The Healthful Home
Smashing the Window Myth

Morris Kafka

You hear the come-on or see a flyer: “Replace your drafty old windows and slash your heating bill by up to 60%!” But there is no statistical evidence proving these claims. If your old windows had no putty left, broken or missing panes, and don’t shut -- then they might be wasting a lot of energy. That would be due to deferred maintenance, not obsolescence in most cases.

New windows cost $250 to $1000 each or more, and in an average home tuning up existing windows can save as much energy as replacement, at a fraction of the cost. Detailed repair can rejuvenate blighted windows so they look great and work well. Most of this work can be done by anyone reasonably handy.

Here are some facts from a recent sustainability report by Don Rypkema of Place Economics in Portland, Oregon (my comments in italics):

• “Homes lose most of their energy through the attic and floors, not from the windows.
• Putting the cheapest available 3.5” fiberglass insulation above the ceiling of the living area results in three times the energy savings than replacing the most wasteful windows (where there are no storm windows) with a new top efficiency double pane window.
• If old windows have been kept decently maintained, or can be repaired to average condition, they have an energy rating (or R-factor) which is about the same as those of new windows. [New windows can lose their seal quickly resulting in lower efficiency than their factory rating.]
• Claims are greatly exaggerated for the lifespan of new windows. Some new windows have to be replaced as little as ten or less years after installation; some have been documented as only lasting two years though manufacturers call them 20 or 30 year windows. [New windows are made of proprietary parts; when these are phased out, the windows can no longer be readily repaired. Conventional windows can be rejuvenated with readily available supplies even after long periods of neglect.]
• An Indiana based study found the payback period for replacing old wooden windows with the most efficient new ones to be 400 years to break even on the cost because the energy savings is so nominal.
• Older windows are often made of quality hardwood timber from old-growth forests. This wood is a rare natural resource and new woods, even of the same species, may be factory fast-farmed and is generally nowhere as long-lasting. Making new wood frames means the loss of more trees; new plastic window frames require costly and unhealthy petrochemicals -- and new windows may off-gas for years.
• The production, retailing, delivery and installation of new windows and the disposal of the old ones uses copious amounts of fossil fuel, likely much more than will be saved over the lifetime of the new windows.”

New windows are usually provided in framed units that are placed inside of your old frames. This means a reduction of up to 20% in the actual size of the window. Homes become darker, less pleasant and less healthful. Window sizes are carefully calculated when homes are built for adequate sunlight and ventilation, and for stylistic proportion. Smaller windows throttle light and air, increasing the need for more artificial lighting and artificial ventilation -- and ending up using more energy!

New windows rarely reproduce the style or size of the originals adequately and can look obviously out of place. True divided panes and distinctive configurations may be replaced with plain units or with flimsy grilles. The architecture of the home is compromised. Respect for the structure and style of your home is important when making repairs or design integrity will be lost and the curb appeal and value of your home can diminish. Ignore the come-on ads and do phased maintenance on your windows with routine paint, putty and service to the lifting mechanisms. Start with the worst ones first. Avoid replacing original equipment or serviceable parts with hard to service items. Use any storm windows effectively. Put your energy saving resources into good insulation in the ceilings and around the edges of the cellar. You’ll save energy, increase your home’s value and keep the style intact.

Courtesy of the Facilities Team at George St. Food Co-operative. Open to the public seven days at 89 Morris Street, New Brunswick (732.247-8280); www.georgestcoop.com