save money all at the same time.   

However, there are some instances in which repair isn’t an option, like moisture leaks or blown glass, and replacement is the safest and most effective way to increase energy efficiency. If you don’t have it in the budget to replace your windows this year, there are some other ways you can make your home more energy efficient, like:  

• Window insulation, like plastic coverings  
• Checking your home for leaks, including in heating and cooling ducts, doors and cracks  
• Upgrading your home’s insulation (also gets you a federal tax credit of up to $500) 

Replacement windows can and will save you money, but you can also try other methods of increasing your home’s energy efficiency to save more money or put off replacing your windows for another year.   

If you want to learn more about the costs of replacement windows in Tustin, CA, or have questions about energy efficiency, Cunningham Doors & Windows can help. Visit us at 1940 E Edinger Ave Santa Ana, CA 92705, or give us a call at (714) 258-2500.