Why Windows Are Not the Number 1 Energy Efficiency Priority!

All my buyers want new windows. Hey, I want new windows! But even with the new federal tax credit of $1500, new energy efficient windows don't give you the bang for your energy efficiency buck that you'd think they do. One of the presenters at the ACI Whole House as System presentation that I went to in State College, PA last week made the point. He said homeowners lose 20% of their heat through the windows. Say your heating bill is $1500 for heating season. $300 of that is from heat loss through older windows. Spend $7500 for replacements. Your window efficiency goes from R-1 to R-3, and you save $150 a year. That means 50 years to recover the cost of the new windows! Wow. Better spend the $7500 to plug leaks and insulate. Insulation can take your walls and your ceilings to R-13 or even R-19--way better than R-3. Much faster payback. So caulk and seal your older windows and then gradually replace two a year with architecturally appropriate windows that preserve the character and resale value of your house!