"turns out whoever installed the originals barely insulated at all."
Yeah, seems like that's pretty common. When we replaced ours, I was skeptical about the whole "energy savings" pitch from the window company. But after pulling off some trim, I saw the same thing—barely any insulation, just a few scraps shoved in randomly. Once we sealed it up properly, the difference was noticeable right away. Guess sometimes the sales pitch isn't total nonsense...though I'm still wary of those claims about cutting your heating bill in half.
Yeah, I've seen that a lot too. It's surprising how often window installers overlook proper insulation—seems like they're always rushing through that part. Did you happen to notice if they sealed around the rough opening with spray foam or just stuffed fiberglass in there? Because fiberglass alone, especially when it's just randomly jammed in, doesn't really stop airflow or drafts effectively. Spray foam (the low-expansion kind, of course) fills those tiny gaps much better and actually makes a noticeable difference.
I've done a fair number of window replacements, and honestly, the "cut your heating bill in half" claim always feels exaggerated to me too. Realistically, most houses I've worked on do see some improvement, but it's usually more subtle—maybe 10-20% savings if you're lucky. But comfort-wise, yeah, that's definitely where you notice it most. Drafts disappear, rooms feel warmer near windows, and you don't get that annoying cold air sinking down your walls in winter.
One other thing worth mentioning—did they talk to you at all about the window ratings? Like U-factor or SHGC numbers? It's pretty common for companies to skip over those details unless you specifically ask. But they can make a big difference depending on your climate and orientation of your house. For example, lower U-factor windows are great in colder climates since they hold heat better, whereas SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) can be important if you've got southern exposure and want to manage solar heat. Paying attention to those ratings can sometimes be even more beneficial than just upgrading insulation alone.
Anyway, glad you're seeing improvements already. It's always satisfying when a project actually delivers noticeable results instead of just empty promises...
"Drafts disappear, rooms feel warmer near windows, and you don't get that annoying cold air sinking down your walls in winter."
This is exactly what I've noticed too. Honestly, I didn't even think about checking how they insulated around the frames until you mentioned it—now I'm curious. I'll have to pop off a piece of trim and take a peek. Good tip on the window ratings too; never paid much attention to those numbers before, but it makes sense they'd matter.
New windows definitely help, but honestly, you'd be surprised how much difference good curtains or blinds can make too. Had a client once swear their room felt warmer just by swapping thin blinds for thicker drapes... insulation matters, but window coverings add a lot.
That's interesting, I hadn't really thought about curtains making that big of a difference. We just moved into our first home last summer, and the windows are decent but definitely not brand new. I've been noticing drafts lately, especially now that it's colder. We have these thin blinds that came with the house, and honestly, they're pretty useless at keeping heat in. Maybe thicker curtains could help until we can afford new windows?
Did your client mention if they noticed a difference in their heating bill too, or was it mostly just comfort? I'm curious if it's worth investing in heavier drapes now or just waiting until we upgrade the windows down the road...
"Maybe thicker curtains could help until we can afford new windows?"
Honestly, heavier drapes might help a bit with comfort, but don't expect miracles on your heating bill. I've tried the thick curtain route myself in an older place, and while it did cut down drafts noticeably, my energy savings were minimal at best. Drafty windows are still drafty windows—curtains just mask the problem temporarily.
If you're planning to upgrade windows eventually anyway, I'd say hold off on expensive curtains. Maybe look into affordable window film insulation kits instead? They're not pretty, but they made a surprising difference for me one winter when money was tight. Easy DIY job too... just a thought.
Yeah, I agree curtains alone aren't gonna magically fix drafty windows. I went through the same thing in my old apartment—tried heavy blackout curtains thinking they'd help, and while they did make the room feel a bit cozier, the drafts were still noticeable. Plus, heavy drapes can get pricey fast, especially if you're planning to replace them once you upgrade the windows.
One thing that did help me temporarily was sealing around the window frames with weatherstripping tape. It's cheap, easy to apply, and made a noticeable difference in cutting down drafts. Not a permanent solution by any means, but it got me through a chilly winter without breaking the bank. New windows are definitely worth saving up for though... the difference they make is night and day.
"One thing that did help me temporarily was sealing around the window frames with weatherstripping tape."
Yeah, weatherstripping tape is a lifesaver—I swear I single-handedly kept the hardware store in business last winter. But honestly, once you finally bite the bullet and get new windows, it's like upgrading from dial-up to fiber internet... no going back.
Weatherstripping tape definitely has its place—it's a solid short-term fix, especially if drafts are your main issue. But you're right, upgrading to new windows is a whole different ballgame. Modern double- or triple-pane windows with low-E coatings and argon gas fills significantly improve thermal performance and comfort. Plus, the difference in noise reduction alone can be pretty remarkable.
One thing I'd add is that proper installation is just as important as the window quality itself. I've seen homeowners invest in high-end windows only to skimp on installation, resulting in air leaks and moisture issues down the line. Ensuring correct flashing, insulation around the frames, and sealing with quality caulking makes all the difference in long-term performance.
Glad you made the upgrade—it's one of those home improvements that genuinely pays off in comfort and energy savings over time.
Totally agree about installation being key. When we swapped ours out last year, the installer pointed out some sketchy shortcuts from whoever put in the old ones—no wonder we felt every gust of wind, lol. Now it's like night and day, quieter and cozier. Honestly, I underestimated how much difference good windows could make...even our heating bill dropped noticeably. Definitely one of those upgrades you kick yourself for not doing sooner.