Budgeting
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Prices in all sorts of industries have risen over the last few years courtesy of the COVID pandemic, supply chain issues, labour costs, and inflation – it’s no different for home renovations and window replacement. Rising costs don’t make new windows a pointless endeavour, though – quite the contrary! We may be looking at higher prices, but there are plenty of reasons why upgrading windows in 2024 is a smart move, and one that can actually help with your living costs in the long run.
Investing in high-performance windows has always been a good choice for a number of reasons, but boosting energy efficiency is definitely the most impactful to your home and your wallet. While the initial investment can seem daunting, the efficiency of your windows plays a major role in determining your monthly expenses. Old, inefficient windows allow heat to escape during the winter and penetrate your home during the summer, leading to higher heating and cooling bills all year round. Energy-efficient alternatives significantly reduce energy consumption, helping homeowners save up to 30% on utility costs, providing financial help while expenses are rising.
Homeowners are always looking for ways to enhance their property's value in the Canadian real estate market, and as market dynamics shift, one home improvement investment stands out: window replacement. Beyond the cost savings of decreased energy bills, investing in efficient windows future-proofs your home against volatile energy markets and unpredictable weather patterns. As the impacts of climate change on our environment continue to ramp up, energy-efficient homes become more resilient and desirable in the eyes of potential buyers. By prioritizing sustainability and efficiency, you safeguard your investment and permanently increase your property's value. New windows provide a good return on investment, and the increase in home value can cover around 70% of the immediate project cost before savings through improved efficiency even come into play.
Despite the Federal Government's Greener Homes Grant going on hiatus in 2024 and the current lack of clarity over what details of the re-worked program will look like, there is still help available for Canadian homeowners. Residents of BC can take advantage of the CleanBC program and save up to $2,000 on their window replacement, or even up to $9,500 if they fit the criteria for the income-qualified program. Residents of Alberta, meanwhile, have their own options to choose from. In addition, while the Greener Homes Grant is in limbo, the 10-year, $40,000, interest-free loan is still available.
While prices have risen, paying for quality is always worth it – especially when it comes to a major home investment like windows. It’s vital to find a company who is willing to stand behind their product and offer a long-term, unbeatable warranty on not just the frame and glass, but also the installation and labour. For the best results, it’s also important to find a company that values expertise and invests in their people, ensuring they’re at the cutting edge of window technology and able to have a truly positive impact on your home and comfort.
Navigating the costs of window replacement requires careful consideration and strategic planning in 2024 – more so than usual. While rising expenses can pose challenges, investing in high-quality, energy-efficient windows offers a path toward financial stability and long-term value. By cutting energy bills, future-proofing your home, and prioritizing sustainability, homeowners can weather the current rising costs and come out the other side with a property that stands the test of time and even saves them money.
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We love to talk windows! We’re here to help, so if you have a question about your window project all you have to do is reach out. Contact us early in the process so that our experts can make sure everything is correct from the get-go.
For more information on this topic (and many more!) contact our local Employee Owners at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at info@centra.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about what's happening with Centra Windows. Join the club and become a Window Geek yourself by signing up for our newsletter, which provides news, advice, and tips about the window industry and upcoming events, and test your window knowledge by following us on LinkedIn.
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