New Windows For My House

[7rider]

Make sure you save the sticker from each window. Otherwise, you won't get the tax credit.

Really???
Drat. I think DH save one representative sticker, and we have the order for 13 low-E windows. But we didn't save each one. That stinks.

We just got new windows installed in February. We wavered back and forth on whether or not to get the internal grids. Both of us are sort of traditionalists in that respect, but we ultimately got them without the grids. First, was the cost - it's $75/window to put them in. Second was the increased light we get in the house without them. Our house - a 1960's brick rambler (ranch style) - doesn't really "require" the traditional window design that, say, DivingBiker's would to look its best.

We're very pleased with our windows and with the lower cost of heating (and now, or at least soon, cooling) associated with them. Our first thing done was adding new/more insulation to the attic. That, too, was amazing for what it did for the energy bills!

[Becky]

DB, our house is about the same age as yours, and the original windows were divided like that. When we put replacements in in 2007, we opted for divided double-pane replacements, like the internal grids that 7rider described. From the street, they look just like the originals, except the dividers are between the 2 big panes of glass. Makes for easy cleaning, while still looking appropriate for the age of the house. And I don't need to paint windows ever again- YAY!


Also, re: the tax credit: If this year's is anything like 2007's was, you will need a bill that separates the materials and labor. The contractor can't lump them together in one line item. Just something to double check.

[ny biker]

The tax credit is a total for 2009 and 2010. So if you take the full credit for 2009, and then you install something else that qualifies in 2010, you can't take an additional credit.

My neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, but we're allowed to install vinyl windows as long as they have the dividers to make it look like they have smaller panes of glass.

[Crankin]

You may be able to pass off a paper from the installer, but the claim form clearly asked for a sticker for each window. We just didn't try after that.

[FlyingScot]

I'm not trying to pick a fight but I wanted to give some food for thought.

http://www.myoldhousejournal.com/pro...c-wood-windows


I just restored 12 double-hung windows in my 90+ year-old house. It was dirty and hard and took forever but I now have weather-tight, environmentally friendly and historically accurate windows. The cost to me was labor and time and a little extra for the glass I accidentally broke. But it was worth every scraped knuckle when I see my beautiful windows. This room that was once the coldest room in the house is now the warmest. Personally I'm a little miffed that I won't be eligible for a tax credit after all my hard work.

[Tuckervill]

I live in an historic house (not in an historic district), and I looked at that little piece about restoring wood windows. They totally lost me when they said "it can take up to 240 years to recoup enough money in energy savings to pay back the cost of replacement windows."

Um, no. I paid about $3500 for 13 windows, and I am saving at least $100 each of the months I have to run the HVAC. Let's say that's 10 months a year, that's 35 months. Of course, other's mileage my vary. But the credibility goes out the window when they make outrageous claims like that.

Karen

[FlyingScot]

I live in an historic house (not in an historic district), and I looked at that little piece about restoring wood windows. They totally lost me when they said "it can take up to 240 years to recoup enough money in energy savings to pay back the cost of replacement windows."

Um, no. I paid about $3500 for 13 windows, and I am saving at least $100 each of the months I have to run the HVAC. Let's say that's 10 months a year, that's 35 months. Of course, other's mileage my vary. But the credibility goes out the window when they make outrageous claims like that.

Karen

I get your point but that was only one source. I've heard outrageous claims by window manufacturers as well. I just wanted to present another side of the story. My parents replaced wood windows and their bills went up! Also, if your wood windows were not in good repair (not just painted nicely) then really you can't credit the new ones with the energy savings. Not saying yours weren't but that is often the case. Of course new vinyl windows will be better than broken down wooden ones I'm just not convinced that they are actually better than wooden window that are properly cared for.