There are several reasons why you might want to replace your old ones. New windows will tilt easily making cleaning more efficient and they won’t be drafty. While they will be effective than your old windows, it can cost anything from $300 to $1500 to replace each window, and that may not be worth it. Here’s a few things you need to know before you make any decision.
1. New windows aren’t cheap
The dual-paned windows popular today are almost twice as effective heat and air conditioning as the single-paned units that were in demand a few decades ago. They are however only 15% more efficient if the old units have storm windows installed in them. Considering that windows make up just a tiny percentage of a building’s exterior envelope, new windows will produce 15% total energy savings at best. The average homeowner in the US spends up to $1,000 annually to both heat and cool their home. Assuming you’re the average homeowner and you decide to replace all your old windows, it’ll take you more than a century to get back your investment.
2. Consider maintenance
Ask any expert renovator and they’ll tell you that the solid wood products used today aren’t as durable as those used 50 or even 100 years ago. So if you want to avoid seeing your new windows rot you may want to consider a solid wood alternative. Vinyl windows are a pretty good and affordable choice. You can also get real wood windows that has be cladded with an aluminum skin on the outside. The cladding comes factory painted with whatever color you choose.
3. Carry our repairs on old windows
Just because your old windows rattle, are drafty, and won’t stay open doesn’t mean they have to be replaced. A good handyman, carpenter, or if you can afford it, a window restoration specialist can have your old windows operating like brand new. These artisans can help you replace broken panes, sash cords, glazing, hardware, add weather stripping, and free up upper sash that have been painted shut. Renovations can cost about $100 to $350 for each window. Sometimes the windows in old houses are so beautiful that replacing isn’t a viable option. There are also more cost-effective ways than replacing windows to slash energy bills such as adding basement and attic insulation.
4. Aesthetics are key
According to the National Association of Realtor’s 2016 Cost Versus Value study, most homeowners get back about 73% of the amount used in replacing their windows when they resell their house. If you chose the wrong windows as replacements, it can detract from the value of your home. Original wood windows are important architectural features just like built in cabinets and mantelpieces. If you replace them with a lesser product, you reduce the quality of the house. If you carry out any replacement job, make sure that the replacement windows match the look of the original windows. Use wood and not vinyl to replace existing wood windows and make sure that the number of panes in each replacement window match the original.
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