Should I Replace My Windows?

Whether to replace windows or not can be an easy decision. But, there are some manufacturers who will make you believe that replacement windows do more than stop drafts, or improve appearance, useability and noise reduction.

Older double hungs are usually framed in wood and casements are often surounded by metal. Over time, their joints and panes become more drafty. Replacing older windows primarily eliminates drafts. Extra benefits of new products are ease of cleaning, double pane energy conservation, and improved appearance that comes with all new things.

Drafts are the main reason homes lose energy. If you "tighten up" and eliminate drafts with replacement windows, you will save on your heat and cooling bills. However, the amount you save by adding the "low e" and /or "argon type gas" between the double panes is minimal. And going to tripple pane does not save enough to pay for the added frill. Ask the window estimator what the "R value" difference is in a single pane, double pane and tripple pane. It is interesting how little the change is. Again, elimination of drafts saves more than tripple pane, low-e, argon filled, vinyl encased, panes.

Of course there is the U value and the SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient). These measure of how fast heat or cooling transfers through the window (R value is the resistance to heat or cooling transfer). This is all useful info, but draft reduction is still the greatest source of savings. All the low-e, argon, multiple panes, and R / U / SHGC values really do, is give the salesman more to charge you for. In some cases, the low-e will help, but the other things are frills.

Condensation between the panes can usually be remedied by a local glass company. They take the window apart, clean the glass, and re-seal the panes. This process is usually a fraction of the cost of a new window. If you are selling, get it done beefore you show the house. It is easier to fix than to negotiate a new door or window.

Metal frames do have some extra energy liability (U value). The metal will conduct heat and cold many times faster than the large glass surface. Replacing these older styles can also save energy because newer products are made of much less conductive materials like vinyl and pvc.

A simple double hung window can be purchased and installed for under $300. For a 10 windowed ranch, that is less than $3,000. The draft reduction has been known to save enough to recover the investment in a few years. So, Should I replace my windows? Maybe, but research what you need and don't buy more than that.