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PATPATPAT7 Aug 2024 13:37Hello friends,
Please excuse this somewhat sensational headline. But the cost estimate from the window installer is really in this range. Of course, it includes 12 windows, a large sliding door, and two large triangular gable windows. It may be that the windows and installation are that expensive... but right now I’m wondering if I actually want to spend that much.
The windows are now 30 years old (wood frames, double glazing). Apart from the fact that the insulation value is probably poor by today’s standards, the windows themselves are still fine—they look good, close properly, and aren’t drafty. We pay about 2600 euros (approximately $2800) in energy costs per year. Even if I were to save 600 euros (around $650) per year with new windows (which is probably an overestimate), it would take 60 years for the windows to pay for themselves... I’d be 104 years old by then (and the windows would be “junk” long before that) ... That doesn’t seem to make sense, does it? I am considering leaving the windows as they are and just paying more for energy. What do you think? Do you have similar thoughts? Or is there a reasonable argument to invest anyway? Has anyone here only replaced their windows? What real effect did it have on energy costs?
PS: This is a timber frame house built in 1980 in a rural, rather average location (energy efficiency category C). It has 14cm (5½ inches) of external roof insulation, and we’re planning to insulate the basement ceiling as well. We don’t want to address the exterior walls. Replacing the windows was a consideration, but the payback calculation makes me hesitate... Resale value is not really important due to the location.
Please excuse this somewhat sensational headline. But the cost estimate from the window installer is really in this range. Of course, it includes 12 windows, a large sliding door, and two large triangular gable windows. It may be that the windows and installation are that expensive... but right now I’m wondering if I actually want to spend that much.
The windows are now 30 years old (wood frames, double glazing). Apart from the fact that the insulation value is probably poor by today’s standards, the windows themselves are still fine—they look good, close properly, and aren’t drafty. We pay about 2600 euros (approximately $2800) in energy costs per year. Even if I were to save 600 euros (around $650) per year with new windows (which is probably an overestimate), it would take 60 years for the windows to pay for themselves... I’d be 104 years old by then (and the windows would be “junk” long before that) ... That doesn’t seem to make sense, does it? I am considering leaving the windows as they are and just paying more for energy. What do you think? Do you have similar thoughts? Or is there a reasonable argument to invest anyway? Has anyone here only replaced their windows? What real effect did it have on energy costs?
PS: This is a timber frame house built in 1980 in a rural, rather average location (energy efficiency category C). It has 14cm (5½ inches) of external roof insulation, and we’re planning to insulate the basement ceiling as well. We don’t want to address the exterior walls. Replacing the windows was a consideration, but the payback calculation makes me hesitate... Resale value is not really important due to the location.
That seems way too expensive to me. For our lift-and-slide door during the selection process, we paid €2,700. If you add the removal of the old door and so on, you might end up around €3,000.
The window installer here says that for almost every window. That’s far too expensive. Google suggests you should expect about €800 per window (uPVC windows). If we estimate €1,000 each, that would be €15,000 for you.
Get some more quotes and then decide. And what kind of windows did you choose? Aluminum? In that case, maybe go for something cheaper.
Also, check if there are any subsidies available. On main roads, you can sometimes get extra funding due to noise protection.
The window installer here says that for almost every window. That’s far too expensive. Google suggests you should expect about €800 per window (uPVC windows). If we estimate €1,000 each, that would be €15,000 for you.
Get some more quotes and then decide. And what kind of windows did you choose? Aluminum? In that case, maybe go for something cheaper.
Also, check if there are any subsidies available. On main roads, you can sometimes get extra funding due to noise protection.
I recently saw a similarly high bill for a house undergoing renovation. Allegedly, the expensive sliding door element was stolen.
I believe new windows already provide more comfort during occupancy, as drafts, meaning the cold from the glass, can be very unpleasant. So, it’s not just about the final cost, but also about comfort.
I believe new windows already provide more comfort during occupancy, as drafts, meaning the cold from the glass, can be very unpleasant. So, it’s not just about the final cost, but also about comfort.
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PATPATPAT7 Aug 2024 15:10Hi, yes, this is an offer for wooden windows. However, the sliding door is also 4-5 meters wide (13-16 feet), and installation or removal seems to be problematic (access to the house, crane, etc.)… of course, we have already requested a second offer from another window manufacturer and have switched from wood to uPVC… but even if it is 8,000-10,000 euros cheaper, I still wonder if a replacement is economically worthwhile at all…
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PATPATPAT7 Aug 2024 15:56Hi ypg, so far I don’t feel any drafts or the cold from the glass... I never even considered replacing the windows except to save on energy costs. And just for a slight increase in comfort, it’s all too expensive for me...
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