It is difficult to decide whether to replace those old windows. Sometimes only few windows out of many in a house are beyond repair. New windows cost a lot of money – $6000 to $23000 for an average home to replace all windows. Here are some considerations:
- Energy Efficiency Today, most windows are made of double glass panes with coatings, called low-E, on the inside surfaces. The space between the glass panes can be filled with argon or krypton gas. The new glass technology makes the house much more energy efficient by keeping the heat in the house in winter and the heat out of the house in summer. Better construction of the windows and frames also reduces the air leakage. However, the return on investment based on energy savings alone can take a long time, depending on the climate area you are living in.
- Comfort We frequently hear complaints about cold spots in a house, especially near window areas. If you feel a cold draft near a window, it may not be caused only by window leaks. It can also be caused by the cold single panes zapping heat from your body and making you feel cold and uncomfortable. Remember, from physics, heat always moves toward cold, that’s why your body heat moves toward the windows. New windows make you feel more comfortable by reducing the heat transfer from your body towards the windows. In addition, energy efficient windows keep the temperature inside the house more uniform hence improve the overall comfort level.
- Aesthetics New windows can be an critical part to the overall look of a house. Part of the cost of new windows should be attributed to making the house a pleasing place for you.
- Noise reduction Double pane windows are more effective than single pane ones in keeping noise from entering the house.
For more information about choosing windows, see windows basics and high performance windows.
