Replace windows and doors?

I don't know if this is the right thread for this but I will try. This morning I went to the local hardware store to buy a sash chord to replace in a sash window. The owner commented that this was pretty old technology. I replied that i am pretty cheap and won't replace windows and doors that are still good just for appearances.

He said, and this is the question, that with the difference in R factors between old sash windows and new windows, that i would probably break even with replacing them, given the heating savings.

Now, only some of the windows are sash windows--and they have an exterior Roscoe aluminum window on the outside. The aluminum windows and storm doors are not the newest technology, either. They are a little newer than the sash windows, however.

Question. I hear many opiniions on whether this change would make sense economically. Will I really save enough on energy to really make the difference? Are there some criteria that I can use to discern between the different opinions?

I live in a cold climate, by the way.

thanks for any help
Joe

 

No..you probably really won't save enough to pay for the windows in what most people would call a reasonable amount of time. Of course this depends on your bills, type/age of heating and cooling systems, age of home, number of windows, amount of insulation, etc, etc. The payback time will be less if you do all the work of course. Imagine paying say $5000 for install of the windows..if they reduce your bills by 10% how much will you save based on your past bills? If your bills are only $200 a month then you save $240 a year, which means you pay for the windows in about 21 yrs. Of course with the tax benefits they are having right now, that helps as well, but it requires very efficient (more $$$) windows.

If your windows are in reasonable shape and the storms are as well...then you would probably benefit more by adding insulation if needed, new weatherstripping, caulking, sealing outlets and ceiling penetrations..etc.

Many window replacements are dictated more by desire for lower maintenance or old windows that just can't be reasonably repaired anymore.

 

Hi Joe, Gg is right on the money. If you are replacing them for other reasons, then there is the benefit that the new ones will save on energy. But some of that savings will come from a better installation. For that, where you detect air leakage, you can pull the window trim, foam seal, and refinish. There are many places where a bit of effort will have a much faster "return on investment". CFL's in high use locations can save their cost in one month. Air sealing with a can of foam and some caulking can payback if 2 to six months (have to wait for winter).

GL
Bud

 

all of the above, but to add. If you have single pane double hung wood windows, you can figure to save 25-35% on fuel bills, with Lo-E/argon windows. You can do the math, but it will take a while for a payback. On a $1000 annual fuel bill you can save about $300, a bit less than a quality replacement window will cost, so 10 windows will take a long time to payback. BUT.........you will have better comfort since cold drafts from the old windows will be gone. And that new glass blocks 95% of the harmful UV rays that fade colors. And it will improve the resale value of the home.