Are you looking to upgrade your home with energy efficient windows in NJ? As we enter 2026, New Jersey homeowners are increasingly focused on reducing energy costs and improving home comfort. With winter temperatures dropping and energy prices continuing to rise, investing in high-performance windows has never been more important. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about energy efficient windows, from understanding ratings and materials to calculating your potential savings and finding the right contractor for your project.
At Brickface, we’ve been helping New Jersey families improve their homes for over 50 years. We understand the unique challenges that Garden State homeowners face, from harsh winter storms to humid summers. Our team of certified window installation experts is ready to help you find the perfect energy efficient windows for your home and budget.
Energy efficient windows are specifically designed to minimize heat transfer between your home’s interior and the outside environment. Unlike traditional single-pane windows that allow significant heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, modern energy efficient windows incorporate multiple technologies to create a thermal barrier that keeps your home comfortable year-round.
The key components that make windows energy efficient include:
Multiple Glass Panes: Double-pane and triple-pane windows create insulating air spaces that dramatically reduce heat transfer. Triple-pane windows offer the highest level of insulation and are particularly beneficial for New Jersey’s cold winters.
Low-E Glass Coatings: Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are microscopically thin metallic layers applied to the glass surface. These coatings reflect infrared heat while allowing visible light to pass through, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Gas Fills: The space between glass panes is often filled with inert gases like argon or krypton instead of regular air. These gases are denser than air and provide superior insulation, reducing heat transfer by up to 30%.
Warm-Edge Spacers: The spacers that separate glass panes are designed to minimize heat conduction at the edges of the window, reducing condensation and improving overall thermal performance.
Quality Frame Materials: Modern energy efficient windows feature frames made from vinyl, fiberglass, or wood composites that offer excellent insulation properties. These materials don’t conduct heat like aluminum frames, helping maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
Investing in energy efficient windows in NJ offers numerous advantages that extend far beyond simple energy savings. Here are the top benefits New Jersey homeowners experience after upgrading their windows:
Significant Energy Savings: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR certified windows can save homeowners between $126 and $465 annually on energy bills. In New Jersey’s climate, where we experience both hot summers and cold winters, these savings can be even more substantial.
Improved Home Comfort: Energy efficient windows eliminate drafts and cold spots near windows, creating a more comfortable living environment. You’ll no longer feel that chill when sitting near windows during winter months, and your home will maintain more consistent temperatures throughout.
Reduced HVAC Wear: When your windows do a better job of insulating your home, your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard. This reduces wear and tear on your HVAC equipment, potentially extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
UV Protection: Many energy efficient windows include UV-blocking coatings that protect your furniture, flooring, and artwork from sun damage. Without this protection, UV rays can cause fading and deterioration of interior furnishings over time.
Noise Reduction: The multiple panes and gas fills in energy efficient windows also serve as excellent sound barriers. If you live near a busy road, airport, or in a noisy neighborhood, you’ll appreciate the quieter indoor environment.
Increased Home Value: Energy efficient upgrades are highly attractive to homebuyers. Studies show that homes with energy efficient features sell for more and spend less time on the market compared to similar homes without these upgrades.
Environmental Impact: By reducing your home’s energy consumption, you’re also reducing your carbon footprint. Energy efficient windows help decrease the demand for fossil fuels used to generate electricity and heat homes.
When shopping for energy efficient windows in New Jersey, you’ll encounter various ratings and certifications. Understanding these metrics will help you make an informed decision:
U-Factor: This measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping. Lower U-factor values indicate better insulation. For New Jersey’s climate, look for windows with a U-factor of 0.30 or lower.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This measures how much solar radiation passes through the window. Lower SHGC values mean less heat gain, which is beneficial for keeping cooling costs down in summer. A SHGC between 0.25 and 0.40 is typically ideal for New Jersey homes.
Visible Transmittance (VT): This indicates how much natural light the window allows through. Higher VT values mean more natural light, which can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Air Leakage: This measures how much air passes through the window assembly. Lower air leakage values indicate tighter construction and better energy performance.
ENERGY STAR Certification: Windows that meet EPA standards for energy efficiency earn the ENERGY STAR label. In our Northern climate zone, ENERGY STAR windows must have a U-factor of 0.27 or less and an SHGC of 0.40 or less.
NFRC Label: The National Fenestration Rating Council provides standardized ratings for windows. Look for the NFRC label to compare products on an equal basis.
Choosing the right style of energy efficient windows depends on your home’s architecture, your aesthetic preferences, and functional needs:
Double-Hung Windows: These classic windows feature two sashes that slide vertically, allowing for flexible ventilation options. They’re easy to clean from inside and work well in traditional and colonial-style homes common throughout New Jersey.
Casement Windows: Hinged on one side and opening outward with a crank mechanism, casement windows provide excellent ventilation and create a tight seal when closed. They’re ideal for hard-to-reach areas like over kitchen sinks.
Sliding Windows: These windows glide horizontally on tracks and are perfect for wide openings where you want maximum glass area and unobstructed views. They’re popular in contemporary homes.
Bay and Bow Windows: These projection windows extend outward from your home, creating additional interior space and allowing light from multiple angles. They’re excellent focal points and can increase your home’s curb appeal.
Picture Windows: Fixed windows that don’t open, picture windows maximize views and natural light while offering excellent energy efficiency since there’s no moving parts to create air leaks.
Awning Windows: Hinged at the top and opening outward, awning windows allow for ventilation even during light rain. They’re often used in combination with other window styles.
Understanding the installation process helps you prepare for your window replacement project. Here’s what typically happens when you work with Brickface:
Initial Consultation: Our window specialists visit your home to assess your current windows, discuss your goals, and take precise measurements. We’ll evaluate your home’s architecture and recommend styles and features that best suit your needs.
Custom Manufacturing: Energy efficient windows are typically custom-made to fit your exact window openings. This ensures a perfect fit and optimal energy performance. Manufacturing usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Preparation: On installation day, our team protects your home’s interior with drop cloths and prepares the work area. We remove your old windows carefully to minimize disruption.
Installation: Our certified installers carefully position each new window, ensuring it’s level, plumb, and square. Proper installation is critical for energy performance—even the best windows won’t perform well if installed incorrectly.
Sealing and Insulation: We apply high-quality insulation around each window frame and use weatherstripping to create an airtight seal. This step is crucial for maximizing energy efficiency.
Finishing: Interior and exterior trim is installed or refinished to give your windows a polished, complete look. We clean up thoroughly, leaving your home as neat as we found it.
Final Inspection: We walk through the project with you, demonstrating how to operate and maintain your new windows and answering any questions you have.
The cost of energy efficient windows varies based on several factors. Here’s what influences pricing:
Window Size: Larger windows require more materials and labor, increasing the overall cost. Custom sizes may also add to the expense.
Frame Material: Vinyl frames are typically the most affordable, while wood and fiberglass options cost more but offer aesthetic and performance advantages.
Glass Options: Triple-pane windows cost more than double-pane but offer superior insulation. Additional features like Low-E coatings and gas fills also add to the price.
Installation Complexity: Replacing windows in hard-to-reach locations or those requiring structural modifications will cost more than straightforward replacements.
Quantity: Replacing multiple windows at once often results in better per-window pricing and ensures consistent appearance throughout your home.
In New Jersey, expect to invest between $400 and $1,200 per window for quality energy efficient replacements, including installation. While this represents a significant investment, the long-term energy savings, increased comfort, and improved home value make it worthwhile.
Financing Options: At Brickface, we understand that window replacement is a major investment. That’s why we offer flexible financing options to help make energy efficient windows affordable for every homeowner.
For over five decades, Brickface has been the trusted name for home improvement in New Jersey. Here’s why homeowners throughout the Garden State choose us for their window replacement projects:
Experience and Expertise: Our team has installed thousands of windows throughout New Jersey. We understand the unique challenges of our climate and know which products perform best in local conditions.
Quality Products: We partner with leading window manufacturers to offer the highest quality energy efficient windows available. Every product we install meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements.
Professional Installation: Our installers are factory-trained and certified. Proper installation is essential for window performance, and we never cut corners.
Comprehensive Warranties: We stand behind our work with industry-leading warranties on both products and installation. You can have confidence that your investment is protected.
Local Company: As a New Jersey-based company, we’re your neighbors. We’re committed to serving our community and building lasting relationships with our customers.
Customer Satisfaction: Our reputation is built on satisfied customers. We’re proud of our reviews and referrals, and we work hard to exceed expectations on every project.
New Jersey homeowners typically save between 15-30% on heating and cooling costs after installing energy efficient windows. The exact savings depend on your current windows, home size, and energy usage patterns. Many homeowners see annual savings of $200-$500 or more.
Triple-pane windows offer superior insulation and are particularly beneficial in New Jersey’s climate with cold winters. While they cost 15-25% more than double-pane, the additional energy savings, improved comfort, and noise reduction often justify the investment, especially for homes in particularly cold or noisy areas.
Quality energy efficient windows typically last 20-25 years or more with proper maintenance. Vinyl and fiberglass frames are particularly durable and resist rot, warping, and pest damage. Most manufacturers offer warranties of 20 years or more on their products.
Windows can be replaced year-round in New Jersey, but many homeowners prefer spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. However, winter installation offers advantages including faster scheduling and potential off-season discounts. Professional installers minimize interior exposure during the process.
Yes! The federal Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits of up to 30% (maximum $600) for ENERGY STAR certified windows. New Jersey may also offer additional state incentives and utility rebates. Contact us at (908) 241-5900 to learn about current programs.
Ready to upgrade your New Jersey home with energy efficient windows? Brickface is here to help you every step of the way. Our experienced team will evaluate your home, explain your options, and provide a detailed quote—all with no obligation.
This winter is the perfect time to invest in energy efficient windows. Don’t spend another season dealing with drafty windows and high energy bills. Contact Brickface today and start enjoying a more comfortable, energy-efficient home.
Call us now at (908) 241-5900 or visit our showroom to see our selection of energy efficient windows.
Serving Union County, Essex County, Middlesex County, and all of Northern New Jersey since 1974.
