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Do New Windows Reduce Your Energy Bill?

Many homeowners are told that replacing their old windows will “slash energy bills.” Ads show smiling families and dollar signs blowing out of drafty panes. But here’s the truth: new windows rarely save as much energy as people think.

Let’s break down why.

1. Your Windows Aren’t the Main Source of Heat Loss

Windows get blamed for high heating and cooling costs because you can feel drafts coming from them. But in most homes, windows account for only 10–20% of total heat loss.
The rest escapes through:

• Ceilings and walls (poor insulation or air leaks)

• Floors and basements

• Attic bypasses (gaps around light fixtures, ductwork, and framing)

• Air leakage around doors, vents, and chimneys

So even if you replaced every window in your house with the most efficient models on the market, you’d only be reducing a small slice of your total energy loss.

2. The Payback Period Is Very Long

High-quality replacement windows are expensive — often $800 to $1,500 per window installed.
A typical home with 15 to 20 windows could easily spend $15,000–$25,000 or more on a full replacement.

The energy savings, however, are usually only $150–$400 per year. That means it could take 40–100 years to “pay back” the investment through lower utility bills. Most windows won’t even last that long before needing replacement again.

3. The “Old Windows Waste Energy” Myth

Even older single-pane windows can perform reasonably well if:

• You add good storm windows

• You seal leaks around the frames

• You use heavy curtains or cellular shades in winter

A $300 storm window can often deliver 80–90% of the energy performance of a new double-pane replacement, at a fraction of the cost.

4. What New Windows Actually Do Well

That’s not to say new windows are bad. They just don’t save much energy.
Here’s what they do offer:

• Better comfort: Less draft and cold radiation, so rooms feel warmer.

• Less condensation: Modern glass and frames resist moisture better.

• Easier maintenance: New seals, tilting sashes, and better materials.

• Aesthetic upgrade: A big factor for resale and curb appeal.

If you’re replacing windows for these reasons, that’s perfectly valid — just don’t expect a major dent in your utility bills.

5. What to Do Instead for Real Energy Savings

If your goal is to cut energy costs, spend your money where it actually makes a difference:

• Air sealing and insulation: Plug gaps in the attic, rim joists, and around plumbing/electrical penetrations.

• Attic insulation: Brings some of the best bang for your buck in heating climates.

• HVAC tune-up or upgrade: Older furnaces and AC units are major energy hogs.

• Smart thermostats and controls: Improve efficiency without any construction work.

These improvements can often cut bills by 20–40% — far more than window replacement ever could.

The Bottom Line

Replacing your windows can make your home feel nicer and look better. But in terms of pure energy savings, it’s one of the least cost-effective upgrades you can make.

If comfort, aesthetics, and maintenance are your priorities — go for it.
If saving money on utilities is the goal — start with insulation, air sealing, and mechanical efficiency first.

Do red cars cost more to insure?

You may have heard the myth that red cars cost more to insure, often with varying reasons why. The truth is, the color of your car has nothing to do with your premium. Insurance companies are more interested in your vehicle’s make, model, age, safety features, and your driving history. What’s not a myth, though — is that people really can save a ton of money by switching insurers. Check out Money’s car insurance tool to see if you could, too.

SEE IF YOU COULD SAVE

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Missed Previous Month’s Newsletters?

Attic Insulation Makeover!

Is your attic insulation in need of a makeover? Did you know that you can completely vacuum out all the debris in your attic and start over?

The best parts about doing this are:

• Air seal between your attic and house. Air sealing closes off any gaps, keeping out bugs, and air leakage. Air leakage can be a big energy waste.

• Improve your insulation. Adding more insulation to achieve a higher R value. Insulating around ceiling penetrations at lights and electrical boxes.

• Upgrade your Access Walkways Around the Attic. Now is a great time to install some sturdy walkways around your attic.

Learn more about how this is done in the video below:

The content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always perform your own due diligence before making any financial decisions. There are no sponsors of this newsletter.