Introduction to Green Windows: Fix Before You Replace

There are many different kinds of windows, that operate in different ways and serve different functions. But in the air conditioned era, people choose them for aesthetics rather than function, and the memory of what the different windows do has been almost forgotten. In most single and multiple family dwellings now, there will be a lot of fixed glass and perhaps a tiny opening section of window; in apartments they are not even allowed to open more than four inches. But it doesn't have to be this way; windows can be sophisticated tools for controlling ventilation in your home.

The Importance of Repairing Old Windows

But before we look at replacing windows, we should look first at fixing what we've got. With the current weatherization funding from the government, the salesmen are out in force trying to sell you new windows, one of the worst things you can do in terms of bang for your buck, and not too terrific for the character of the house, either.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation says:

"There is an epidemic spreading across the country. In the name of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, replacement window manufacturers are convincing people to replace their historic wood windows. The result is the rapid erosion of a building's character, the waste of a historic resource, and a potential net loss in energy conservation. Typically replacement windows are vinyl, aluminum, or a composite with wood, and none will last as long as the original window. Repairing, rather than replacing, wood windows is most likely to be the "greener option" and a more sustainable building practice."

It probably won't save you anywhere near as much money as the window salesmen say, either. Donovan Rypkema writes about old windows in historic buildings:

• The vast majority of heat loss in homes is through the attic or uninsulated walls, not windows.


• Adding just 3 1/2 inches of fiberglass insulation in the attic has three times the R factor impact as replacing a single pane window with no storm window with the most energy efficient window.


• Properly repaired historic windows have an R factor nearly indistinguishable from new, so-called, "weatherized" windows.


• Regardless of the manufacturers? "lifetime warranties", thirty percent of the windows being replaced each year are less than 10 years old.


• One Indiana study showed that the payback period through energy savings by replacing historic wood windows is 400 years.


• These houses were built hundreds of years ago, meaning those windows were built from hardwood timber from old growth forests. Environmentalists go nuts about cutting trees in old growth forests, but what?s the difference? Destroying those windows represents the destruction of the same scarce resource.

Anyone wanting to increase the efficiency of their windows and considering replacement should consider storm windows as well, particularly in older houses with original windows. There are magnetic storm windows that snap on inside, and can save as much energy as replacing windows at a fraction of the cost. If you have a fixed budget to weatherize your home don't blow it all on the windows if storm windows are suitable and you have original windows in an older home.

If you have crappy sashless slider windows, go for a change. But otherwise, think about fixing and storm windows first; Planet Green has discussed before how in terms of bang for your buck, changing windows should be last on your list. Have a look at our Green Your House For Winter series:

More on Green Windows
Where To Start
Green Your Home For Winter: Weatherize Your Windows
Green Your Home for Winter: Install Faucet Aerators