Windows/Doors Energy Savings Options?
 

I'm confused about the payoff from various
windows and doors energy savings options. Which
options have high payoffs? For example do storm
windows produce major energy savings?

--
Jonathan Grobe Books
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"Jonathan Grobe" wrote in message
...
I'm confused about the payoff from various
windows and doors energy savings options. Which
options have high payoffs? For example do storm
windows produce major energy savings?


If you don't have storms over single-pane windows, you'll notice a
difference. I did not notice a big difference going from single-pane and
storms to new Andersens. There probably was a small gain, but it is
impossible to measure - especially with moving (up) energy prices.

Consumer Reports says that wood doors themselves don't lose much energy, but
there is a lot of loss around the frame. I pried my casings off and sprayed
in some foam insulation, and re-cased. I also added sweep/threshold on the
bottom, replacing the old aluminum threshhold.and metal catch. Made a big
difference in the draftiness. Again, unknown $$ savings.

"Jonathan Grobe" wrote in message
...
I'm confused about the payoff from various
windows and doors energy savings options. Which
options have high payoffs? For example do storm
windows produce major energy savings?


Depends on the condition of your windows.

If they are in good shape you will get a slight return from storms.
If they have rotted frames or glazing missing, and your curtains move with
every breeze outside, you will get a big return from storms.

No "one" answer for everyone.

eg, even the best sealed doors and windows do little if you let the cat or
dog out every 15 minutes.

You have to evaluate your house as a WHOLE, to see where it's best to start.

I've seen idiots who leave every light in the house on, computers and tv's
going while they go out for evening, and wonder why their power bills are
still so high even with compact flourescents.
Or spend thousands of dollars on ultra-efficient windows, then leave them
open to let in fresh air.

AMUN

In general, if you have single pane windows, then replace them with "Energy
Star" double or triple pane gas filled windows, then there will be a large
savings on energy cost. Typically single pane windows will leak a lot of
heat.

The way I look at these things is long term. Over the long term, I would
like to reduce my monthly energy bills as much as possible. Some things are
less expensive, others cost quite a bit.

But I plan to do everything I can as I can afford it. And to eventually have
the most energy saving house within reason.

Over time this snowballs... As I complete one project and get it paid off -
say replace the windows, I then have x more dollars each month I am saving
on my cost of energy. Then I have more money available each month to
complete other projects which will also reduce my energy cost - say adding
more insulation in attic or whatever.

In time I will have done all that is reasonably possible to save on energy
costs and will have everything paid for. Then I will have a lower cost of
living. And more money to do fun stuff each month!

For example I have cut my summer electric bill in half by installing new
Energy Star windows and buying a new Energy Star air conditioner.

There are plenty of energy saving tips at the following web site....
http://www.energystar.gov



"Jonathan Grobe" wrote in message
I'm confused about the payoff from various
windows and doors energy savings options. Which
options have high payoffs? For example do storm
windows produce major energy savings?

Way too little information.
Savings from Storm doors & windows depend on:
the "tightness'" of the house,
The insulation provided by the construction,
The overall temperature difference, (indoor to out door),
The local wind conditions.

In general, leakage at windows and doors is a large part of your
winter heat loss, and reducing it pays off.

MadDog

"Jonathan Grobe" wrote in message
I'm confused about the payoff from various
windows and doors energy savings options. Which
options have high payoffs? For example do storm
windows produce major energy savings?


Any window that you don't actually need to LOOK out
of, you should stuff the openning with foam for
the winter. Even the BEST widow is only
about R-7.