A man installing a new window

Energy Efficient Windows

Updated January 1, 1 . AmFam Team

Your old inefficient windows could be costing you. The good news: new windows can pay for themselves in savings! Take a look at our great tips on how to save money and improve your quality of life by installing energy efficient windows.

There are many good reasons to replace those old, inefficient windows in your home. Outdated windows can waste energy and drive up your energy bills. And as these windows age, they do less to keep in the cool over the summer and retain heat during the winter.

Since the average household is paying anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 each year in utility bills — and a full 45% of that is for heating and cooling — selecting high-performance windows can potentially save you thousands in the coming years. By upgrading to energy efficient windows, you may be able to take advantage of tax credits and other ways to keep your costs down.

Take a look at our tips on how to save money with energy efficient windows and boost your home’s quality of life in the process, too!

Tips for Buying Energy Efficient Windows

When you think home improvement, try making adjustments that result in energy savings. Old windows can be drafty, and those unpredictable drafts can wreak havoc on your utility bills. If you’re ready for new, energy efficient windows, here are a few tips to consider when making that purchase.

U-Factor. The u-factor of a window gauges the window’s insulation value or the rate at which non-solar heat flows through it. The lower the u-factor, the more energy efficient the window is. A u-factor looks at just the glass or the glazing while a National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) u-factor includes the frame and spacer material around the glass.

Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGH). This is the amount of solar radiation that's released as heat when it passes through a window into the home. A window with a high SHGC rating is better at using the sun to warm your home while a low SHGC is better at blocking the sun’s warmth. The window’s placement could determine which type of window goes where, so you’ll get the most energy efficient results.

Air leakage. This is pretty straight forward — it’s the amount of outside-to-inside air flow around the window. The lower the air leakage rating, the tighter the window. In some cases, a leaky window costs as much as a replacement in energy costs every two years.

Sunlight transmittance. The way a window’s glazing transmits sunlight is rated in two ways, the visible transmittance (VT) and the light-to-solar gain (LSG) coefficient. The VT is what you actually see with the human eye. A higher VT rating means you’ll see more light through the window.

The LSG is a ratio between SHCG and VT. The ratio lets you know how much light you’re seeing and how much heat is blocked. The higher the number here, the more light you see without adding more heat.

Argon filled glazing. To improve the thermal performance of windows, you’ll sometimes find that the space between the glass panes is filled with argon. Argon is an inert gas that has a higher resistance to heat flow, making it more energy efficient.

Low-emissivity window glazing. Typically, you’ll hear this referred to as low-e or a low-e coating. Adding a low-e coating to a window helps control the amount of heat coming in the window. While these windows typically cost 10-15% more, they can reduce energy loss by as much as 30-50% — making them a smart, long-term investment!

ENERGY STAR-qualified Windows Will Save You Money

Look for products that are ENERGY STAR (Opens in a new tab) labeled. These doors, windows and skylights are certified to fit certain federal standards. When replacing with ENERGY STAR certified windows, you can potentially lower household energy bills.

By consuming less energy, you be reducing your carbon footprint, too. These windows will really save you some cash at home and are earth-friendly as well.

ENERGY STAR savings for a typical home is rated according to the windows you’re replacing. Here’s what you could be saving in energy bills each year:

Save $126 to $ 465 a year when replacing single pane windows.

Save $27 to $111 a year when replacing double pane windows.

If you’d like more information how to save money on energy bills, the Department of Energy (DOE) has a very informative website on ENERGY STAR-qualified windows (Opens in a new tab) that can save you money. You’ll find in-depth information on how ratings are calculated and what different technologies are available.

DIY Tips for Energy Efficient Windows

If you’re not ready to make the investment in windows for your home yet, or you’re renting and don’t have that option, we’ve got some DIY tips to keep your windows energy efficient. By making small adjustments to keep your heating bills down, you may save big over time.

Hang curtains. One of the easiest ways to make your windows more energy efficient is by hanging thick drapes. The DOE suggests using medium-colored drapes with white, plastic backing on windows that receive direct sunlight.

Install storm windows. Storm windows can do a lot to protect your home from cold weather and winds. You can go even further by looking for low-e storm windows.

Low-e film. You can improve the energy efficiency of your windows by installing energy-efficient, low-e film to the existing glass. This is a very affordable alternative to buying new low-e glass windows.

Add caulk. Seal air leaks around your windows and window frame with caulk. This works best for stationary gaps less than a quarter inch wide.

Apply the caulk when the temperature is above 45 degrees. This means you may have to be proactive and take care of those leaky windows before the really cold weather hits.

Use weather stripping. In place of caulk, weather stripping should be used on components that move, keeping their function intact. Or better, pair weather stripping with caulk to block out air leaks and keep the chill away.

Install awnings. If too much sun is pushing your home energy bill higher, this quick DIY can help you save. Pick between permanent and retractable awnings to get the look and the coverage you want.

Regular cleaning. Whether you decide to buy new energy-efficient windows or stick with the old ones, a little regular maintenance can go a long way. Wipe down frames regularly to remove dust and dirt. Thoroughly inspect your windows every season so you can stay ahead of early cracks and leaks.

Following these tips will bring energy efficiency to your windows and keep them in top shape. To learn more about protecting your home with homeowners insurance, connect with your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab). You find the right protection for your home with their expert knowledge and guidance.

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    20 Questions to Ask When Renting an Apartment

    Choosing your new apartment isn’t an impulse decision. The choice you make will have an impact for a long time. There are many different things to consider as you tour one possible home after another. On top of that, landlords and management companies work hard to make them all seem perfect.

    How can you tell which one’s the right fit for you? Here are 20 key questions to ask when renting an apartment. The answers can give you a better idea of what you’d get from each one.

    How Much is Rent & the Security Deposit?

    Any apartment hunter should ask themself this crucial question: “How much should I spend on rent?” Setting a budget ahead of the search helps narrow the possibilities. You’ll save time by eliminating options that are too expensive.

    Still, relying on online listings alone may not be enough. It’s better to personally ask the landlord, whether by calling, emailing, or visiting. Make sure to also bring up the security deposit, as well as any other upfront costs they may ask of you. This will save you from unpleasant surprises before you sign anything.

    How Much are Utilities and What Do I Cover?

    Every apartment complex handles utilities differently. Water, electricity, air conditioning, heating, gas, and more may be split between landlord and tenant. Then there is the matter of which ones you’ll need to get yourself. Your apartment may come with cable and wi-fi, but you may be responsible for them on your own.

    Only your landlord will know for sure, and they should be clear about what’s expected of you. Before leasing an apartment, you should ask what utilities are available and which ones are covered. Record the answers, factor the costs into your budget, and look for the place that offers the most for the least.

    How Does Parking Work?

    Some apartment complexes have their own parking lots, with many spaces reserved for tenants and a few set aside for guests. Others may give residents access to a dedicated structure, providing greater security — but possibly at a higher cost. Others still may only offer street parking, which can be expensive to maintain.

    In short, parking may be a complex situation involving specific locations and extra costs. If you have a car, don’t just ask if parking is available. Get the details. As you weigh your options, consider what’s best for your car as well.

    What’s the Pet Policy & Is There a Deposit or Fee?

    The pet policy won’t matter to every apartment hunter. If you have a furry friend or might want one someday, make this one of their first questions to ask when touring an apartment. A “no” answer is no deal, no matter how great the other perks may be.

    Some landlords may allow pets if you pay a one-time deposit or additional monthly fees. Make sure to keep that in mind during your search.

    What Amenities are Included?

    Utilities cover the most vital parts of a home — the things that make living there comfortable. Amenities are the complex’s welcome bonuses — the things that make living there enjoyable. Common examples include clubhouses, swimming pools, public kitchens, communal laundry machines, and fitness rooms.

    Amenities are great for those who use them, but their presence can justify higher rent. As your landlord takes you through each selling point on your tour, ask them whether these perks are included with your price. Also, make sure to consider if you’ll even use them.

    Do I Need Renters Insurance?

    Home insurance is for houses. If you live in an apartment, you look for renters insurance instead. In fact, some places make it mandatory for all residents. Be sure to ask your landlord in advance so you can make any arrangements you need.

    This practice is all about liability. Landlords have their own insurance, but it’s based on their duties and would only cover their share of the damages. Renters insurance offers protection for your living space and your belongings. Even if it’s not required, getting your own policy could bring you peace of mind.

    Can You Describe the Application Process?

    Applying for an apartment can be complicated and time-consuming. You might have to pay fees, undergo background checks and other screenings, and more just to see if you qualify. This may be preferable to the alternative: apartment listings that promise no credit check may be scams.

    You could always learn about each step of the application process as you go. Still, it never hurts to know ahead of time, especially if there are any fees and risks. If anything is unclear, the landlord should explain it to you.

    What Should I Know About Rent Increases?

    A variety of factors can change the value of an apartment. Examples include market shifts, new installations, repairs and replacements of fixtures. Your rent will likely not change for the duration of your lease. Once the time comes to sign again, though, your monthly payments may very well go up.

    This may not seem like a pertinent question when starting a lease. Still, making it one of your questions to ask when touring an apartment could be useful. How your potential future landlord approaches the matter can tell you what to expect. At the very least, it can help you choose whether to look for a new place well before your lease ends.

    What are the Lease Length Options?

    How long are you looking to stay at your next apartment? One year, two years, longer, less? Not everyone has a plan in mind, which means the apartment’s available options may give you an idea of what to expect in the future.

    Landlords always inform apartment hunters about the duration of their lease. However, you might need to probe them for other available options. Be sure to make this one of your questions to ask before leasing an apartment, even if they only mention one length that sounds good. They might have something better.

    Can I Make Changes to the Rental Unit?

    Your apartment may come pre-furnished, but it’s unlikely to be pre-decorated. Few people are content with blank walls and sparse spaces. Most prefer to personalize and beautify their home with art, decorations and other belongings.

    Unlike houses, apartments usually only have temporary residents. The building’s owner may not allow certain kinds of changes, believing they may hurt the unit’s future value. Take the time to go over policies. That way, you can get a better idea of how you’ll make your space feel like a home.

    How Do Maintenance Requests Work?

    Besides rent, tenants might only interact with their landlord through maintenance requests. After all, it’s the complex owner’s duty to keep everything in their apartments running smoothly. If your shower stops pumping heated water or your lock gets sticky, maintenance will get it fixed.

    Asking about the process of filing maintenance requests can give insights to how landlords view this responsibility. Does the process seem straightforward or complicated? Are approvals easy, or do they require a great deal of evidence and demonstration? The answers may reveal how long this landlord will let you live with inconvenience. Few questions to ask about apartments are more revealing than this.

    What’s the Guest Policy?

    In most cases, a guest policy doesn’t apply to someone who’s just visiting for a few hours. It covers situations where someone might want to stay at a tenant’s apartment for a few days or longer. Depending on the terms of the policy, you might even need permission for someone to spend the night.

    Don’t just assume that any landlord would be okay with your best friend crashing on your couch for a while. Get the details on the guest policy before moving in. They’ll tell you what permissions they’d grant and how you can get them granted.

    What’s the Neighborhood Like?

    The oldest real estate myth holds that three factors must guide where you choose to live: “location, location, location.” There’s more to it than that, as this list of questions to ask when renting an apartment should make clear. Still, the area around the complex is important to consider.

    Getting info on the neighborhood is valuable to any apartment hunt. Try to get your landlord’s perspective about any areas of concern. We also recommend exploring on your own, both by car and on foot. See if any useful places are close by, such as grocery stores.

    How Soon are You Looking to Fill the Unit?

    In most cases, you won’t be the only person viewing an apartment. Others have likely received a grand tour, and others may be waiting in line to see the place as well. Landlords might be screening you as much as you’re screening them.

    Landlords are also usually interested in starting a new lease as soon as the current one ends. One way to get noticed is to strike quickly: ask when they’d want you to move in. You should still weigh your options, but don’t procrastinate.

    Do I Need a Cosigner?

    People with rental history have a record that landlords can review. If this is your first time paying rent, they won’t know if they can trust you to make payments on time and consistently. Adding a cosigner to the contract can make it easier. Their signature promises that even if you can’t pay rent, someone else can pay for you.

    Many renters with no history may worry about background checks and credit checks. However, there are some landlords who won’t ask for them. While the answer will likely be a yes, it doesn’t hurt to have it on a list of first-time renter questions.

    What Payment Methods are Accepted?

    Rent payments can take a variety of forms. Before you make any assumptions, though, you should double-check what’s allowed. Each place will have its own policies. Some offer more payment method options than others.

    You might be able to set up a regular automatic withdrawal from your bank account. You might have to do it online. The landlord might accept checks or cards (warning: anyone who only takes cash is likely a scammer). There’s only one way to know for sure.

    What Furnishings & Appliances are Included?

    Preparing for the big move is a big task. It’s not just deciding what to take, but also figuring out what you need to get. Each apartment is different: some come fully furnished with appliances, while others only have a bed.

    Asking this question is important because the answer can impact your budget. It can even make or break your apartment options. Ask about beds and bedding, chairs, sofas, tables, kitchen appliances, TV sets and anything else that matters to you in a home.

    How Much Notice Do You Give Before You or a Representative Shows Up at the Property?

    An interesting agreement comes with living in an apartment. It’s your home, and you pay to stay there. But someone else owns it and covers many responsibilities related to it. Technically, they have at least some right to enter at any time for any reason.

    Even so, many building owners respect their tenants by giving them advance notice. Depending on the person and situation, you may have days or hours or minutes to prepare. We recommend asking how much notice they usually give. It could save you some major headaches.

    What’s Your Late Fee Policy?

    Accidents can happen. Paychecks can come late. You might have temporary money problems. Most apartment contracts provide some leeway for late rent payments. But they might charge a late fee.

    Given that it’s so common, there’s no problem with asking about late fee policies. You’ll want to know the terms just in case anything happens. You’ll also want to know the limits according to state law, so you can see if the fee is fair. Just try not to seem too eager, and don’t count on being able to do it often.

    What’s Your Subletting Policy?

    Subletting is when a renter temporarily moves out and lets someone else cover their lease. A landlord may refuse to rent to your candidate if they don’t meet their requirements.

    Even if you don’t plan to leave during your lease, you may still want to know your apartment’s subletting policy. Life may surprise you. Being aware can save you some time and trouble in looking for someone to take over.

    Know the Best Questions to Ask When Renting an Apartment

    Any of these questions to ask when renting an apartment can help decide your future home. Having so many factors to consider may seem intimidating at first. As you gather information, though, you may find that each new detail narrows down the options. Soon enough, a few apartments will rise above the rest. No matter which of them you pick, you benefit. Ask away.

    Renters Insurance from American Family Insurance

    Even while you’re still apartment-hunting, it’s never too early to start thinking about renters insurance. If you have any questions about that, feel free to contact an American Family Insurance agent. Once you’ve learned what we have to offer, you can get a quote online and get protection for your next home.

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    Woman sitting at table writing a home inventory for homeowners insurance.
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    Your home is more than a roof over your head. It’s where your dreams grow, your family thrives and memories are made. But the possessions you keep inside are important, too.

    Whether you’re renting an apartment or own your home, you’ve most likely got an insurance policy designed to protect your dwelling and the things inside. Should the unthinkable happen and you have to use that insurance policy, it’s important to have a plan in place. And a home inventory list is a great way to get started!

    We’ll walk you through how to create a home inventory so — in the event of the unexpected — you’ll be more prepared and have a streamlined recovery.

    What Is a Home Inventory?

    Quite simply, a home inventory is a complete list of all the items, especially valuables, in and around your home. The best home inventories include photos, descriptions and dollar values of each of your belongings. The more detail, the better! It’ll help you provide a comprehensive list to your agent of items lost in the event your home is damaged or destroyed, allowing you to get the most out of your coverage.

    When your describing the items in your list, remember that the more information, the better. Here’s a quick reference list of the type of information you should include in your home inventory list:

    • An in-depth description of the items. For example, rather than writing down “diamond ring,” be more descriptive, such as: “an emerald cut diamond ring, with white gold shank, accent stones and initials inscribed below the bridge.”
    • Make, model, and/or serial number of the items.
    • Date of purchase, receipts and photos.
    • Estimated replacement cost if you bought it today. Do note that the value of the items might be different today than it was when you first bought them. This is especially true with jewelry, and other valuables.
    • Appraisals at time of purchase. Especially if your items were appraised for insurance purposes.

    Why Do I Need a Home Inventory?

    Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, everyone can benefit from a home inventory!

    If you ever have to make a claim, a home inventory is a great asset to have, especially after stressful events like theft, storm damage or a fire (take a look at how one renter used their home inventory after facing an apartment fire).

    When you make a claim, you typically submit information on everything that was lost — which can be difficult to do off the top of your head for all your possessions. Remembering to replace your TV or computer are no-brainers, but when it comes to remembering each piece of jewelry in your jewelry box, things tend to get overlooked. Having a personal property inventory will help, along with knowing how to properly insure your jewelry.

    When you have your home inventory checklist, you know exactly what needs to be replaced, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your entire household is protected.

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    A row of houses in a neighborhood with storm clouds that will bring strong rain and roof leaks behind it.
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    You’re admiring the rain from the comfort of your home when you notice a sound — the unmistakable drip of water dropping onto your floor. The first and hardest step is figuring out why your roof is leaking. And with these tips, you’ll find the culprit in no time!

    Here’s Why Your Roof Is Leaking

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    Your roof is old

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