Stop Burning Money: How Energy-Efficient Windows Cut Heating Costs in NY

Keep the Heat In and the Noise Out in South Farmingdale

Living on Long Island means dealing with extreme temperature swings. We have freezing, windy winters and humid, stifling summers. If your home was built in the 1960s or 70s—like many in Farmingdale—and still has its original single-pane windows, you are essentially throwing money out the window every month.

Old windows are the number one source of energy loss in a home. In the winter, your expensive oil or gas heat escapes through the glass. In the summer, the sun bakes your living room, forcing your AC to work overtime. At Lee Home Improvement, we help homeowners stop this cycle of waste by installing modern, high-performance windows.

The “R-Value” Reality Check

In construction, “R-Value” measures how well a material stops heat flow. Your insulated walls might have an R-Value of 13 or 19. A single pane of glass? It has an R-Value of roughly 0.9. That is virtually zero insulation.

By upgrading to double-pane or triple-pane windows, you are adding a thermal barrier that keeps the interior surface of the glass closer to room temperature. This means no more drafts when you sit near the window and no more condensation puddles on the sill.

The Technology: What Makes a Window “Efficient”?

It’s not just about having two pieces of glass. Modern windows are complex engineering marvels. Here are the three key features we look for:

1. Argon Gas Fill

We don’t just put air between the panes; we fill that space with Argon gas. Argon is denser than air, acting like a thick blanket that slows down the transfer of heat and cold.

2. Low-E Coating

“Low-Emissivity” (Low-E) is a microscopic metallic layer sprayed onto the glass. It acts like a mirror for heat. In the winter, it reflects your furnace’s heat back into the room. In the summer, it reflects the sun’s UV rays out away from your house (which also stops your furniture from fading!).

3. Warm Edge Spacers

Old double-pane windows used aluminum spacers to hold the glass apart. Metal conducts cold, leading to foggy edges. We use non-conductive spacers made of silicone or foam to ensure the edge of the glass stays warm.

Vinyl vs. Wood: The Frame Debate

The glass is important, but the frame holds it all together.

Virgin Vinyl (The Popular Choice)

For 90% of our Nassau County clients, high-quality Vinyl is the winner. It is affordable, never needs painting, and the hollow chambers inside the frame are filled with foam insulation. It won’t rot, warp, or peel.

Wood Clad (The Aesthetic Choice)

For historic homes or high-end renovations, nothing beats the look of real wood. We install “Clad” windows—real wood on the inside (which you can stain) and durable aluminum on the outside (to protect against the weather). It’s the best of both worlds, though at a higher price point.

The Financial Return

New windows are a significant investment, but they pay you back in two ways:

  • Monthly Savings: According to Energy Star, replacing single-pane windows can save NY homeowners up to $366 a year on energy bills.
  • Resale Value: Buyers in Farmingdale love “Move-In Ready.” New windows are a massive selling point because buyers know they won’t have to deal with drafts or rot.
Bonus Benefit: Modern double-pane windows significantly reduce outside noise. If you live near a busy road or the LIRR tracks, you will be amazed at how much quieter your home becomes.

A Clear View for Years to Come

Don’t let another winter go by with plastic wrap taped over your drafty windows. Upgrade to energy efficiency and comfort.

Call Lee Home Improvement today for a free window measurement and estimate. We feature top brands like Andersen and Pella.

Lee Home Improvement

Quality Craftsmanship for South Farmingdale & Nassau County

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