According to a recent study windows with a higher R value (inverse of the U value) are a better ROI than increasing insulation throughout the home or installing a solar system. Obviously there are some caveats to this blanket statement but it points out a consideration that many people have forgotten with all the talk about better performing insulation and cheaper solar systems.
If you’re interested in installing replacement windows in your home it’s important to learn about all the options and what will help you get the best ROI. By far the most important factor in increasing your ROI is purchasing replacement windows with a very low U factor (high R value).
Today that means stepping up to triple pane glass with Low-E coatings and Argon gas filling between panes. The slight difference in cost between double pane and triple pane (15% to 20% typically) is quickly offset by the energy savings. An average double pane window has a U factor of 0.34 (R = 3) while a triple pane window typically has a U factor of 0.25 to 0.20 (R = 5). As you can see the cost of 20% can be quickly offset with a U factor almost 3 times better.
You’ll also need to decide whether you want to install wood, vinyl or fiberglass replacement windows. Each has their pros and cons but the overwhelming biggest choice today are vinyl replacement windows.
Lastly the best quality replacement windows won’t do much good if they are installed poorly. Replacement windows are notorious for drafts when installers rush the installation. Regardless of who installs them be sure that the windows are sealed properly and all gaps around the frames are insulated and sealed.
Page: 1 2
Which is Better a Stick Nailer or Coil Nailer? Framers have many choices in nailers…
Estimating How Many Nails for a New Roof When it comes to estimating materials for…
Composite / PVC Decking Layout Tips and Advice Composite and PVC decking have really changed…
Benefits of ERV Systems (Energy Recovery Ventilator) If you're building a new home or doing…
Vermiculite Attic Insulation If your home was built before 1990 there is a chance it…
Arc Fault (AFCI) Circuit Breakers Tripping Often An arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) or arc-fault detection…
View Comments
Hmm that is surprising. But the paying to see the report seems fishy. What size, style, and age house were they talking about? I have done extensive energy analysis on our house and come up with a attic insulation being the best ROI by far. I've done two energy models and a hand calc to determine our heating and cooling loads of our house before we installed the geothermal system.
Robin - It's actually free. I was able to download it after submitting my email and address. The analysis uses a single pane window (which many older homes have) and compares it to today's triple pane windows. Frankly it's not that surprising based on my experience. We've built several new homes the last couple of years with triple pane windows and the difference is staggering in heating bills. Especially when you consider that I'm comparing those houses to the same insulated homes that have double pane. Certainly an interesting idea worth thinking about.
How right you are. I spent 24 years in the window replacement business in NY, now retired in South Carolina. The biggest heat loss in your house is the windows, doors and roof in that order. Everyones concerned with insulation in the walls, you don't lose that much heat there. If there's no insulation, what you at least have is an inner and outer wall with dead air in between. All insulation does is create dead air space. What the wall does not have is a hole in it where cold air is coming in. Windows do, it's called drafts or air infiltration if you prefer. So you are correct. A good window can provide big energy savings.
Jimp