After doing my windows, I actually looked into solar panels for the roof. What I found interesting was that by cutting my energy use with the windows, I could size a slightly smaller solar system for my house to offset the remaining usage. They complement each other – windows reduce the amount of cooling needed, and solar can cover more of the smaller bill. It's a bit off-topic, but just another angle on improving home efficiency. If you ever plan on doing solar, having energy-efficient windows (and good insulation, etc.) means you won't need as many panels to meet your energy needs.
Quick note on something not mentioned yet: cold weather performance. We don't get much cold in Tampa Bay, but remember last winter when we had that freak cold snap and it dipped into the 30s? My new windows kept the house a lot warmer during that compared to neighbors who still had old single-pane windows. We barely ran our heater, while a friend of mine in an older house (no new windows) had condensation and even a bit of frost on the inside of his glass. So while we mainly focus on summer benefits, efficient windows help year-round, even on those rare chilly nights.
And as a few people hinted, there's a convenience ROI during hurricane season too. With impact windows, I no longer have to put up hurricane shutters or plywood when a storm is coming. That's a huge relief. I used to dread that ritual every time a hurricane was projected near us. Now I just make sure everything else is secured and I'm good to go. That time and effort saved (not to mention not needing to store large shutters) is a non-monetary benefit, but it's big for me living here in the Bay area where we do get our fair share of storm warnings.
Has anyone tried temporary solutions like those clear insulation kits or reflective films before getting new windows? I'm thinking of using those in the interim before I can afford full replacements. Do they make any noticeable difference in energy savings or comfort?
@hunter_star, I did the 3M window film on a couple of windows and also tried those shrink-on plastic insulation kits back when I was saving up for new windows. The reflective film does help a bit with reducing heat and glare. It made one hot guest bedroom a tad more bearable in the summer. But it’s not a night-and-day difference like actual new windows. The plastic film (the kind you blow dry to seal) can stop drafts in the winter, but in Florida that’s less of an issue than in colder climates. In my opinion, those are okay short-term band-aids. They don't come close to the performance or appearance of a real upgrade. Once I got my new windows, I peeled all that stuff off and never looked back.
For those who got impact windows, did any of you consider just getting non-impact double-pane windows and using hurricane shutters instead, to save money? I have shutters already, so I'm debating if I really need impact glass. Impact windows seem to cost significantly more, so I'm wondering if the energy efficiency is the same, should I just stick to non-impact and deploy my shutters during storms?
@patricia_peak, I went through that same debate. I ended up choosing high-quality double-pane windows that are not impact rated (they're still ENERGY STAR and very solid). I kept my aluminum hurricane panels to use if we get a storm. It did save a good chunk of money – my quotes for impact glass were about 25% higher than non-impact. If you're diligent about putting up your shutters when needed, you can absolutely go that route. Just make sure the non-impact windows you get are still rated for our area (they'll usually still meet Florida building code for basic wind loads, just not large missile impact). My installer reinforced the anchoring of my shutters around those new windows as well. So yeah, you can save money if you're willing to manually do the storm prep. The energy efficiency between impact vs non-impact glass of the same type is basically identical; it's the laminate layer in impact glass that adds cost, not something that affects the insulation much.
One more thing to consider: if you live in a neighborhood with a HOA or a historic district (like some parts of Tampa or older neighborhoods), check if there are any rules about window appearance. Some HOAs require you keep the same grid pattern or frame color, etc. In my community in Pasco, we had to submit the window specs for approval. It wasn't a big deal, but just a heads-up so you don't get into trouble after installation. Most modern windows can be ordered to match the look (e.g., grids inside the glass if you need that colonial look), so it shouldn't stop you from upgrading, just something to verify.
I'll add a small quality-of-life improvement: cleaning and operation. My new windows are so much easier to open, close, and clean. We got the tilt-in style double-hung windows, and being able to clean the outside glass from inside is wonderful (especially for the second floor windows). My old windows were painted shut in some places or the tracks were all gunked up, so just getting some fresh air by opening windows was a struggle. Now it's a breeze, literally. Not directly ROI, but it does add to homeowner happiness!
This all sounds great, but the upfront cost is still intimidating. Did any of you use financing options for your window projects? I've seen some window companies advertising things like "0% financing for 12 months" or similar. Is it better to finance or to save up and pay cash? Any tips on dealing with the cost, like financing, loans, etc.?