If you’re tired of the cold draft coming from your windows and high heating bills in the winter, then you’ve probably been thinking about finding a solution for your home. There are numerous options you have depending on your budget and needs. Deciding between storm windows or new vinyl replacement windows is a common homeowner debate. Here are some pros and cons to storm windows for your home.
Energy Efficiency
One of the main reasons, other than a visibly broken window, that homeowners will start thinking about window replacements includes stopping drafts, leaks and improving energy usage in the home. Whether a cold winter draft is making its way into the house via the windows and forcing the heating system to work overtime, or cold air from the AC is escaping out the windows, the amount of money lost here can be great.
Storm windows are an economical way to quickly improve energy efficiency because they are easy and less costly to install over your existing window and will seal the windows from the elements while also eliminating outside noise.
Unfortunately along with this benefit they must also include a small drain hole, which reduces efficiency and those without a special energy coating on the glass are even less efficient.
Maintenance
Storm windows come in a number of different styles and installation types. Everything from professionally installed, to DIY kits are available on the market today. Depending on your budget and skills, you could add this update on your own. But beware, there is maintenance needed and storm windows are not a life-long or permanent fix.
Each year you’ll have to clean the storm windows and lubricate the tracks. And, depending on the style you choose, you might have less light coming through to your home so it’s something to consider if you like natural light in your home.
Investment
If you’ve already called around for some quotes on new windows for your home, then you know there is a large investment to be made. If you have the money to invest, opting for replacement windows will get you even better energy efficiency in your home and eventually pay for itself in savings alone. But if, like many, you’re on a limited budget and still want to improve the condition of your homes windows, opting for storm windows is going to get you the best bang for your buck upfront.
