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Old 04-24-2019, 11:38 AM   #221
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Unfortunately, all of my windows have condensation between the panes. The current windows are “functional”, I suppose, but detract from aesthetics/curb appeal, and by extension, the home’s value.

Not expecting any dramatic drop in the cost of utilities...
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Old 04-24-2019, 11:49 AM   #222
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Originally Posted by aja8888 View Post
On one person's new windows, squirrels are chewing on the plastic frames, literally destroying them. He can't get them to stop and is having a fit over this.
What a nightmare! I'm glad I had all those very old/dying oak trees removed when I first bought this house. The squirrel population on my property went to almost zero after I did.
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when we lost the screen for the bedroom window and I could not get a replacement frame made, I decided that it was time for the 40+ year old windows to be replaced....mostly so I could open the bedroom window on cool summer evenings.
I know many people like to sleep with the windows open, but I sleep better with them closed because I feel safer from intruders.
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I think that's true of most energy-saving moves- you never make up the original cost.
That's for sure.
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That $30K window job was for over 30 windows and a french door (4,500 sq ft house). Crazy.
Now, I could see getting my double French doors replaced because one of them is a "fake" door and isn't intended to open. So, although they look like double doors which could be useful for bringing large items into and out of the house, they aren't. But this is not really at the top of my list of fun things to pay for. And, if I converted them to true double doors, I'd have to figure out a foolproof way to ensure that they would never, ever blow open, even in hurricane conditions. That happened once with the double doors at my old house, during Hurricane Isaac when we were evacuated, and what a mess - - carpet, drywall, everything had to go.
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Unfortunately, all of my windows have condensation between the panes. The current windows are “functional”, I suppose, but detract from aesthetics/curb appeal, and by extension, the home’s value.

Not expecting any dramatic drop in the cost of utilities...
I hate having that condensation, which was a problem at my old house but not here because my windows and French doors are all single paned.
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Old 04-24-2019, 12:54 PM   #223
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I've always read that, despite what most windows salespeople will tell you, it would take quite a few decades for even the most energy-efficient windows to pay for themselves, which is why window replacement is a tough decision, there's likely no clear savings advantage.
Even though I know that the payback is very long when I replaced my windows a decade ago I went with triple pane. But, I live in a harsh winter climate and did it for the comfort factor...when it's -35 you can stand near the window and not feel a chill. A bonus is that they also block out a lot more noise than basic double panes.
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Old 04-24-2019, 01:05 PM   #224
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A bonus is that they also block out a lot more noise than basic double panes.
Yes, triple pane windows are really great at sound protection, but obviously that comes at a high cost.

I've often read that it's overkill for most people unless they live close to a busy highway or noisy city street. But of course in your case the climate control is another very valuable feature so I think it makes sense where you live.

I'm debating it for when we get around to window replacement. Fairly close to a highway and also a busy hospital (sirens at all hours).
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Old 04-24-2019, 01:11 PM   #225
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New windows all around is on our list too. Already replaced the big sliding glass door at $3800, seven more (much smaller) to go.
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Old 04-24-2019, 01:11 PM   #226
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Yes, triple pane windows are really great at sound protection, but obviously that comes at a high cost.

I've often read that it's overkill for most people unless they live close to a busy highway or noisy city street. But of course in your case the climate control is another very valuable feature so I think it makes sense where you live.

I'm debating it for when we get around to window replacement. Fairly close to a highway and also a busy hospital (sirens at all hours).
I don't remember them being that much more money but maybe that's because they're very common up here. They may come at a premium in moderate climates.

I actually didn't even consider the noise reduction factor as my main goal was comfort...it was only after I installed them that I noticed how much quieter it was.
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Old 04-24-2019, 01:36 PM   #227
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Had triple pane low E windows installed maybe five years ago. Well worth the $$$, both in terms of heat loss/gain and noise block. They were custom made by Marvin. As an added benefit they open in. Makes for easy cleaning. And can also be tilted in. For ventilation.
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Old 04-24-2019, 03:14 PM   #228
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We remodeled our retirement house before we moved in 9 years ago, and since so much NEEDED to be done, I decided not to replace the kitchen/breakfast room tile. I've regretted the decision for at least 8.5 years, and finally decided to replace it. Demo is scheduled for next Wednesday and tile guy will start Thursday.

Also decided to replace 15 year old water heaters. Found out we really only need one, and they will also install a recirculating pump and crossover valve which reduces both energy and water use (much faster to get hot water to the faucets and less cold water going into the tank). Had considered going tankless but the electrical work required convinced us otherwise. Next project will be to convert the hallway water heater closet into a usable closet, probably for linens and cleaning supplies, which will be quite nice.
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Old 04-24-2019, 05:15 PM   #229
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We replaced all our windows and the main thing I noticed was the huge decrease in traffic noise. We live on a fairly busy street near a high school. But it also helped with the winter drafts here in frigid MN. Previously we had to keep curtains/blinds closed to be comfortable. When it is freezing here it is usually sunny, and you have the feeling of warmth seeing the sun.
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Old 04-24-2019, 08:34 PM   #230
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DW wants to replace the windows in our ~50 yo condo. There are 15 of them. While they are nothing to write how about the do open and close, no fogging, and all have screens (some of which I have replaced). I'm not keen on it... a lot of $$$ for little benefit.

Given that we spent $700 on electricity for the entire year in 2018, even if new windows saved 1/2 of that the payback is virtually nothing. There is the sound factor... DW is sensitive... I'm not... perhaps I'll just buy her an outstanding set of earplugs.

So how much would 15 - 36"w x 48"h double-hung windows cost? I'm guessing at least $15k and more like $30k.
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Old 04-24-2019, 11:10 PM   #231
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DW wants to replace the windows in our ~50 yo condo. There are 15 of them. While they are nothing to write how about the do open and close, no fogging, and all have screens (some of which I have replaced). I'm not keen on it... a lot of $$$ for little benefit.

Given that we spent $700 on electricity for the entire year in 2018, even if new windows saved 1/2 of that the payback is virtually nothing. There is the sound factor... DW is sensitive... I'm not... perhaps I'll just buy her an outstanding set of earplugs.

So how much would 15 - 36"w x 48"h double-hung windows cost? I'm guessing at least $15k and more like $30k.

I’m replacing thirteen windows, various sizes, with alleged mid-grade vinyl windows, for $6850.
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Old 04-25-2019, 05:37 AM   #232
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DW wants to replace the windows in our ~50 yo condo. There are 15 of them. While they are nothing to write how about the do open and close, no fogging, and all have screens (some of which I have replaced). I'm not keen on it... a lot of $$$ for little benefit.

Given that we spent $700 on electricity for the entire year in 2018, even if new windows saved 1/2 of that the payback is virtually nothing. There is the sound factor... DW is sensitive... I'm not... perhaps I'll just buy her an outstanding set of earplugs.

So how much would 15 - 36"w x 48"h double-hung windows cost? I'm guessing at least $15k and more like $30k.
I recently got a quote for 2 Andersen 36"x48" windows for a rental unit for $2700. I laughed so hard, he left immediately.
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Old 04-25-2019, 08:38 AM   #233
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So unless a window is broken or not operating properly, I just don't see the value proposition when my annual electric bill (including HVAC) is only $700 a year.
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Old 04-25-2019, 02:31 PM   #234
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So unless a window is broken or not operating properly, I just don't see the value proposition when my annual electric bill (including HVAC) is only $700 a year.
I think I just found your value proposition

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DW wants to replace the windows in our ~50 yo condo. T
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Old 04-25-2019, 02:33 PM   #235
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Perhaps at your house.
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Old 04-25-2019, 02:42 PM   #236
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In 2010 we replaced 12 windows and our front door for $9999. They are vinyl windows that open in for cleaning. They replaced 30 year old wood windows that were drafty and noisy.
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Old 04-27-2019, 09:20 AM   #237
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In another spending category: Just put down a deposit on a trip to the Galapagos in March, 2020 with Overseas Adventure Travel; I took them to India and Nepal last year and was VERY impressed and they don't charge a Single Supplement. I'd joked that I wanted to go there so I could see a blue-footed booby- and then I saw them in the Sea of Cortez last month. Well, I'm going to the Galapagos anyway.

I am SO blessed!
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Old 04-27-2019, 10:13 AM   #238
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Just blew 1k on 4 cases of steaks and chicken. Does that count?
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Old 04-27-2019, 11:33 AM   #239
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Hired a roofer to tear off a double layer of shingles and replace with verigated architectural shingle. It looks great!
Not really a Blow the Dough thing but it put a dent in this year's spending.
Went with the 30 year shingles instead of the 40 year ones as I don't think I'll be able to climb up there to put the second layer on at 100 years old.
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Old 04-28-2019, 05:16 PM   #240
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