The topic of windows is still on our minds.
The existing windows are 22 years old, double-glazed, and there are no anti-burglary measures in place. The house has a lot of windows, so retrofitting security features would be quite expensive.
Because of this, we are now quite unsure whether installing new windows might make more sense in terms of cost-benefit, heat loss, insulation, and overall value enhancement of the house.
All the windows have a U-value of 1.3. This refers to the value related to the entire window surface.
We know there are windows with a U-value of 0.6. Can it be assumed that this would roughly halve the heat loss? We have two children, so we also heat bathrooms, children’s rooms, etc. The house has a lot of windows, and we would have the costs for upgrading locking mechanisms anyway.
Or are new windows, with values approaching Passive House standards, so expensive that they won’t pay off within the next 20 years? Is this energy-saving aspect overrated?
There are 20 total window sashes... three of them are floor-to-ceiling windows. For at least 11 sashes, we would retrofit multipoint locks, and we received a quote that amounts to nearly 300 euros per window. So the retrofitting would cost about 3500 euros, but the windows would remain 22 years old and double-glazed with a U-value of 1.3.
The existing windows are 22 years old, double-glazed, and there are no anti-burglary measures in place. The house has a lot of windows, so retrofitting security features would be quite expensive.
Because of this, we are now quite unsure whether installing new windows might make more sense in terms of cost-benefit, heat loss, insulation, and overall value enhancement of the house.
All the windows have a U-value of 1.3. This refers to the value related to the entire window surface.
We know there are windows with a U-value of 0.6. Can it be assumed that this would roughly halve the heat loss? We have two children, so we also heat bathrooms, children’s rooms, etc. The house has a lot of windows, and we would have the costs for upgrading locking mechanisms anyway.
Or are new windows, with values approaching Passive House standards, so expensive that they won’t pay off within the next 20 years? Is this energy-saving aspect overrated?
There are 20 total window sashes... three of them are floor-to-ceiling windows. For at least 11 sashes, we would retrofit multipoint locks, and we received a quote that amounts to nearly 300 euros per window. So the retrofitting would cost about 3500 euros, but the windows would remain 22 years old and double-glazed with a U-value of 1.3.
1.3 is not terrible. I wouldn’t just throw away anything that is still okay. You never really save money that way. Even the mushroom head anchors... tell me, how many break-ins have you had in 22 years? If you’re upgrading security, then only on the lower floor anyway. Karsten
Let’s say we currently spend about 2,500 to 3,000 euros per year on heating oil. That seems reasonably realistic for a family of four living in roughly 200 square meters (2,150 square feet), right? Can we then estimate if using windows with a U-value of 0.8 would definitely save, say, 600 euros? Or is it not possible to calculate it that way?
Regarding burglary: Yes, I am quite sensitive to this issue due to a serious break-in within the family. However, the house is located in a very quiet suburban area, with open fields behind it, no real protection by a fence, and many windows on the back side of the house where someone could potentially break in unnoticed. I think this already justifies investing in security measures, especially since the ground floor has as many as 11 window panes 🙁
Regarding burglary: Yes, I am quite sensitive to this issue due to a serious break-in within the family. However, the house is located in a very quiet suburban area, with open fields behind it, no real protection by a fence, and many windows on the back side of the house where someone could potentially break in unnoticed. I think this already justifies investing in security measures, especially since the ground floor has as many as 11 window panes 🙁
Mizit schrieb:
Let’s say we currently spend around 2500 to 3000 euros per year on heating oil. That seems somewhat realistic for a four-person household in about 200 square meters (2150 square feet), right? Can it then be estimated whether windows with a U-value of 0.8 would definitely save, say, 600 euros? Or is that not a valid way to calculate it?No, you can’t do that.
If you want an exact answer, have an energy consultant come by. They can provide an estimate...
To me, this sounds a bit like “I don’t like my red car anymore, so I want a blue one that also consumes 20 percent less fuel...”
Regarding burglary protection:
Security companies and the police often offer free on-site consultations.
I definitely recommend taking advantage of this...
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Username_wahl11 Apr 2017 12:37There can also be mold problems if the windows are not coordinated with the rest of the building.
3000 euros buy about 6000 liters (1600 gallons) of oil. That seems quite high for a house with double glazing and a U-value of 1.3. Saving 600 euros by using different windows amounts to roughly 1200 liters (320 gallons) saved. That also seems rather optimistic to me. Karsten
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