Winter is often thought of as a time to huddle indoors, stay warm, and wait for spring to arrive. However, there are actually many advantages to buying new windows during the winter months. In fact, winter may just be the best time to purchase new windows for your home in Florida.
First, winter is typically a slower season for home improvement projects. In addition, and probably more important, installing replacement windows during the winter can help improve the energy efficiency of your home. Older windows can be a major source of heat loss in any home. By upgrading to newer, more energy-efficient windows, you can help to keep the heat inside your home, lowering your heating costs. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy-efficient windows can save homeowners an average of $126 to $465 per year on their energy bills.
Energy efficiency is also not the only benefit of replacement windows. Winter weather here in Jacksonville, like most cities in Florida, may include strong winds, freezing overnight temperature drops, and severe storms. These conditions can take a toll on older windows, causing them to become drafty and prone to leaks. New windows are designed to be durable and weather-resistant. This means that they will be better able to withstand the winter elements, helping to keep your home warm and dry. And trust us, you’ll really notice the energy savings when the summer rolls around and you have your AC on 24/7!
Features to look for with energy-efficient windows:
- Double-paned windows
- Quality constructed, custom-fitted window frames
- Low emissivity (Low-E, Low E-2) glass coatings
- Gas-filled windows (usually Argon gas)
- Warm-edge spacers between the window frame and pane
- High Quality Weatherstripping, including dual-weatherstripping
- Proper window installation by certified window installers
Continuing on, another advantage of buying new windows in the winter is that you may be able to take advantage of any tax credits or incentives. Many states and localities offer incentives for homeowners who upgrade to energy-efficient windows. These incentives can include tax credits, rebates and other financial incentives that can help to significantly offset the cost of your replacement windows. To discover what kinds of energy-efficiency incentives may be available for your area of Jacksonville, Florida, visit Energy Star, your local utility, or a website like Eco-watch.
In conclusion, winter may indeed be the best time to buy new windows for your home. By upgrading your old windows this winter to new energy-efficient options—and also potentially earning tax credits for next year—you can improve the overall comfort, energy efficiency, and value of your home. So, don’t let cooler weather deter you from making this important home improvement decision – consider buying replacement windows this winter.
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