Stay Warm and Save Money This Winter with Pella Windows
Winter in St. Louis can mean high heating bills and chilly rooms. Many homeowners don’t realize that drafty or old single-pane windows are often the culprit. When windows let heat escape, your furnace has to work harder to keep every room cozy. That
can lead to even bigger gas or electric bills over time.
Low-energy Pella windows can make a real difference. These modern windows are built to keep more warmth inside your home, so your heater doesn’t have to run as much. After new windows are installed correctly, people often notice more even temperatures
throughout the house and sometimes even lower energy use when a cold snap hits. It’s not magic – it’s better insulation and a tighter seal between inside and outside air.
For example, an older vinyl or wood window might have gaps or thin glass that lets wind whisper through. Pella’s energy-efficient lines use multiple glass layers and special gas fills (like argon) that slow down heat flow. The result? You feel warm
air staying in and cold winter winds staying out. In a practical sense, that means you might keep the thermostat turned down a bit lower – and that means savings on your monthly bill.
Check Your Windows for Heat Loss.
A good first step is a quick home check. On a cold evening, walk around and feel near your windows. If you feel a noticeable draft, insulation tape or caulk could help temporarily. But if the whole window frame feels cold or you see condensation freezing
on the inside, it might be time for new windows. Pay special attention to south- or west-facing windows that get the most sunlight; if they’re old, you’re losing a lot of the potential warmth from the sun. Even the frames matter – wood can shrink
and crack over decades, and vinyl or aluminum frames can leak air if the seal has broken. Spotting these signs early can help you plan an upgrade before your next cold spell drives up your bill.
Why Choose Energy-Efficient Pella Windows?
Not all new windows are created equal. Pella is known for high-quality windows that focus on comfort and energy savings. Some of their lines have double or triple panes with Low-E glass coatings. This technology reflects heat back into your home during
winter. That means when your heater runs, less of its warmth is lost through the glass. Pella windows also come with sturdy frames (wood, fiberglass, or vinyl) that resist warping or air leaks. When installed by a professional team, the result
is a tight seal all around. This tight fit stops wind from slipping in insulation gaps around the edges.
In practice, here’s what this means for a St. Louis homeowner: rooms stay at a steady warm temperature, and you might not feel that nasty chilly breeze next to the window. The furnace cycles on and off less often. Over the course of a cold season,
that adds up to lower heating usage. Many people notice they can turn the thermostat down a few degrees without feeling colder. Even the extra comfort of children or guests not getting the “cold side” of the couch can be worth it.
Other benefits are worth noting too. Pella’s energy-efficient windows often reduce outside noise – so loud wind or distant traffic sounds stay outdoors. They can also help with moisture. When a home loses a lot of heat through old windows, inside
glass can get condensation from the warm air meeting the cold glass. The better-insulating windows help normalize that, reducing frost and fog inside the home. All of this adds up to a cozier winter living space and more peace of mind.
Federal Energy Tax Credit for Windows.
The government offers tax incentives to encourage homeowners to improve energy efficiency. Replacing old windows can qualify for a federal tax credit, which means you could get some money back when you do your taxes. In general, if your new Pella
windows meet certain efficiency standards, you can claim a portion of their cost (on your tax return) as a credit. This effectively lowers the net cost of the project. Every house is unique, so the exact savings depends on factors like how many
windows you replace and which products you choose. But many homeowners find that this credit covers a meaningful slice of the window cost.
To take advantage of this, save your purchase and installation receipts and discuss the details with your tax professional. We’re happy to provide the energy-performance information on your new windows so you can include the right numbers. Some neighbors
have been pleasantly surprised to see that their tax bill is smaller in the year they upgrade windows. It’s one more way that installing energy-efficient windows pays off over the long run.
Steps to Maximize Your Winter Savings:
Replacing windows is a big step, but it works best when combined with a few other easy measures. Here are practical tips many homeowners use:
- Inspect and Seal: Before or after getting new windows, look for any air leaks around doors or attic hatches. Simple weather stripping or caulking can stop drafts. Even adding or tightening door sweeps can help.
- Upgrade Key Windows First: If budget is a concern, start with the windows that lose the most heat — usually large living-room windows or any big single-pane fronts. You’ll feel the biggest difference there.
- Use Insulating Coverings: Heavy curtains or blinds at night can add an extra layer of warmth. Open them during sunny winter days to let in free heat, then close them as soon as it gets dark.
- Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely: Lower the heat a bit when you’re asleep. If you have programmable thermostats, setting it just 2-3 degrees cooler overnight can still keep you comfortable without sweating the small change.
- Schedule Professional Installation: This might be the most important. Even the best windows won’t perform unless they’re installed properly. Our local team knows how to fit Pella windows so there are no gaps. We check every seal
and make sure flashing (the water barrier around windows) is set correctly. This ensures you actually get the savings in your bills. - Claim Your Tax Credit: After the installation, fill out the right IRS form (usually Form 5695 for residential energy credits) with help from a tax advisor. We can give you the manufacturer’s Energy Star or efficiency ratings for
your windows. These details help prove you qualify for the credit that year.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Will new windows really lower my energy bills? Yes, if your current windows are old or drafty, upgrading usually helps. Less heat escaping means your heater works more efficiently. Over time, you should see some reduction in how
often the furnace kicks on. Every home and usage pattern is different, but the key idea is that new windows keep indoor air where it belongs – inside – so your heat isn’t wasted outdoors. Many neighbors say they can turn the thermostat down
a few degrees and feel just as warm. - How do Pella windows compare to other brands? Pella windows are often praised for their build quality and energy performance. Compared to a basic home-improvement store window, many Pella styles have better insulating glass options
and stronger frames. For St. Louis winters, a window that is well-sealed and has two or three panes will outperform a cheaper single-pane model. We are confident in Pella products, but it’s always wise to compare. Check for ENERGY STAR certification
and read any warranty details. Our experience is most homeowners find Pella’s offerings strike a good balance of durability and efficiency, which is why we recommend them. - Do I have to replace all my windows at once? Not at all. It’s common to start with the worst offenders and spread the project out. For instance, if you replace the largest heating-loss windows first (think big living room or sunroom
windows), you’ll immediately improve comfort in key areas. You can then plan replacements of the remaining windows later. Even replacing one or two windows can make a noticeable difference in that room’s temperature. - Can new windows be installed in winter, or should I wait? You can install windows any time of year. During cold weather, our installers take extra steps to keep your home warm during the work – we pack openings with heavy blankets
between installs and work efficiently to close them up right away. It’s true that fall or spring might be slightly easier, but waiting all the way to summer means missing out on energy savings this winter. If it’s urgent for comfort or if
heating costs are already high, feel free to move forward now rather than delay. - What about the cost? Does it really pay off? New windows are an investment. We want you to make an informed decision. While we won’t promise an instant payback overnight, replacing old windows with top-quality insulated windows
generally leads to year-after-year energy savings. Many customers find their homes are simply more comfortable and that their heating bills stop climbing as rapidly. Added benefits like lower noise and better indoor temperature balance are
often mentioned too. Plus, with the federal tax credit and potentially higher resale value for your home, the project can be easier to justify in the long run. Think of it as a long-term upgrade to your home’s comfort.
Our goal is to help St. Louis homeowners stay cozy without worrying about sky-high bills. If this all sounds useful or if you have more questions—like which exact window styles fit your home, or how much a particular sized window might cost—just message us or give us a call.
There’s no pressure or obligation. We’re happy to walk through options and explain things in simple terms. We know our winters, we know these houses, and we care about our neighbors.
Stay warm and take care of that comfort—follow our tips and reach out when you’re ready. We’re here to make winter a little easier on you and your family.
