New Windows Can Save Money on Heating Costs

1 February 2007

Today’s energy efficient windows are much better at preventing drafts in the house than windows installed a few decades ago, when a single sheet of glass was held in the frame with putty. This is why replacing your home’s windows, though a costly home improvement, can end up saving you money on heating bills in the long run. Today, windows come with vinyl gaskets (to eliminate drafts) and doubled sheets of glass, which form a well-insulated barrier. For even more insulation, you can buy windows with between-the-glass pockets that are filled with krypton or argon (since these gases are heavier than air they offer better barriers to the movement of heat).

The cost of new windows will vary depending on the design, materials, and how energy efficient you want them. You could spend as little as $150 for a window purchased off the shelf at a home improvement store, or you could spend $3,000 each for pieces made by a custom window maker. For a mid-range, stock window from a good manufacturer, expect to pay $200-$500 for each unit.

Source: “Energy Efficiency: Dodging Drafts, Saving Dollars on Heating and Cooling” from the Fall 2006 issue of Smart Choices for Your Home.