Repair rather than Replace Windows

Your Path to Energy Savings
By Shawn Lindabury, Special to The Ithaca Journal
November 22, 2010

hinking about replacing your old windows to cut your heating bill? Contrary to what most people think, replacing windows is not a cost-effective ways to save energy. Windows are very expensive and can take 20 to 50 years to pay back through energy savings.  While replacement windows do save energy, there are other steps you can take that will save a lot of energy and cost far less.

Seal your existing windows to save substantial amounts of energy-and money.  Hunt for air leaks by feeling for cold air and checking for rattling windows or curtains on a cold winter day. To seal any air leaks, latch windows tightly, caulk and weatherstrip.

Adding storm windows is another way to significantly cut down on heating loss through existing windows.  Storm windows can cut down heat loss from each window by 50 percent.  Efficient storm windows with a low-e coating can function just as well as new replacement windows at a fraction of the cost.  Low-e glass has a microscopically-thin coating that helps keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer.  A low-cost option for reducing heat loss is to install plastic sheeting on the interior of windows during the winter.

If you do decide to replace your existing windows for other reasons than saving energy (aesthetics, comfort, or ease of use) be sure to buy the most efficient unit you can afford.  Read the performance label and look for an energy star rated window with the lowest U-factor, a measure of heat flow. Buy a low-e coated and gas filled unit to maximize your energy savings

Last Updated: May 25, 2011