Embedded Files
Welcome to Colorado's Comprehensive Garage Doors, LLC. We provide commercial and residential service, repair, and installation. How can we help you?.
Insulated Garage Doors vs. New Windows
Insulated Garage Doors vs. New Windows
Costs, Savings, and Payback
Costs, Savings, and Payback
When considering home improvements aimed at energy efficiency, homeowners often weigh the benefits of upgrading windows against replacing their garage door with an insulated model. This report provides a direct comparison of the typical costs, annual energy savings, and estimated payback periods for these two investments, helping you determine which might offer a quicker return.
Insulated Garage Doors: Costs and Savings
Insulated Garage Doors: Costs and Savings
An insulated garage door significantly improves the thermal envelope of your home, especially if the garage is attached to the main living space.
Average Cost: The cost for a new, insulated garage door generally ranges from $1,100 to over $3,000, with many standard insulated models typically costing between $1,500 and $2,500, including installation. The price varies based on insulation R-value, material (e.g., steel, composite), size, and added features.
Annual Energy Savings: Insulated garage doors can reduce energy loss through the garage by a notable margin. Data suggests they can lead to annual energy bill savings of approximately $200. In colder climates or areas with significant temperature swings like Colorado, this can translate to a 12-15% reduction in heating costs for attached garages, and overall home energy loss can be reduced by up to 25% during extreme seasons. This is achieved by creating a strong thermal barrier that prevents heat from escaping in winter and entering in summer.
New Energy Efficient Windows: Costs and Savings
New Energy Efficient Windows: Costs and Savings
Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient models (typically double or triple-pane with Low-E coatings) is another key way to improve home energy performance.
Average Cost: The cost to replace a single energy-efficient window typically ranges from $300 to $1,000, including installation. For an entire home, replacing all windows (e.g., 10-15 windows) can be a substantial investment, ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 or more, with a national average often around $7,000 to $8,500. Factors like window type, frame material (vinyl, wood, fiberglass), and glass technology significantly influence the price.
Annual Energy Savings: Energy-efficient windows can reduce annual household energy bills by 7% to 15% (equivalent to roughly $71 to $501 per year) depending on the climate and the efficiency of the old windows being replaced
Payback Period: Which One Pays Off Quicker?
Payback Period: Which One Pays Off Quicker?
To directly compare their financial viability based on annual energy savings, let's examine which investment typically offers a quicker return.
Insulated Garage Door Payback:
Typical Cost Example: $1,800
Annual Savings Example: $200
Estimated Payback Period: $1,800 / $200 = 9 years.
Return on Investment (ROI) at Resale: Garage door replacement consistently ranks as one of the top home improvements for ROI. Reports frequently show an ROI of 85% to over 100%, meaning you could recoup most, if not all, of your investment when you sell your home. This high resale value significantly shortens the effective payback.
New Windows Payback:
Typical Cost Example (for whole house): $7,000 (for 10 windows at $700 each)
Annual Savings Example: $300
Estimated Payback Period: $7,000 / $300 = approximately 23 years.
Return on Investment (ROI) at Resale: While still a good investment, window replacement typically sees an ROI of 63% to 78% at resale. This means you generally don't recoup the full initial cost purely through resale value.
Use our New Return on Investment Calculator Tool. You can compare our quote with your window quote, or use the estimated average to see the cost, payoff time and saving.
Page updated
Report abuse