Randomly stumbled across a video about these tilt-turn windows popular in Europe...apparently they're super energy efficient and easier to clean. But I'm wondering if they're actually practical here in the US, or just another trendy import. Anyone have experience with these?
"apparently they're super energy efficient and easier to clean"
Yeah, they look neat in theory, but honestly...are we really struggling that much with window cleaning here? Seems a bit gimmicky. I'd be more convinced if someone shared actual savings on their energy bill.
I dunno, I get your point about the cleaning thing being kinda minor, but as someone who just moved into an older house with drafty windows, I'm pretty curious about the energy savings side. My neighbor installed tilt-and-turns last year and swears his heating bills dropped noticeably. Haven't seen his actual bill myself yet, but it does make me wonder if there's something more to these windows than just easy cleaning...
Yeah, energy savings seem like the real deal here. But I wonder how much of that improvement comes from just having new, properly sealed windows versus specifically tilt-and-turn ones... anyone seen comparisons on that?
I replaced my old double-hung windows with tilt-and-turns about three years ago, and here's my take: the energy savings definitely improved, but I agree it's probably more about having brand-new, properly sealed windows than the tilt-turn feature itself. However, the practicality of cleaning them from inside is a huge plus—especially for upper floors. Installation was straightforward, but keep in mind they open inward, so you'll need to rethink window treatments and furniture placement a bit if you go this route.
Good points overall, especially about furniture placement—seen a few clients surprised by that. One thing I'd add: hardware maintenance. Tilt-and-turn mechanisms have more moving parts than standard double-hungs, so you'll want to lubricate hinges and check seals annually to keep them operating smoothly. Not a huge hassle, but worth keeping in mind if you're used to low-maintenance windows. Still, the convenience of cleaning from inside usually outweighs the minor upkeep for most folks I've worked with.
Yeah, good shout on the hardware upkeep. I put tilt-and-turns in our upstairs bedrooms last year—mostly for the easy cleaning—and totally spaced on the maintenance part. First time I opened them wide to clean, one hinge squeaked like a haunted house door... scared the heck outta me. A little WD-40 sorted it quick, but lesson learned. Still, beats hanging halfway out a window with a sponge any day.
"Still, beats hanging halfway out a window with a sponge any day."
Haha, exactly my thoughts. I went with tilt-and-turns myself about six months ago, mostly because I was tired of the awkward ladder balancing act every spring. But yeah, the maintenance caught me off guard too. WD-40 does the trick short-term, but I found that a silicone-based lubricant actually lasts a lot longer and doesn't attract as much dust or grime. Also, keep an eye on the rubber seals—mine started feeling a bit stiff after winter. A quick wipe-down with a silicone spray or even glycerin soap helps keep them flexible and airtight.
Overall, they're definitely worth it if you're into practicality and safety. But honestly, I wouldn't call them revolutionary or anything... just a smart design tweak that makes life a bit easier.