Energy Efficient Replacement Windows May or May Not be Your Best Choice to Energy Efficiency

Can't Live Without 'em

Wanna score some serious energy savings? Just eliminate most of the windows and doors in your house. Yeah, right. Who wants to live in a home that looks and feels like a warehouse? Windows and doors provide views, ventilation and convenient access, while also contributing to the overall character of your house. These are all significant quality-of-life factors, and after all isn't that why you love your house? But it's important to make windows and doors as energy efficient as possible.

Watch Out for the "Big Savings" Sales Pitch

"The promotion I got in the mail says I can save hundreds of dollars this winter if I get new windows." Boy oh boy, that sure sounds good, and it's "technically" right. But you better check the fine print. It's entirely possible that you might save around $200 ("hundreds" of dollars) per year by replacing old windows with more energy-efficient new windows. But when you consider that the bill to replace all a home's windows can easily top $15,000, the wisdom of this energy upgrade is questionable.

Saving only a few hundred dollars per year, it would take many, many years to recover your investment. That's why it's wise to talk to Dr. Energy Saver before you commit to replacing your windows for home energy savings. Make sure you carefully consider other energy upgrades with quicker payback. Replacing windows makes the most sense when you have very old, excessively leaky windows or when you are doing a complete rehab (what contractors call a "gut job") on an older house. Of course, there are aesthetic reasons that may also influence your decision. Just so long as you don't get fooled on the big savings sales pitch.

Caulk and Weatherstrip Windows for Better Energy Efficiency

There are a number of ways to make your windows more energy efficient without committing to expensive replacement windows. Dr. Energy Saver can help you decide which upgrades are best for your situation.

• Caulk the trim around each window. Sometimes this air-sealing step is all that's required to stop air leakage around each window.
• Seal and insulate the shim space. To access the shim space, the window casing (trim) will need to be removed. The same casing can usually be reinstalled after sealing and insulating are done.
• Add window weatherstripping. If your windows are loose in their jambs or don't close securely, this upgrade will reduce energy loss significantly. Dr. Energy Saver will determine which types of weatherstripping are compatible with your windows, and then properly install the weatherstripping to help make your windows perform better. 
• Add storm windows. If your existing windows are single pane windows, you should consider adding storm windows. Dr. Energy Saver can  install storm windows that will help you reduce heat loss.

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