Should you replace your windows to save on energy costs?

Windows serve many functions in your home. Not only do they provide a view, but they also play an important role in how your home is insulated and lit. 

As the weather gets colder, Milwaukee home owners can take full advantage of window treatments to keep heat in and minimize energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows are responsible for 25 percent of annual heating and cooling costs. In some older houses this percentage can rise up to 40 percent.

Are you thinking about replacing your windows to save energy and cut high costs? You may want to think again. Ultimately, experts urge against making a hasty decision to replace your windows. 

"If you have decent windows now, does it pay to replace them? No. They're not going to pay you back in energy savings," Ken Riead, a home-energy rater and trainer with Hathmore Technologies in Independence, Mo, told Mother Earth News. 

Professionals suggest adding blinds, shades, curtains, and other coverings to your windows. Not only are these options cheaper, they are also more practical when creating an energy-efficient home.

"It doesn't matter whether you get the best window in the world. The first thing that anybody is going to do is change the way it works," Peter Yost, vice president for technical services at the publisher BuildingGreen adds.

As the weather gets colder, it is important to let natural sunlight into your home. Bazaar's custom blinds will help you to successfully accomplish this goal. We offer a variety of styles to choose from, ranging from wood to metal, to help you cut heating costs and live an energy-efficient life.