I get where you’re coming from. I’ve had the same windows in my place for decades and honestly, the quick fixes like weatherstripping and heavy curtains do a lot more than people give them credit for. Sure, it’s not pretty, but neither is dropping thousands on replacements if you don’t have to. Did you ever try using that shrink-wrap plastic film? I found it helped a bit with drafts, but I’m not sure it’s worth the hassle every year. Curious if anyone’s actually seen a big difference after finally replacing old windows, or if it’s mostly hype.
Curious if anyone’s actually seen a big difference after finally replacing old windows, or if it’s mostly hype.
I swapped out my 1970s single panes for double-glazed last winter. Honestly, it was less dramatic than I expected—my heating bill dropped maybe 10-15%. The biggest change was less street noise, which I didn’t even realize bothered me until it was gone. Still, for the price, those shrink-wrap kits and thick curtains did a decent job for years. If your windows aren’t rotting, sometimes the “ugly” fixes are just practical.