Are you considering replacing your windows, but you’re not sure if it will add any value to your home? You may be surprised at how much of an impact window replacements can have on the value of a property. Replacement windows can increase the curb appeal and resale potential for a home. They are also energy efficient, which is good news for both homeowners and the environment!
How Much Value Do Replacement Windows Add to a Home?
Replacement windows are one of the best home improvement projects to increase value. Your exact ROI depends on several factors, such as the type and number of windows you purchase and your housing market, but rest assured that it’s always a wise investment!
Every project is different, but the national average suggests you’ll recoup around 72% of your investment. In Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value report, the average cost of replacing windows in an entire home hovered approximately $17,600, and homeowners reported an average ROI of $12,761.
As you can see from this example, a significant investment like window replacement can significantly impact the value of a home. Let’s take a look at how replacement windows can add value to your home in the following areas:
Replacement windows are more energy-efficient than traditional ones
Energy costs are rising; homeowners are looking for more efficient windows to save money on energy bills. Replacing old single-pane or double-pane vinyl windows with newer, high-performance ones can have a significant impact on your bottom line.
Replacement windows are well-sealed and come with Low-E glass, argon, or krypton gas fillings. Low-e coatings lower the amount of solar energy transferred into your home by blocking out unwanted ultraviolet rays while allowing in infrared heat from sunlight during the winter months.
The proper installation of these replacement windows will also prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home, resulting in a more comfortable indoor climate.
Low-e glass is available on several window types, including vinyl or aluminum storm windows, wood/vinyl combination windows, and fiberglass models. There are also options for double pane replacement windows that come with Low-E coatings as well.
Replacement windows are better insulated than traditional ones.
A significant portion of heat loss in your home occurs through poorly insulated spaces. Suppose you don’t have existing insulation or have deteriorated over time. In that case, a window replacement project may be the perfect opportunity to add more R-value to your walls and reduce drafts on cold days.
R-value measures how well your windows insulate. So the greater this number is, the window will retain heat more efficiently. Most replacement window manufacturers offer R-values between 0.80 and as high as an impressive R-0.90!
Replacement windows are more durable than traditional ones.
Not only do vinyl or aluminum storm windows provide better seal and heat-retaining properties, but they are also more durable than traditional wood windows. This means you’ll have fewer problems with leaks or drafts in the future, as well as less maintenance work to do on your replacement window sills and frames.
And because these modern storm windows come factory primed, they require little or no maintenance after installation. This is a huge benefit to homeowners who don’t have the time or inclination to do this type of work themselves!
Replacement windows are easier to operate than traditional ones.
Many replacement window models come with devices like Self-Cleaning Glass and Energy Efficient Locks that make them easy for anyone in the household to operate. Most replacement windows also come with tilt-in sashes that make it simple to clean the glass from inside your home as well.
These features and benefits can add significant value for homeowners looking to sell their homes soon or simply want a more energy-efficient living space they’re proud of every day.
Replacement Windows Add Curb Appeal
Replacement windows will increase the curb appeal of your home and give it a new, modern look. This is an investment that will not only make your house feel more like yours but also attract potential buyers if you ever decide to sell in the future.
Replacement windows can also compliment the character of your home, be it a Victorian style or modern farmhouse. Replacement window companies often offer custom replacement window options to ensure that you get what is suitable for your house and not just an average-sized window that everyone else has on their house as well.
Replacement Windows Add Architectural Value
Replacement windows can also add architectural value to your home. Many homes, particularly those in urban or even suburban areas, do not have many exterior details that make them unique from the other houses on the block. New replacement windows can give your home a fresh injection of modern design and reflect what is happening inside it as well. With an increase in the popularity of contemporary design, new windows can update your home with a clean and simple look that is taking off now.
Replacement Windows Add Historical Value
One benefit to replacement window installation that homeowners often overlook is the architectural value they bring back to old homes. Many older houses have been updated over time until their original character has been lost. Replacement windows can bring back the look and feel of a home’s original design, whether built-in colonial times or just after World War II.
Modern Windows Reduce Outside Noise
Do you live in an area that can get a little noisy? Have you ever thought about adding replacement windows to your home but wondered if it would be worth the money?
Replacement windows help reduce outside noise, keeping your home more comfortable and quiet inside. This can be very important for homeowners in a noisy area when buying or selling their house because it will attract people looking for that kind of convenience.
Replacement windows also come with different types of glass to help reduce outside noise even further. Double-pane vinyl replacement windows have two separate pieces of glass and a pocket filled with insulation in between. This helps keep the outside noise out so that you can enjoy those backyard barbecues, pajama movie nights, or even just some quiet at home while everyone else is out enjoying their summer activities!
New Windows Give Your House An Extra Layer of Protection
Security is vital in any home. New windows can help provide an extra layer of protection from break-ins, theft, damage caused by weather, and other issues that are often the result of leaving old or broken windows on the house.
Replacement windows are also made with different types of locks to help increase your home’s security. Many replacement window companies offer the option for you to upgrade your standard lock on new windows and, instead, get high-security locks that help keep thieves out while you sleep at night or when you leave for work in the morning.
In case of emergencies, replacement windows are also designed with a handle that is easy to open from the inside. In an emergency, this can be the difference between being trapped or escaping.
Tax credits for energy-efficient window upgrades
Homeowners commonly use tax credits to offset the cost of making home improvements, and installing energy-efficient windows is an excellent example. Using tax credits for window upgrades can reduce your initial investment in purchasing new replacement windows much quicker.
Tax credit requirements are also particular about what types of windows qualify for reducing taxes, and many homeowners are surprised to find out that their original windows do not qualify. Replacing old, single-pane glass with a new energy-efficient double pane or triple pane is the best way to ensure you get your tax credits for window upgrades when filing at the end of each year.
Replacing your windows is an investment in saving money and increasing the value of your home, but it doesn’t always have to be a costly one. You can reduce your initial investment by using tax credits for window upgrades when purchasing new replacement windows much quicker. To get the most out of your investment, consider doing this project a few years before you sell so you can take advantage of the energy savings and tax benefits.
