Before Replacing Your Windows, Ask Yourself Why?
Why do you want to replace your windows? Are your windows merely drafty and in need of some new or better locks? do you need some weatherstripping or caulk along the frame? or are your windows really so bad that it’s time to replace them? Windows can be a profitable sale for renovators, carpenters, builders, in fact anyone who sells windows will tell you that it is a profitable business. Unfortunately this leads some to push “new windows” as an important part of making your home more energy efficient. Now I’m not saying that there is never a case for new windows, under the right circumstances, new windows make a lot of sense and it makes even more sense to buy Energy Star rated windows if you already need to replace your old windows. It’s just that installing new windows for the sake of saving energy is almost never cost effective. The payback on this kind of investment can be as high as 20 years.
According to EnergyStar.gov, replacing windows will save 7 to 24 percent of your heating and air-conditioning bills, but the larger savings would be associated with replacing single-glazed (single pane) windows. However, if you are replacing windows for other reasons anyway, in many areas the additional cost of Energy Star–rated replacement windows is very modest, perhaps $15 per window. This upgrade would be cost-effective—and increase your comfort to boot.
So the next time someone tells you you need new windows, ask them why specifically and more importantly ask them to work out the simple payback for you. That way you will have a more objective basis from which to make your decision. If you are truly looking for the most cost effective way to reduce your energy bills, there are much less expensive fixes you should tackle first, such as replacing your light bulbs with CFLs, air sealing your house, adding or improving your insulation, sealing your duct work, replacing your aging refrigerator, water heater or heating and cooling unit. All of these measure are typically much less expensive than windows and will have a greater impact on your energy consumption.
