Walla Walla Info - Home / Windows / Think Twice Before Replacing Your Windows

Window Replacement Not Likely Your Best Energy Saving Move There is a lot of talk these days about saving money on energy costs.  With the rise of heating fuel costs in the last few years it's little wonder that people are a bit pre-occupied by the matter.  But you can get some pretty un-cost effective advice if you aren't careful such as the little gem I read recently where people were encouraged to replace their older windows before winter hits. There is no question that new windows can impact the energy efficiency of a house, that's not my argument.  But let's take a look at what we're being asked to do.  A decent vinyl window that has a good low e-rating  (low energy rating - a good thing) will cost $200-300 each.  Now multiply that amount by the 8-12 windows an average house will have and you are talking about spending $2-3000 and more if you want them all installed. In order to get back that amount of money in energy savings you would likely need to wait 15-20 years.  If you are going to spend money in order to save it - isn't it funny it works that way - then spend the money where you will get the most bang for your buck.  Increased insulation or a new efficient furnace are a couple of real solid choices.  Even though the furnace can run in the $1400-1800 range the return on your investment in lower heating bills can pay for itself in 3-5 years in stead of the 15-20 of windows! If you want to replace your windows for resale value of your home or to improve the appearance be my guest, new windows are a wonderful thing.  But if you want to save on energy spending take a $3 tube of caulking and a $5 packet of plastic film (the film acts as an insulator) and reduce the air leaks and potential draft coming from your existing windows. --more on Vinyl Windows--

Posted By Site Admin on 2005-11-02 17:30:05.467 | Topic (Windows)