Storm windows – replace old alum w.new vinyl or better, OR replace all windows w/new E insul glass etc?
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| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
My 1920 house has no insul in walls, skimpy fiberglass bats in attic= drafty. 1000 gals($3000) oil per yr (NW CT).Original
windows were replaced by new single pane 6/6 some40 yrs ago, look fair shape.. Alum storms are shot. What should I do.? I
am hoping to last another 5+ yrs here. … Should I suck it up, pay the oil, let new owners deal w/ it (assuming it CAN be sold in these times)? Can anyone est cost each window to buy and install
(1) new storms only vs
(2)new good window, including screens
I am nearing 80 and starting to “lose It” (ya’ll will too) so can’t do cost/benefit thing) Help appreciated…. Paul
Replies
Skip the windows and storms.
The payback for windows in terms of energy efficiency gains is many many years down the road.
The most cost effective an quickest payback with respect to energy savings for your situation (and easiest to accopmlish) would be to blow cellulose insulation into th eattic. Don't skimp on the insulation, most of the cost is in getting the contractor to show up. It's also the cheapest way to add value to your house when you you do sell it, in my opinion. I'd put in at least enough to get you to R60. Ensure the contractor you hire is conscientious enough to pay attention to deatisl related to attic ventilation.
Good luck with your project.
By the way there are likely a variety of rebates available to you for this kind of energy retrofit work. You might want to check out FHB's sister site greenbuildingadvisor.com for related info and help tracking down rebates.
Andrew
Agreed.
You might want to go a step further and see what it would take to have an energy auditor come out. Talk to the utility companies first, they may have free or subsidized programs. Air sealing, duct sealing, and insulation are probably the things you want to start with, and there may be rebates or other incentives for some of the cost.
The shrink-fit clear plastic that you stick over the windows (versions available for both indoors and outdoors) is cheap and effective -- probably works better than a storm. Yeah, for windows you want to open in the summer you'd have to redo it each fall, but that's not a major chore for most windows, especially if you work from the inside.
For prices on new windows, I'm sure there are a dozen outfits near you that would LOVE to come and give you estimates. If you can resist their fast-talking sales pitches you'll have a good general idea of the range of prices you're dealing with.
Reply to comment The shrink-fit clear plastic by DanH in reply
Thanks...that's the ticket! I should have thought of the simple, low cost answer. I will do it. May be boring, but what the h - cheep and effective , in the short term. Paul