Replacement windows or magnetic covers

[KNF-TX]

Hi all,

 

Our house was built in 1975 and it is always too cold or too hot, despite a huge electric bill. We are thinking about replacing the windows or maybe buying magnetic window covers. What do I need to know in order to make the right choice? If you replaced your windows, did it really affect your utility bill? Also, I have solar screens on the front of the house and am wondering if I should take them off in the winter to allow the sun to heat the house. I am open to any advice that would decrease our energy costs. Thank you.

[Tap]

If you have the money, I would absolutely change out the windows. It can make a very big difference.

 

If you can't do it all at once then start on one side of the house and move around from there. Taking a lit candle to the window frames and holding it there can show you how much air is passing around the windows. The flame will flicker in the breeze. I would start with the worst offenders and then go from there, side to side.

 

You also may check with your utility company, there are some states that will give tax credits for projects like this that are being replaced with Energy Star rated items.

[Ria]

Our house was built in 1979. We bought it 15 years ago; it's a 2-story, 5-bdr, 3000-sq foot colonial. We replaced all the windows about 10 years ago. Our house is now much warmer upstairs in the winter, and cooler in the summer. We actually had breezes blowing through (we could see the curtains move!) before the replacement windows. I can't tell you how much better life is since we got new windows...the house feels warm.

 

Ria