Join Early Retirement Today
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
new windows
Old 04-30-2010, 08:55 AM   #1
Full time employment: Posting here.
mn54's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: mpls, mn
Posts: 763
new windows

I've been thinking of replacing my 26 yr. old windows. Since the govt. will help with a $1500 rebate, this might be a good time. Anybody else having this done? Which window mfgr. are you using? Up here in the north country I think newer windows can make a big difference in your heating bills, not to mention condensation.
mn54 is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 Early Retirement and Financial Independence Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

Are you planning to be financially independent as early as possible so you can live life on your own terms? Discuss successful investing strategies, asset allocation models, tax strategies and other related topics in our online forum community. Our members range from young folks just starting their journey to financial independence, military retirees and even multimillionaires. No matter where you fit in you'll find that Early-Retirement.org is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with our members, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create a retirement blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 04-30-2010, 09:12 AM   #2
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
IndependentlyPoor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Austin
Posts: 1,142
We replaced the 1950s metal casement windows in our house with modern Kolbe&Kolbe windows. The brand choice was entirely at the recommendation of our contractor, whom we trusted.

The K&K rep came out and spent several hours figuring out how to do the job with the fewest custom-sized windows. We ended up having to have some custom sized (1950s aspect ratios were different that the present standards) windows made, but fewer than we expected. It turns out that having the trim a little wider or narrower here and there is not noticeable. You actually pay separately for custom widths and custom heights, so a standard width window that is non-standard height is cheaper than a fully custom one.

The new windows were fantastic and I wish we had done it years earlier. In addition to the expected heating/cooling savings, we found that the house was much quieter and much less dusty.

Still, it was very expensive.
__________________
Start by admitting
from cradle to tomb
it isn't that long a stay.
IndependentlyPoor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2010, 09:18 AM   #3
Moderator
Walt34's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Eastern WV Panhandle
Posts: 25,302
FIL had the 30-year-old single-pane windows replaced with medium-priced double-pane windows last fall and it did cut his electric bill (heat pump) by almost half. The old ones did have storm windows too, but they didn't do much to reduce heat loss.
__________________
When I was a kid I wanted to be older. This is not what I expected.
Walt34 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2010, 09:23 AM   #4
Moderator Emeritus
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 12,894
Quote:
Originally Posted by mn54 View Post
I've been thinking of replacing my 26 yr. old windows. Since the govt. will help with a $1500 rebate, this might be a good time. Anybody else having this done? Which window mfgr. are you using? Up here in the north country I think newer windows can make a big difference in your heating bills, not to mention condensation.
I too was thinking about taking advantage of the rebate by changing our 32-year old windows (single pane) but, after doing some research, I can't justify the expense. Our old windows are still in pretty good condition, our utility bills are already fairly low (we live in the south) so it would take many, many years for the energy savings to pay for the cost of replacing the windows (even after rebate). So we might look at other ways to get our hands on that rebate.
FIREd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2010, 09:47 AM   #5
Moderator Emeritus
Bestwifeever's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 17,773
We replaced 10 windows last summer and our heating bill went down but also the house is no longer drafty, much quieter, and less dusty. We used Pella. It was nice to get the tax credit. I think it adds to the home value (or at least may make a potential buyer choose the home with the newer windows over the others all else being equal), but I agree that it probably isn't really that cost-effective.

Someone earlier said it is really easy to replace them yourself if you have the do-it-yourself gene.
__________________
“Would you like an adventure now, or would you like to have your tea first?” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
Bestwifeever is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2010, 09:47 AM   #6
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
travelover's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,328
I went through a similar thought process (get the Gov't rebate) but ended up tuning up my double hung windows. I found that by adding a gasket to the top and bottom sashes and adjusting the center latch, I tightened them up a lot. It may be worth prying off the interior trim boards and sealing the window frames to the structure, if that was done poorly when they were installed. Back in the day, they used to stuff insulation in the crack, but it still leaks as noted by all the dust you'll see trapped there. You can use an incense stick to locate leakage spots if you turn on an exhaust fan or two.

New windows sure would be easier to clean, but I just couldn't justify the expense.
travelover is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2010, 10:58 AM   #7
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
Brat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 7,111
Husband specified Kobe & Kobe for our daughter's very expensive home. They are very pleased, and I don't think it was the most expensive option.
__________________
Duck bjorn.
Brat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2010, 01:51 PM   #8
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Coach's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 1,127
I just had 50 year old steel casement windows in my house replaced with vinyl from Window World. I'm pleased with the result. They cost me about $500 each installed and took a two person crew about an hour each to install.

Coach
__________________
"Comprehensive health insurance is an idea whose time has come in America." President Richard M. Nixon, February 6, 1974
Coach is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2010, 02:44 PM   #9
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Pittsburgh, PA suburbs
Posts: 1,796
I bought a spec house 6 years ago. I checked to see what kind of windows I have. They are Pella, and I have had no problems with them. I seem to have low energy bills and I have not noticed any moisture or draft issues so I would recommend them.
WhoDaresWins is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2010, 03:19 PM   #10
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
Brat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 7,111
Pella has a good product line too.

The piece in this that is missing is the flashing. The best of windows will cause grief if not properly set.
__________________
Duck bjorn.
Brat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2010, 03:58 PM   #11
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,375
We've replaced all 34 of our 45 year old windows the last 5 years and did take advantage of the tax rebate last year. They are Anderson Low-E double hung. Anderson has a very good rep here in Minnesota. Often will see Anderson windows mentioned in house sale listings. Easy to use and clean. Very energy efficient and good quality. They have great service and warranty.

Pella Marvin and Anderson are all top windows.
Danny is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2010, 04:25 PM   #12
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
samclem's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 14,404
We replaced the 18 metal-framed casement windows in our home soon after we moved in,. We bought double-paned vinyl sliders made by Alside. We've been very happy--the house is now much quieter, less drafty, and I suspect our heating bills went down (I had too many other changes going on to get a good before/after number). These Alside windows had good reviews and offered very good "bang for the buck" when compared to more highly promoted brands. (Window World used to sell them, maybe they still do, so I might have the same windows as Coach). Total cost 5 years ago was about $8-9K (IIRC). This home improvement project made a big difference in the comfort level of our home.
No matter which brand you buy, get a good installer who will assure all potential water issues are addressed.
samclem is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2010, 04:57 PM   #13
Administrator
Gumby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 22,973
About a year and a half ago, we replaced every window (28 of them) in our 153 year old house. We wanted to maintain the character of the house (we live in a designated historic district) and therefore tried our best to match the old windows as closely as possible. We went with these
Marvin Ultimate Insert Double Hung Window - Marvin Windows and Doors

We chose the simulated divided light version, because the authentic divided light ones had muntin bars that were too wide and didn't look right.

The new windows look great, both inside and out. The only real difference is that the glass is clear and flat, instead of being wavy and bubbled in spots like the originals. As a bonus, we were able to ditch the ugly aluminum storm windows.

It ran us about $1000 per window, installed.
__________________
Living an analog life in the Digital Age.
Gumby is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2010, 11:22 AM   #14
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,528
I have been thinking about having this done before the rebate expires. Our windows are crappy and 2 of them have cracks. We have 2 windows in the living room that are side by side and are about 6ft by 6ft including the window frames. I really do not like them being that large. I would like to make those 2 windows smaller, if possible. I like light, but we live in a climate that is cold in the wintertime and hot in the summer. I guess that we would need to find someone that is experienced in carpentry and we would need to replace the siding on the house also. If we are going to replace the siding, then probably would need to put in some new insulation, since our house was built in the early 60s. This is sounding more and more expensive.
Dreamer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2010, 01:09 PM   #15
Full time employment: Posting here.
mn54's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: mpls, mn
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by Danny View Post
We've replaced all 34 of our 45 year old windows the last 5 years and did take advantage of the tax rebate last year. They are Anderson Low-E double hung. Anderson has a very good rep here in Minnesota. Often will see Anderson windows mentioned in house sale listings. Easy to use and clean. Very energy efficient and good quality. They have great service and warranty.

Pella Marvin and Anderson are all top windows.
If I may ask, who was the installer for these windows and what was the cost? I also have heard good reviews about these mfgrs. I've read less than flattering things about some less expensive windows. And of course, the installation is just as important, if not more so, than the window.
mn54 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2010, 01:10 PM   #16
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
Brat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 7,111
Dreamer: There are ways to manage that with modern window design. Stick with the major manufacturers and study what they offer.
__________________
Duck bjorn.
Brat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2010, 04:50 PM   #17
Recycles dryer sheets
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 155
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gumby View Post
About a year and a half ago, we replaced every window (28 of them) in our 153 year old house. We wanted to maintain the character of the house (we live in a designated historic district) and therefore tried our best to match the old windows as closely as possible. We went with these
Marvin Ultimate Insert Double Hung Window - Marvin Windows and Doors

We chose the simulated divided light version, because the authentic divided light ones had muntin bars that were too wide and didn't look right.

The new windows look great, both inside and out. The only real difference is that the glass is clear and flat, instead of being wavy and bubbled in spots like the originals. As a bonus, we were able to ditch the ugly aluminum storm windows.

It ran us about $1000 per window, installed.
We also used these Marvin windows for our 78 yr old house. Couldn't be happier. Dramatic noise reduction, draft reduction, ability to open ALL the windows, no sticks holding up windows where the cords seem iffy and DH hadn't gotten to replace them yet, and cleaning is so easy.

Overall window replacement is in 3rd place for best improvement -- only the screened porch and high-velocity air conditioning beat it.
FurBall is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2010, 05:09 PM   #18
Moderator Emeritus
Bestwifeever's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 17,773
I also love that you can wash the outside of the double hung windows with the tilt-in mechanism they have. We paid people to wash the old windows twice a year.
__________________
“Would you like an adventure now, or would you like to have your tea first?” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
Bestwifeever is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2010, 05:11 PM   #19
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,375
Quote:
Originally Posted by mn54 View Post
If I may ask, who was the installer for these windows and what was the cost? I also have heard good reviews about these mfgrs. I've read less than flattering things about some less expensive windows. And of course, the installation is just as important, if not more so, than the window.
Renewal By Andersen Here's a link

Depends on the size - in the $600-900 range complete including install screens tearout and disposal. They often have a "rebate" of about $80 a window when you buy a certain number, plus there's that tax credit from Obama. We had 3 separate installs and all were first rate experiences. Made and installed by Minnesota guys and gals so ya know its gonna be good and more expensive. They are spendy but I believe you get what you pay for both in product and service experience. Looks like you're in the Cities - they have showrooms in Roseville and Edina plus they have sales people that will visit. They are in other parts of the country but I can't promise a Minnesotan will do the install.
Danny is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2010, 06:07 PM   #20
Moderator Emeritus
laurence's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 5,267
If new windows are cost prohibitive and you live in southern areas, window tinting is an option. Our house has all the windows tinted and it helps a lot screening out the heat. You don't notice they are tinted until you compare it to an open window next to it. No help with drafts and cold, though.
laurence is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
AC with some windows open? tuixiu Other topics 10 04-07-2010 01:32 PM
Windows 7 TromboneAl Other topics 52 11-13-2009 04:52 PM
Windows XP SP3, anyone? Nords Other topics 29 09-07-2008 04:31 PM
Who is using Windows Vista, and what do you like about it? thefed Other topics 5 03-29-2007 04:50 AM
Windows Rant TromboneAl Other topics 4 11-07-2006 02:29 PM

» Quick Links

 
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:43 PM.
 
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.