Mythbusting v9

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has compiled a list of ten myth-busters to help separate energy savings fact from energy wasting fiction.

MYTHBUSTING FACT #9: Energy-efficient windows save energy, but a window replacement is unlikely to pay for itself in energy savings alone. If you need to replace your windows for other reasons, the premium you'll pay for high performance windows (ENERGY STAR or better) is generally worth the investment. And like so many other major energy efficiency projects, much of the energy savings depends on the quality of the contractor you hire to do the work. Bad installations can not only leak and cause drafts, but can also lead to major moisture damage.

I often recommend replacing just one or two windows a year to cut down on up front costs. You can also cover them with plastic and/or caulk around them to seal cracks. Shades and blinds can also assist in maintaining a comfortable indoor room temperature. (Close them in the summer; open them in the winter.)