We have a brick ranch home that was built in the mid 60's and live in the Atlanta area. It is time to replace all the windows as they are the original ones and are a little drafty to say the least. So, the $64,000 question is which ones will provide the best energy savings for the money? Now, they are wood and single payne... Double glass? What should they be filled with?(Type of gas) and finally, how much of the investment will we get when we sell the house?
Thanks for any and all help inadvance.
Take care

 

If the frames are in good condition, it is considerably less expensvie to replace only the sash. Marvin and several others make wood replacement sashes that offer energy efficiency and can look like the originals with maintenance free exteriors and wood interiors. Another way to go is vinyl replacement windows. The old sash is removed and a new complete window is inserted into the old frame. This reduces the glass area somewhat but is usually the least expensive method. Both of these window methods produce minimal mess, and the window frames may not even need repainting or touchup. Avoid local name brand windows. They may offer long warranties, but the warranty is useless if the company is gone in 5 yrs. Your area does not require very high insulation values, but more is better(IMHO), especially with quickly rising energy costs. I recommend at a minimum, Lo-E and argon dbl glass. Look for a U values of less than .30. One of the side benefits is sound insulation over your old windows.

 

Bill, thanks for your help with thi sissue. Looks like it is time to go shopping.

Take care

Dan

 

I mentioned Marvin, they make quality products. I did not mention Andersen Renewal, pricey but also an excellent product(no, I don't sell Andersen Renewal). I sell Certainteed vinyl replacement windows(yes, I am biased), which I did not mention. National company with over 100 yrs with home improvement products.