Parkus

There is a lot of chat about the importance of R values and U values with regard to windows. Please ponder this question. What is the relevancy of an R2 vs an R4 when the wall housing the window is R19? These values are generally calculated based on the glass only not on the entire window unit much the same way a roll of R19 insulation is calculated based on the R value of the insulation on the roll. Once it is actually installed in the wall, or into the window in the case of the glass, the actual unit R value is reduced.

The more important factor lies in air infiltration meaning how well the entire system (frame, sash, glass, interlocks, weatherstrip, locks, etc.) keeps the outside air from passing through to the inside of the home. Did you ever feel cold air coming through an outlet or light switch in a home? That's air infiltration and he is the real energy thief yet he is ignored much of the time in favor of the more popular R's, U's, Low-E, argon and on it goes. Windows are now carrying DP ratings which requires the testing of an actual unit. It's moving in the right direction but it's still a flawed method.

Low-E is another bill of goods that we've been sold that is touted as an amazing necessity. The fact is that the effectiveness of Low-E glass is miniscule when it comes to energy savings but that's a separate topic in and of itself.

There are some high quality vinyl replacement windows that are quite energy efficient but not for $189 installed. Plus I've yet to see a vinyl windows that I would consider aesthetically comparable to any wood window. There are however a number of manufacturers who produce custom sized wood windows with an extruded aluminum maintenance free exterior that are a true profile match to the old wood windows. They are available in an array of very authentic looking divided light profiles (also maintenance free) to simulate the old true divided lights but they are manufactured in such a way as to minimize the infiltration issues that are so prevalent with the hand made windows of yesteryear. There are lots of exterior color choices but you still have the warmth and feel of real wood on the inside. I'm a bit of a wood snob so when we replaced the old windows in our 200 year old home we went this route and are very pleased with the visual and functional results.

Can you make an old single pane window as energy efficient as a new vinyl or wood replacement unit? You could replace each pane with double pane glass but you'd still need to figure out a way to properly weatherstrip the sash in order to address the infiltration issue. New windows are designed and engineered to take minimize heat loss in ways that would be extremely difficult to achieve in the old windows that we know and love.

I guess the bottom line is what's important to you. If you want to conserve energy then a quality vinyl replacement window when properly installed will work well. If you like efficiency and wood then perhaps a new wood window is for you. However, If you look at an old window and wish it could talk then paint her when she's thirsty and enjoy her regardless of what anyone else has to say. The craftsman who originally made her pretty with nothing but a few tools, muscle and sweat would want it that way!