Asheville’s climate is tough on older windows. You get humid summers in the 90s, freezing winter nights, and everything in between. That constant expansion and contraction breaks down seals over time. Air leaks form. Moisture creeps in. And suddenly your HVAC system is working twice as hard to keep your home comfortable.

Replacing worn-out windows is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for both comfort and long-term value. At Baker Home Exteriors, our Asheville team has been installing high-performance windows built for mountain weather for years. Here’s what makes modern windows worth the investment, and how to know when it’s time to replace yours.

Why Your Windows Matter More Than You Think

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows account for up to 30 percent of your home’s heating and cooling costs. In a place like Asheville where you experience all four seasons, that adds up fast.

Older single-pane windows, or even double-pane models from 15+ years ago, just don’t have the insulation or sealing technology that today’s windows do. This means your furnace runs longer in winter and your AC struggles in summer. And you’re paying for conditioned air that’s leaking straight outside.

Modern energy-efficient windows change that equation. Better insulation, tighter seals, and advanced glass coatings all work together to keep your home comfortable year-round without overworking your HVAC system.

What You Can Expect to Save

ENERGY STAR-certified windows can cut your annual energy bills by 10 to 15 percent, sometimes more if you’re replacing very old single-pane glass. For most Asheville homes, that’s a noticeable difference.

Window replacement also tends to return about 60 to 75 percent of its cost when you sell your home. You can run your own numbers using Baker’s Home ROI Calculator to see what kind of savings and return makes sense for your situation.

There’s also a federal tax credit available right now. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covers up to 30 percent of your window replacement costs, with a cap of $600 per year. That can help offset the upfront investment.

What Makes Today’s Windows Different

Window technology has come a long way in the last decade. Here’s what sets modern energy-efficient windows apart:

Multiple panes with insulating gas. Most quality windows now use double- or triple-pane glass with argon or krypton gas between the layers. That creates an insulating barrier that slows heat transfer in both directions.

Low-E coatings. These microscopically thin coatings reflect infrared heat, which means your home stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer without blocking natural light.

Better frame materials. Vinyl, fiberglass, and composite frames hold up better in Asheville’s humidity and temperature swings than older wood frames. They don’t rot, warp, or require repainting.

Professional installation. Even the best window won’t perform if it’s not installed correctly. Tight seals and proper flashing are what prevent drafts and moisture problems down the road.

Choosing Windows for Asheville’s Climate

Not all energy-efficient windows are created equal. For the Asheville region, you want windows rated for both insulation and solar control. ENERGY STAR has specific recommendations for the Southeast climate zone, and those are the models we typically recommend.

Look for a low U-factor, which measures insulation performance. You also want a balanced Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), one that is high enough to let in warm sunlight during winter, but not so high that your home overheats in summer.

At Baker Home Exteriors, we help homeowners match the right window to their home’s age, construction, and budget. A west-facing bedroom in West Asheville might need a different type of window than a north-facing living room in Biltmore Forest. Our Asheville windows team can walk you through those decisions and show you what works best for your situation.

You can also check out reviews from other Asheville customers on our Google Business Profile to see how other local homeowners have approached their projects.

Asheville window replacement in progress — These photos are from a window and door remodel project in Asheville.

Asheville siding replacement in progress — These photos are from a window and door remodel project in Asheville.

The Right Windows for Your Budget

Energy-efficient doesn’t automatically mean expensive. Most homeowners do well with quality double-pane vinyl or composite windows. They deliver strong performance and durability without the premium price tag.

If you want to maximize your energy savings, triple-pane systems offer even better insulation along with soundproofing and UV protection. Those make sense for homes near busy roads or if you’re planning to stay in the house long-term.

Baker Home Exteriors works with a range of budgets. Whether you’re replacing a few problem windows or upgrading the whole house, we’ll help you find an option that makes sense financially and delivers real comfort improvements.

When to Repair and When to Replace

A lot of homeowners ask us whether they should repair their windows or replace them. Here’s the short answer: if your windows are hard to open, fogging up between the panes, or showing rot or peeling on the frames, replacement is usually the better call.

Small issues like a broken latch or cracked pane can sometimes be repaired. But older windows often lack the insulation and airtight construction that new windows provide, so you’re still losing energy even after the repair.

Our team can take a look at your windows and give you an honest assessment of what makes the most sense for your home and budget.

Common Questions About Window Replacement

How much will I actually save?

Homeowners can see a 10 to 15 percent drop in heating and cooling costs after upgrading to ENERGY STAR windows. Homes with very old single-pane windows often save more.

How do I know which window is right for my home?

It depends on your climate zone, the direction your windows face, and your priorities around insulation vs. solar heat gain. We can help you sort through those factors during the consultation.

What’s the difference between double-pane and triple-pane?

Double-pane windows have two layers of glass with insulating gas in between. Triple-pane windows add a third layer for even better performance. These windows are quieter and more efficient, but cost more upfront.

Are there any rebates or incentives?

Yes. Right now you can claim up to 30 percent of qualifying window costs through the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, with a $600 annual limit.

How do I know it’s time to replace my windows?

Drafts, fogging between panes, rising energy bills, or an HVAC system that can’t keep up are all signs it’s time to upgrade.

Why Asheville Homeowners Work With Baker

Baker Home Exteriors is a fourth-generation, family-owned company. We’ve been helping North Carolina homeowners protect their homes for over a century, and our Asheville team brings that same level of care to every project.

We live and work here, so we understand what mountain weather does to homes. We know which materials hold up and which ones don’t. And we handle everything from product selection to installation and cleanup, so the process is straightforward from start to finish.

When you choose Baker, you’re getting more than new windows. You’re getting a long-term upgrade that improves comfort, lowers energy costs, and protects your home for years to come.

Ready to Upgrade?

If you’re tired of drafty rooms and high energy bills, it might be time to look at your windows. New energy-efficient windows deliver immediate comfort and long-term savings, plus they increase your home’s value.

Contact our Asheville team today or visit our Asheville windows page to learn more about your options. We’ll walk you through the process and provide a customized estimate based on your home and budget.