Browsing online salvage stores (as we’re wont to do), we came across an article arguing against replacing old windows with new. In the broadest of strokes, the author Mark Pierce’s point is that the present value of the extra heating cost resulting from the marginal inefficiency of your old windows does not come close to the clost of installing replacement windows. Here’s his logic:

- My existing 19 windows lose about 17.4 million BTU’s of heat each heating season
- The annual cost of this lost heat is about $130
- New highly efficient ENERGY STAR* rated vinyl replacement windows would lose about 2 million BTU’s of heat annually. The annual cost of this lost heat would be about $16.
- If I install the vinyl replacement windows the total annual savings on my heating bill would be about $114.
- To realize this annual $114 savings I would need to invest $8000 in vinyl replacement windows.

His conclusion: “Spending $8,000 to save a little over $100 per year is not a good method for saving lots of money on heating bills. And vinyl windows will subtract from the beauty of my older home, rather than add to it as my older windows do. In addition, there are other less expensive options available to me for reducing loss of heat through my older windows.”

We don’t know much about this subject but expect a few of you will have some strong opinions!
Fix Up Those Older Windows [Significant Elements]