Windows...

Our windows are ridiculously drafty to the point where we see our curtains moving when it's windy out.

Our house is very old and the windows are original from 1930. We're blazing through a tank of oil a month this winter and have to keep the heat on like 72-73 just to maintain 68 throughout the house. We do have a cathedral ceiling in the living room and minimal insulation throughout (it's a brick & plaster tudor).

DH and I are arguing about whether or not it would be a wise investment to replace all of our windows. He has spoken to people in the "energy industry" and says that they told him that windows give you the least amount of return as an investment from an energy standpoint. *I* feel that the windows will keep the house warmer, therefore lowering the amount of oil we go through. We've paid close to $700 a month in oil so far this winter. (I'm looking into converting to natural gas - expect a post about that in the near future )

Thoughts? Are we missing the mark on anything?

Re: Windows...

I think windows would be a good idea. When my parents replaced theirs in their bedroom you could feel the difference. Also, what about your heating system? Is it very old?

Re: Windows...

Windows def. make a difference but I've always known tudors to be rather drafty. Maybe you could add some insulation as well.

Re: Windows...

in our last house, we replaced them and it was a HUGE NOTICEABLE difference in the comfort of our bedrooms. we used even less oil than we did prior to the new windows and boy was it much more comfortable!

i agree.. new windows unless you are going to completely renovate your home in the future and where the windows are now, they won't be in the future.

we need them on this house now too. we can feel the wind through them as well.

Re: Windows...

Windows definitely will make a difference in your heating bill, perhaps you can do a section at a time rather than swap them all in one go??

Also my mother has a 110 year old drafty house (even with newer windows) and she got the plastic film they sell at Home Depot that you tape around the window frame, then blow dry to shrink fit. I was amazed, they made a HUGE difference, why not give that a try too!!!!

Re: Windows...

I live in a Gibson Colonial and one of the first things we did was blown in insulation-we used JC homecare-it made a big difference

Re: Windows...

Message edited 1/7/2010 9:10:16 PM.

Re: Windows...

Here it is

Hi Neighbor, We did it in 2006 and it was reasonable

Re: Windows...

isnt there a tax credit for putting in new windows? I say def do it! who cares about the return from selling how about the return in your pocket every month from saving on heating bills!!and there def is a tax credit too.

Re: Windows...

V-when we lived in Hampton Bays in a older vacation home, we shrink wrapped the windows. I think you can call Keyspan and ask for a consult-they can tell you if the windows are wasting heat (which you already know, but maybe DH can be convinced)