Home Improvements?
February 21, 2010 by Homes Redo
Filed under home improvements
I want to replace the existing windows in my home with the energy saving windows that are always advertised. My question is: has anyone replaced theirs recently-if so, did you choose the double pane or the triple pane windows. The triple cost about $15,000 to replace the ones in the upstairs of my house, and the double might only be around $6,000. However, if the energy savings is vastly different, then it would be worthwhile to pay more for the better “quality.” I am also thinking in terms of resale value-which would net more, the double, triple or does it matter? Thanks for your help!
The winters are pretty chilly, sometimes in low negative digits, and the summers get up too the 110′s +-I live in the Midwest. Does anyone remember how much they paid?
It depends on where you live and how cold the winters are and how hot the summers are. We have replaced windows in two homes, one in Indiana and the other here in Tennessee and we always went with double pane. The wider the gap between the two windows the more insulating they are, in our home in Indiana I think it was 3/4 of an inch, here in Tennesse it is less than that but the winters are milder here, plus they put a tint on the windows that helps with the sun in the summer.
When we lived in Indiana we went thru Windows Doors and more. They done a great job.
We replaced our old windows with the double paned ones and were quite happy with the results. I guess if you live in an area where it gets very, very cold (like North Dakota), it would pay to get the triple paned windows. Otherwise, I don’t think the resale value and/or the savings is going to add up to $9,000 real soon. Your saleman should be able to provide you with figures showing costs and savings.
i am a ticketed glazier and i can tell you that you are wasting money if you go triple. windows, as a general rule do not provide much R value as it is (R5 if i remember correctly). the additional insulation value with triple glazed is so small that it wouldn’t even be noticed. save your money and go with high quality double glazed.
My suggestion would be the upstair windows make them the double, for the simple fact of storms. You wouldn’t want to spend that much money on windows for them too shatter and double panel is safer for when it comes to pressure. The triple panel will weigh more and if the pressure from a storm gets strong enough to pull/push through the window frame the more dangerous the triple panel would be. But thats’ just my thoughts, I know the also say the lighter the faster it flies so you really the final decision is up to you!
double will be fine. get the best quality you can. FITTING is very important, even the best units won’t work if there is a poor seal between the window and the walls.
we paid 15000 for 5 wooden-framed double-glazed units and a front door fitted by the best company here in France (Tryba). The door makes a lot of difference.