The sticker shock of impact windows and doors can easily cause a consumer to evaluate whether non-impact windows and doors are a better investment than impact windows and doors.
Before they jump the gun, there are several things for them to consider when deciding which type best meets their lifestyle, needs, and budget.
While impact windows and doors have a higher initial cost, they also hold value better, come with more benefits, and may even save them money over time.
Each window and door style, type, and design will vary in price and energy savings, but the common factor for all impact windows is in their design. Impact glass is manufactured with multiple layers, which can include multiple sheets of glass, spacers, argon gas, and sealed air pockets.
These layers form a tight seal that helps reduce and prevent cool air from exiting the home, which helps increase energy performance and therefore decrease energy bills.
The Truth about Impact Window Prices
While impact glass ratings vary by manufacturer, framing materials, and any special coatings such as low-e, there are a few common overall savings benefits that balance out the initial price your customers see.
Below are several stats that help balance out the initial sticker shock of impact window and door prices to your customer.
1. ENERGY STAR
Homeowners can qualify for tax credits with certain ENERGY STAR products. Turbo Tax states that,
“You can claim a tax credit for 10% of the cost of qualified energy efficiency improvements and 100% of residential energy property costs. This credit is worth a maximum of $500 for all years combined, from 2006 to the present. Of that combined $500 limit,
- A maximum of $200 can be for windows.
- The maximum tax credit for a furnace circulating fan is $50.
- The maximum credit for a furnace or boiler is $150.
- The maximum credit for any other single residential energy property cost is $300.”
2. Mail-in Rebates
Depending on your local utility provider and installations, homeowners may be eligible for a mail-in rebate. You can use the ENERGY STAR website to see which rebates your customer may be eligible for.
According to ENERGY STAR, you can save:
- $126–$465 a year when replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR solutions
- $27–$111 a year over double-pane, clear glass replacement windows with ENERGY STAR solutions
According to Modernize,
“Homeowners who install Energy Star windows save an average of 12 percent on their utility costs throughout the year. That means a customer who spends $200 a month or $2400 a year would save $24 a month—or roughly $288 a year. Your savings could be even greater depending on which windows you’re replacing and the climate of your area. In fact, Energy Star studies show that replacing single pane windows with double pane can save between 21% and 31% off of heating and cooling costs.”
Added Benefits of Impact Windows
Energy savings is a major selling point for consumers to install impact glass over other window and door options, but it’s not the only one.
Installing new vinyl impact windows and doors increases a home’s property value and selling price.
You’ll also want to take into account any additional protections or benefits available. For example, all EAS windows and doors are ENERGY STAR certified and have the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, adding a two year warranty on top of the manufacturer’s warranty.
You may consider forwarding the Homeowner’s Guide to Energy Efficiency to your customers, or if you want to learn more about EAS energy values, click the button below!
