When considering new windows for you New Jersey home it is important to consider energy savings in your decision making process.  However, there are some less thought about facts regarding energy savings and the return on investment for new windows.  Before we talk about that let’s talk about direct energy savings.

Direct energy savings can be a considerable factor but should not be the only consideration when deciding to replace your windows.  Calculating your direct costs will involve knowing your home’s efficiency and will depend on a few factors:

  • Age and efficiency of furnace
  • Oil, Natural Gas, Propane, Electric, Wood etc.
  • R value of walls
  • R value of roof or ceilings
  • R value of existing windows and doors
  • The number of HDD (heating degree days).  For Morris county is about 5,498.

Once you have these values you can use some calculations to estimate heat loss through your existing windows for instance and compare it to if you bought new windows that were more energy efficient.  However, it assumes that there is no leakage around the new window which means that the installation must be correct and include proper sealants and insulation.  For more on that please feel free to call us anytime and ask how we do it.

Just for a quick illustration on Direct Energy Costs.:

If you had wood windows with aluminum storm windows over them and wanted to replace them with energy efficient vinyl replacement windows:

  • Existing window R value = 1
  • New window R value = 5
  • Average window size = 12SqFt
  • You live in Morristown or any town in Northern New Jersey.
  • Proper Installation was done (unfortunately this is often not the case)
  • You have Gas Heat
  • Cost of new windows is $9,000 for 10 premium vinyl windows.

Analysis:

Using the formula for Heat Loss:  = (Area x HDD x 24) / (R value)

Heat Loss through existing windows:  13,242,240 Btus

Heat Loss through new windows:  2,648,448 Btus

Heat Loss difference: 10,593,792

Cost of heat difference (estimated at $1.25/therm): $106 per year savings.

Time to recoup price of windows: 85 years

It sounds like a terrible proposition until you consider all the facts!!

 

Other costs and why it’s not so simple.  The calculations do not include:

  • Air infiltration
  • The Shortened life span of your furnace due to frequent cycling
  • The Electricity cost of Furnace motors and blowers with frequent cycling
  • Turning the heat up with old windows because of drafts.
  • Resale Value

So to estimate the costs on these items above can be difficult but consider this:  what is the cost of replacing your furnace prematurely?  Well I know from personal experience that it is going to be several thousand dollars depending on the size and work involved.  So that number alone will be considerable in helping to pay for those new energy efficient window costs.   Never mind the resale value of a home with new premium wood or vinyl replacement windows vs. having original windows.  Especially in a climate like New Jersey.  I think we can make a clear case that those two numbers combined with the energy savings will show that new windows can even pay for themselves.

  • Cost of new furnace or repairs over several years:   $5,000-$10,000
  • Return on investment of 69.5% (according to the latest study published by Remodeling Magazine):  $6,255  (based on our example of a $9,000 window project)
  • Heat savings over 20 years with new windows: $2,120 for gas heat,  $4,200 for Oil

So was it worth it in this case?

  • Cost of new windows = $9,000
  • Direct energy savings: -$2,120 (natural gas)
  • Cost savings by saving your furnace: -$2,500  (using half the cost of a new furnace to be fair)
  • Cost savings on increased resale value: -$6,255
  • Total Cost of window project: -$1,875  …Your new windows made you money!

Other Non Monetary factors you should always consider:

  • Beauty both from the street and in the rooms.
  • Design Makeover.  New colors, grids, interior finishes….
  • Usability…no one wants to deal with clunky old windows that are hard to open and close.
  • Air Quality and comfort….no more cold air on the back of your neck!
  • Going Green.   I think we are all much more aware of the environmental impact of wasting fossil fuels these days.
  • Attractiveness of your home to potential buyers.

 

The last thing I want to say is that these are very basic calculations and may not apply to your home or your situation but I thought they might prove helpful for someone trying to decide between keeping old windows or replacing them.  Also, the installation of the new windows are critical!!  They must be installed with the best practices in mind or they aren’t going to performed as designed.   Also, the windows themselves have to be reliable and last for 30 or 40 years before they need to be worried about again.  That’s 30 or 40 years of performing like they did on day 1.    At Taylor Rae we recommend such windows and have several to choose from.  Call or fill out our contact form anytime to see how we can help you!