Hello 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.
S
Schorsch_baut7 Aug 2024 17:46Triangular gable windows can be quite costly. The neighbors have recently bricked up their gable side and installed two standard windows instead. I wouldn’t replace the windows myself, but I would have them fully serviced. New seals can already make a big difference.
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nordanney7 Aug 2024 19:48From what I’ve read in the local authorities, the price should be reasonable. It’s not just the material, but also everything around it, including installation.
Do you really need wood again? I have never missed it and have treated myself to other nice things with the money saved.
But for existing wooden windows, which hopefully are still in good condition, I would seriously consider new glazing. That could reduce the cost to a four-figure amount, with insulation values not much worse than new windows.
Do you really need wood again? I have never missed it and have treated myself to other nice things with the money saved.
But for existing wooden windows, which hopefully are still in good condition, I would seriously consider new glazing. That could reduce the cost to a four-figure amount, with insulation values not much worse than new windows.
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hanghaus20238 Aug 2024 09:39A 5 m (16 ft) sliding panel is already quite substantial.
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