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speede5 · 03-03-2010, 11:24 AM

I have recently replaced all the windows in two houses, first was a flip and the second we are renovating to live in. Unless your windows leak (air/water), have broken seals between panes (cloudy), or are just old single panes the return on investment is quite a ways into the future. New windows are great for appearance, and convenience, but as far as energy goes even the best window is still the least efficient component of your house.

When you consider a wall is built to a minimum of R-12 (2x4 with batt ins.) a dual pane will get you approx. R-5 and a triple around R-7. Triples are not worth the investment for energy, but more so for noise. In the city I would use triples just for the noise. I put triple clear in the flip (not a good invesment but we were prepared to stay there if need be) and was amazed at how quiet it was. I went with dual low e in our new house as it is in the country and there is no noise to block. Low e is nice for saving furniture from fading. Argon is overrated as it disipates after a few years, but it's not a huge expense and if you want low-e you usually get the argon. A well sealed pane of glass is fine without argon.

If your windows are in good shape and you want to improve your energy losses you may be best off to pop off the casings and spray foam the gaps between the windows and the rough wall. Use low expansion foam and seal all your windows. If the windows are in good shape already this is probably the only thing you would be improving by buying new windows anyway (energywise).

New windows have some great features, easier to clean, better hardware, and they sure look nice but I am not at all sold on the energy savings and the break even point is a long way out.

As far as price, I spent $9000 on the triple clears, for a one level bugalow, including a massive living room window (132"x 52) and three large bedroom (113x30) batroom, kitchen, dining room and 5 basement sliders. (3 years ago)

I just spent $11000 on a two story farmhouse, with a smaller picture window, 5 bedroom casement windows, three large (80x46) fixed awnings and kitchen, dining, living room windows. (dual low e argon with grilles)

Doors extra. All installations by me.

03-03-2010, 11:24 AM	#18
speede5 First Line Centre Join Date: Sep 2009 Exp:	I have recently replaced all the windows in two houses, first was a flip and the second we are renovating to live in. Unless your windows leak (air/water), have broken seals between panes (cloudy), or are just old single panes the return on investment is quite a ways into the future. New windows are great for appearance, and convenience, but as far as energy goes even the best window is still the least efficient component of your house. When you consider a wall is built to a minimum of R-12 (2x4 with batt ins.) a dual pane will get you approx. R-5 and a triple around R-7. Triples are not worth the investment for energy, but more so for noise. In the city I would use triples just for the noise. I put triple clear in the flip (not a good invesment but we were prepared to stay there if need be) and was amazed at how quiet it was. I went with dual low e in our new house as it is in the country and there is no noise to block. Low e is nice for saving furniture from fading. Argon is overrated as it disipates after a few years, but it's not a huge expense and if you want low-e you usually get the argon. A well sealed pane of glass is fine without argon. If your windows are in good shape and you want to improve your energy losses you may be best off to pop off the casings and spray foam the gaps between the windows and the rough wall. Use low expansion foam and seal all your windows. If the windows are in good shape already this is probably the only thing you would be improving by buying new windows anyway (energywise). New windows have some great features, easier to clean, better hardware, and they sure look nice but I am not at all sold on the energy savings and the break even point is a long way out. As far as price, I spent $9000 on the triple clears, for a one level bugalow, including a massive living room window (132"x 52) and three large bedroom (113x30) batroom, kitchen, dining room and 5 basement sliders. (3 years ago) I just spent $11000 on a two story farmhouse, with a smaller picture window, 5 bedroom casement windows, three large (80x46) fixed awnings and kitchen, dining, living room windows. (dual low e argon with grilles) Doors extra. All installations by me.