Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Richards
I had double pane windows put in when we remodeled our house. All exterior walls and the attic were insulated then, too. Our utilities are pretty reasonable.
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Do you have at least a year's base line utilities cost before the remodel?
I'm not nit picking. I sold and installed windows (and doors) for 25 years. Most windows represent about 5% of the energy envelope in their immediate surrounding in terms of conduction and radiation control. (They represent 15 to 20% of wall area, but you have to consider attic and under-house area.) However, insulation can represent the entire left over 95%. Not often does it, but far more than a window. Furthermore, a really energy efficient window has an R factor of 5 or less. Windows are not rated in R factors and in fact offer a great deal more in performance such as much, much less convective energy loss. Every house is different and needs a before and after energy audit before any claims can be made.
I never ever sold windows with exaggerated energy claims. Instead, I focused on the quietness and cleanliness of new windows and let the savings fall where they may. So ROI isn't all there is to window replacement.