Replacing old windows can greatly reduce your energy usage, but unless your current ones are extremely inefficient, you likely won’t recover the cost of the project from the resulting energy savings. But there are other good reasons to replace old windows. Maybe they’re ugly, rotting or broken, drafty, or just hard to wash. You also might want to minimize your home’s energy use and the environmental impact, regardless of cost. You might also want to install an entirely new window.
As you shop, remember the kind of windows you buy will affect your home’s appearance, the amount of light admitted, your comfort, and energy savings. Plus, some windows last longer than others.
Check sales claims about energy savings with the comparisons we make in our article below on energy efficiency and by consulting EfficientWindows.org . For information on durability, check the results of Consumer Reports ’ tests. Also compare warranties.
There are, unfortunately, a lot of unhappy window installation customers. But in our surveys of consumers some installers received very high ratings from their surveyed customers.
Obtain several price quotes. Our undercover shoppers found big price differences. For example, for one window replacement job they received quotes from companies that ranged from $2,440 to $8,112.
