Energy savings aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when we think of egress windows, but the question is worth asking—especially here in Columbus where we have freezing cold winters and humid summers.
Can egress windows increase your home’s energy efficiency?
The answer is yes—egress windows can make your home more energy efficient, but only when they’re installed the right way.
What’s an Egress Window?
For readers who are new here, an egress window is just a large window you can use as an emergency exit. They’re installed in basements and other sleeping areas to give people an escape route in case the stairs are blocked. Some homeowners install them to make their basements safer, while others add them because building codes have started requiring them.
How Egress Windows Can Improve Energy Efficiency
A lot of people are living with old and inefficient basement windows. If you haven’t upgraded your basement windows in a long time, chances are they’re thin and outdated.
Modern egress windows are built very differently. Our egress windows have insulated frames, superior sealing, and double- or triple-pane IGUs. They keep drafts out way better than older generations of basement windows.
This is why many of our customers in Columbus find that their energy bills stay the same or even improve after window replacement. It’s not that egress windows are magic when it comes to energy efficiency; they’re just better at insulating your basement.
Why Window Installation is More Important Than the Window Itself
A lot of homeowners focus on the window brand and glass type. Window specs matter, but here’s the part that surprises people:
The way your window is installed usually matters more than the window itself.
A great window with a bad install is like wearing a heavy winter coat but leaving it unzipped. Even the best window won’t keep the cold out if the installation is sloppy.
Egress window installation involves:
- Tightly sealing the window to stop air leaks
- Insulating around the window frame
- Taking steps to protect your foundation from water damage
- Designing window wells that direct water away from your home
- Making sure there’s proper ventilation without creating drafts
Taking care of all these points during installation helps minimize heat loss in the winter and control heat gain in the summer. Proper installation is especially important in Columbus, where we have a lot of temperature swings.
The bottom line here is that even the best egress windows can underperform if they aren’t installed well. Your window specs are important, but partnering with a team that knows how to install them is even more important.
Other Benefits of Egress Windows Besides Energy Efficiency
Safety
Safety is hands down the most important benefit of egress windows. Your basement bedrooms and living areas need an escape route in case of an emergency. Egress windows are large enough for you to get out and for first responders to get in. Plus, without home egress, some basement bedrooms might not meet building codes to be considered legal sleeping spaces.
Natural Light
Egress windows let in a lot of natural light, making your basement feel brighter and more open. This natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting in your basement during the day, and it makes your basement feel like a real living space. Without basement windows, your basement can feel closed off and disconnected from the rest of your home.
Improved Style
Our egress windows blend well with your home’s exterior architecture, and there are plenty of versatile and stylish options to choose from:
- Casement egress windows
- Sliding egress windows
- Single-hung egress windows
- Double-hung windows egress
- In-swing (tilt and turn) egress windows
- Awning egress windows
Casement windows are an especially popular style because they open wide and seal tightly. When you partner with Jackson Egress Windows, we’ll help you choose the right style for your home and make it look like it was always part of your home’s design—not a retrofit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Egress Windows
Should I repair or replace my basement windows?
It depends on your windows. If your basement windows are super thin and outdated, we generally recommend upgrading them. Their potential isn’t very good, so it’s not worth it to repair them. Replacement windows are worth the investment because they will most likely outperform your old windows in every way.
How big does a window have to be to be considered an egress window?
These are the size requirements for egress windows in Ohio:
- Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 square feet
- Minimum width: 20 inches
- Minimum height: 24 inches
Will adding an egress window damage my foundation?
Installing egress windows involves cutting into your home’s foundation, but our professionals cut and reinforce the opening to keep your foundation structurally sound.
How do egress window wells work?
Egress window wells keep soil away from the window opening and make your window usable as an exit. You open the window and climb out of the window well to escape. We can install a variety of window well escape systems, including ladder wells, stair-step wells, and tiered landscape wells.
Can egress windows improve basement ventilation?
Yes! Properly designed windows and window wells can improve your basement’s ventilation. And opening your egress window for just 10 minutes a day can help make your basement feel less stuffy.
Do egress windows need a lot of maintenance?
They do, but it’s simple. All you have to do is keep your window well clear of debris and make sure the drainage paths stay open so your window well doesn’t flood. You should also check the seals every now and then.
Will egress windows increase my home’s value?
Sometimes! Adding legal bedrooms and more usable basement space can increase property value.
Contact Jackson Egress Windows Today
Thinking about upgrading your basement with an egress window? Call us today to schedule a consultation and get a free estimate. We’ll inspect your basement, walk you through the installation process, and help you choose the right egress windows for your home. Let’s make your basement safer, brighter, and more comfortable.