Don't forget doors too! This is a windows thread, but a lot of the same logic applies to doors (patio sliders, front doors). We changed our old drafty sliding glass door to a new impact-rated one with good seals, and that stopped another major air leak in our house. Also put new weatherstripping on the front door. After doing windows, it made us aware that other openings needed attention to maximize the benefit. The house is now pretty tight.
So, after you do your windows, take a look around at doors, attic hatches, etc. The overall efficiency is only as good as the weakest link. We ended up with a much more comfortable home after addressing all these things. And on the aesthetic side, new windows often inspire you to update window treatments or paint trim and such, because everything else looks nicer by association, haha.
In our case, the decision was straightforward because we had solid wood frames that were in great shape, so we did inserts. The house is a 1977 build in Brandon, and the original window frames (wood) were surprisingly well-preserved (probably because the old windows leaked air and kept them dry? Who knows). We didn’t want to rip them out. We just removed the old single-pane glass and sashes, and popped in new double-pane inserts. The interior trim and woodwork remained, which was a big plus since it has a nice mid-century style trim we wanted to keep.
The result: from inside, you still see the same stained wood frame around the windows, which is what we loved, but the glass is new and efficient. Outside, we had to clad the wood frame in aluminum to protect it and match the new window color. That changed the exterior look a bit, but it actually looks fine – sort of a mix of modern window with a traditional wood outline. And no more painting the exterior frame now that it's wrapped. Longevity-wise, I expect these inserts to last as long as any full replacement would.
We had an old bungalow in Tampa (Seminole Heights area) with original windows that had the weight and pulley systems (the kind where there's a weight inside the wall attached to the sash by a rope). When those were replaced, we opted for full frame replacements. One reason was those weight pockets in the wall were essentially uninsulated cavities. By doing full replacements, we were able to have the installer stuff insulation into those empty weight pockets after removing the old frames. That was a nice perk – those pockets were like little chimneys letting hot air in.
So if you have really old windows with that kind of setup, full replacement can allow you to actually improve the insulation of the wall around the window. After the new windows went in (we chose double-hung windows that mimic the look of the old ones but are modern), the difference in draftiness was huge. No more rattling weights, and no more wind coming through the trim. We of course lost the old quirky charm of the pulley windows, but we kept one of the old sashes to hang on the wall as a decorative piece 🙂.
Speaking of older homes, mine was built in 1965 in Dunedin, and had original wood single-pane windows that were frankly at the end of their life (some glass panes were even cracked, wood starting to rot in spots). We bit the bullet and did a full replacement with new vinyl impact windows. I was a bit sad to lose the old wood windows since they matched the style of the house, but they just weren't practical anymore. After replacing, I have zero regrets. The new windows still look nice (we got ones with grids to imitate the old look somewhat) and now I don’t have to worry about rot or repainting.
Longevity-wise, these vinyl windows should last a long time. And if they ever need service, the company is around to fix them. We actually found that from the street you can hardly tell a difference other than the frames are slightly thicker and cleaner. It's one of those trades: we traded some old-house character for modern comfort and reliability. I think it was worth it. The house is much quieter and energy-efficient now, and it still has plenty of curb appeal. If someone really wants the old charm, they can always install decorative shutters or something, but I'll take the peace of mind of new windows any day.
To summarize my experience and what I'm hearing from everyone: if you can afford it, upgrading your windows (whether via retrofit inserts or full replacements) is a fantastic improvement for a Tampa Bay home. I delayed doing it for years and wish I had done it sooner. The key is to use a trustworthy contractor and choose the option that fits your home's condition and your goals. In my case, I went full replacement on a 1980s block home in Carrollwood, and I used Karoly Windows & Doors. No complaints at all – they were professional, and the result is great.
Yes, it's a lot of money, and yes, the direct payback on energy bills alone is slow. But factor in comfort, quieter living, better appearance, and storm protection, and it really becomes worth it. Also, knowing that new windows will last for decades is reassuring (I probably won't have to think about windows again as long as I own this house). So for anyone on the fence, I'd say: do your research, get a couple quotes (definitely talk to local companies like Karoly or ProTech Windoors as mentioned), and go for what makes sense for you. I don't know anyone who's replaced their windows and regretted it afterward.
I'll add my recommendation too – we had a great experience with ProTech Windoors for our full home window replacement in Wesley Chapel. They were super knowledgeable, helped us decide between inserts vs full (we did a mix, like @dennisc24 did, based on our home’s needs). They weren't the cheapest quote we got, but they weren't the most expensive either, and the value was definitely there in terms of quality and service.
At the end of the day, Florida homeowners have to consider things maybe folks in other states don't as much: hurricanes, intense sun, high humidity. Good windows address many of those. It's not just an aesthetic upgrade, it's also about protecting your home and making it livable year-round. Whether you retrofit or do full replacements, what matters is the windows are high quality and suited for our climate (impact glass if you can, low-E for sure, proper installation). And as many have echoed, go with a reputable installer. There are at least two solid ones mentioned in this thread (Karoly and ProTech), and I'm sure a few others out there. Get quotes, ask questions, and you'll end up with a result you’re happy with.
Wow, thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and advice! This thread has been incredibly insightful (way more than I expected – I appreciate all 75+ replies!).
It sounds like there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but now I have a much better idea of what to consider. My takeaways: If my existing frames are in good shape, inserts could save me money and hassle; if not, full replacements might be worth the extra cost to fix underlying issues. Energy savings are real but not huge, yet the comfort and other benefits make it worthwhile. And definitely I won't skimp on installation – I'll go with a well-reviewed local pro (I'll be reaching out to Karoly Windows and ProTech Windoors for quotes, as several of you recommended 👍).
Thanks again for all the local tips (permits, hurricane impact, etc.). I feel much more confident moving forward with this project. I'll update you all on how it goes once I get these new windows in!