How Can New Windows Improve Energy Efficiency in a Home?
Rising energy costs have more homeowners thinking about efficiency—and according to Teddy Wettlaufer, Sales Manager at McCoy Roofing, replacing old windows is one of the most effective ways to make an immediate difference.
“The less money you have to spend on energy, the more money you save,” Teddy says. “Having triple-pane windows in your home can cut your energy bills down by 50% by knocking out the sun’s rays and keeping your heating or cooling inside.”
What Role Do Modern Window Materials Play in Saving Energy?
Today’s windows are built with multiple layers of protection that work together to stabilize your home’s temperature. Teddy explains that the more panes of glass a window has, the more “dead air” space exists between them, which increases insulation. Filling those spaces with argon or krypton gas helps block heat transfer through the glass.
He adds that low-E coatings on the glass also reflect solar radiation and block harmful UV rays, reducing heat gain during the summer months.
Can New Windows Make a Noticeable Difference on Monthly Utility Bills?
Teddy says the savings often surprise homeowners once they see the numbers. “If your energy bill is $400 a month and your AC has to kick on six times a day to keep your house at 70 degrees, installing triple-pane energy-efficient windows could cut that in half,” he explains. “Instead of running six times, your AC might only kick on three times a day.”
Those improvements can reduce heating and cooling costs by 40 to 50 percent—savings that grow over time.
How Do Energy-Efficient Doors Complement New Windows?
Teddy likes to use a simple visual. “Picture your house like a boat,” he says. “If there’s a hole, the water will find it somewhere. Your heat and AC work the same way—if your windows are efficient but your doors aren’t, you’ll still lose a significant amount of energy.”
Replacing both windows and doors ensures the entire home is sealed as one system, maximizing comfort and efficiency.
What Certifications or Energy Ratings Should Homeowners Look For?
When comparing products, Teddy recommends checking for ENERGY STAR® ratings. “Anything with a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) or U-Value of 0.17 or better is considered ENERGY STAR’s most efficient,” he says.
In simple terms, that means those windows block about 83% of solar radiation while keeping 83% of your home’s heating or cooling inside—a measurable difference in comfort and cost savings.
The Bottom Line on Energy-Efficient Windows
Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient windows and doors does more than save money—it keeps your home comfortable, quiet, and secure through every season.McCoy Roofing offers free window and door inspections to help homeowners choose products that deliver long-term energy savings. Contact our team today to learn how much efficiency your home could be missing.
Windows have their own telltale signs: “If they’re drafty, cold to the touch in winter, foggy between the panes, or showing dry rot on the frame, those are all red flags. You might also see dust building up inside your windows or notice they’re hard to open or close.”
How Can a Drafty Window or Sticky Door Indicate a Bigger Issue?
“If a door is drafty and letting in air, it’s probably letting in moisture too,” Teddy explains. “That moisture can get into your drywall or framing and lead to much bigger problems.”
Windows behave the same way. “If you feel a draft, that window has expanded and contracted so many times that it’s no longer protecting your home the way it should.”
Are Cosmetic Signs Like Peeling Paint or Condensation Worth Worrying About?
“The answer is sometimes,” Teddy says. “Peeling paint might just mean it’s time to repaint, but it can also mean moisture has gotten underneath the paint—which can lead to rot.”
Condensation deserves attention, too. “Fog between panes isn’t just humidity—it usually means the seal has failed and moisture is trapped inside the glass. At that point, you’ll want an expert to inspect it and make a recommendation.”
What Hidden Problems Often Show Up During a Professional Inspection?
“Most people don’t realize those dark spots on the inside of their wood windows are actually mold,” Teddy says. “And sometimes it’s black mold, which can be extremely dangerous.”
Other hidden issues include moisture that seeps into the wall cavity. “If you see little runners or streaks near the frame, that’s often moisture moving behind the paint. It’s a good idea to have it checked before it spreads.”
How Can Old Hardware or Frames Signal It’s Time to Replace, Not Repair?
“If your window crank is stripped out and living in your kitchen drawer, that’s a sign we’re past the point of repair,” Teddy laughs. “When the wood expands and contracts, the gears can’t catch anymore—and that’s not fixable.”
He adds, “If you start to notice gaps in your windows or one side sits higher than the other, that’s a clear sign it’s time to replace, not repair.”
The Bottom Line on Window and Door Replacement
Windows and doors don’t just protect your home—they define its efficiency and comfort. Small issues like drafts or sticky hardware often point to deeper problems that only get worse with time.McCoy Roofing offers free window and door inspections to help homeowners identify trouble spots early and prevent costly repairs. Schedule yours today and keep your home secure, efficient, and comfortable year-round.