Energy Efficiency is Key in US Home Improvement, Window Replacement in Lubbock, TX

Prospective and current home owners in the United States are getting comfortable on the green bandwagon, as shown in a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The organization asked potential buyers about their preferences in features they want for their new homes. Their resounding answer: energy-effective appliances and other renovations, including window replacement in Lubbock, TX or various window designs that can help them save on energy consumption.

According to the study-conducted in two phases and which had close to 4,000 responses-94 percent of the respondents are looking at purchasing Energy Star-rated windows, while 91 percent want to have completely Energy Star-rated homes. At the same time, more than two-thirds of survey participants prefer window materials that are related to energy saving efforts. These include windows with low-e insulating glass and triple-pane insulating glass.

Energy Star ratings are given to windows, doors and skylights that satisfy any of or all three categories. First, home products must be manufactured by a recognized partner. Second, they must be given certification after thorough testing by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Third, windows, doors, and skylights have to fulfill guidelines on energy effectiveness set by the US Department of Energy.

Other product features that are common in Energy-Star windows, for example, are warm edge spacers, gas fills, multiple panes, and quality frame materials. For companies like Jones & Associates-a contractor that does energy-efficient windows replacement in Midland, TX and other cities in the state-it is understandable that homeowners are more practical in their choices about fixtures like windows. What it all boils down to is significant reduction in energy bills when savings from cost-effective windows and appliances are added up.

The NAHB report reflected this sentiment. How much the house’s total energy consumption is in a month or year is a great consideration for respondents. A total of 73 percent said that projected utility costs could affect their decision to buy a home or do remodeling; 71 percent claimed they are buying from a builder who can provide home energy ratings.

In the survey summary, NAHB assistant vice president for Survey Research, Economics and Housing Policy Rose Quint wrote that the trend shows an emerging resolve among people to slash energy expenditures, explaining why “environment-friendly features that lower utility bills would be of interest to them.” Quint added: “Home buyers report being willing to pay an additional average of $7,095 in the up-front price of a home if that saved them $1,000 annually.”