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So you’ve been hearing a lot about how new windows can save you money on your energy bills, and how it’s a great investment. You’re starting to wonder if this is a good plan for you, your home, and your budget. Depending on the state of the windows throughout your home, window film may be the more efficient and practical way to save money on your energy bills. We want to help you through your decision making process and ensure that you make the right choice.

The Cost Savings of Window Film

If you’re wondering what you can do to save money on your energy bills, you probably have a budget in mind for your investment. You want to get the most in return for what you pay to update the windows in your home, and while there are benefits to both of these options, there is a clear cut winner in terms of cost.

Replacement windows are going to cost you more money up front. This makes sense in most cases, because it means replacing your entire window frame system, a longer and more labor intensive installation, and because you will be purchasing more actual materials to go into your home. However, this process means all new units that will most likely look and function better than your old windows.

Of course, new windows can save you anywhere from 10- 25 percent on your energy bills thereafter, but it takes much longer for this investment to pay for itself. The average cost of replacement windows is around $10,000. This means that it could take you over twenty years to get the return on your investment, and while it does increase the value of your home, it only increases the sale value of your home if you sell within one or two years of the window replacement.

Window film is the considerably cheaper option. The average window film project in Denver costs just over $1000, and can give you a much faster return on your investment. Depending on a few other factors with the area you live in and your actual windows, you can count on window film paying for itself in two to five years, around one fourth of the time it take for new windows to do the same.

While both replacement windows and window film will help reduce your energy spending, window film has actually been shown to be more effective in this area. Because window film is like adding another layer of insulation to your existing windows, it can actually block more UV rays, and insulates more effectively, according to a study conducted by ConSol Energy Solutions in California earlier this year.

To Replace or Not to Replace

What your decision will likely come down to is the state of your current windows. In many cases, your windows may need replacement for reasons other than saving you money. For those particular situations, replacement is worth the price.

If you live an older home that still has its’ original windows intact, full replacement might be in order. Windows built in the 70s and 80s simply did not incorporate the same technology we use today, and the deterioration over time may be wearing on the overall look and feel of your home. On another note, if the glass framing around your home has been recently damaged by weather or anything else, replacement may be your best option.

On the other hand, if your windows are in fairly good shape, or relatively new, investing in window film would be the cheaper, more effective choice for your home. You can choose from many different shades and types, and this investment is a sure-fire way to lower your energy usage at home. Whichever route you choose, Scottish Home Improvements can help you come to a decision. Fee free to contact us today.