Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Windows are a big loss and those single vs double pane and plastic windows are all a pretty big scam. Most of the modern windows are garbage too. Their design is to only last a few years per some reading Ive done.
Some good reading, IMO:
http://eastrow.org/articles/vinylwindows.html
But to your question, the windows were probably not well maintained and leaked, so plastic over them kept an air pocket that sealed some of the leaks. Unfortunately, often air leaks around the window frame and moulding; the glass is ALWAYS lossy.
Id sure up windows that have air leaks around them, make sure the mouldings are sealed well and there arent any lossy air pockets in the pockets to the sides of the windows, and then call it a day. If you have a lossy window that for whatever reason isnt reasonable to replace witha quality wood unit, I'd get a storm window and install that for a permanent enclosure. From what I recall when I friend tried doing plastic on all his windows in a leaky rental home, it wasnt cheap.
I replaced 30 years old aluminum single pane windows and patio doors in my house to vinyl double pane about 10-12 years ago.
It reduce the heat in summer and keep warm air in the house better in winter. It also reduce the outside noise substantial. To me it looks better too. So far all the windows are working well, so I don't they are scam.
Given the savings and diminishing returns, I'd say ROI isn't that great.
Kind of like the hybrid car argument...
Because if your home is anything like mine, it has around 35-40 windows. Even if at $189 each, you're talking $6700, likely more if any are bigger windows or whatnot. To save 200/yr best case.
Yet the windows are designed, per the link I provided earlier, to last 10-20 years. That's only $2000-4000 in energy saved. So you don't even break even, let alone get a return.
And on older homes, wood windows often have superior aesthetics, even if a full size storm window is applied.