That’s interesting about the fireplace—makes me wonder how many of us are missing the obvious leaks. Did you notice a big difference in your heating bill after sealing it up? I always assumed my old windows were the main culprit, but maybe I should be checking around the chimney and doors more closely. Did your energy audit include an infrared scan or just a visual check? Sometimes I wonder if those little fixes add up more than we think...
Did you notice a big difference in your heating bill after sealing it up? I always assumed my old windows were the main culprit, but maybe I should be checking around the chimney and doors more closely.
I honestly thought the same thing about my windows at first. We’ve got these single-pane originals from the 60s and I was convinced they were draining my wallet every winter. But after our audit (they did use an infrared camera, which was actually kind of cool to see), the biggest “hot spot” was around the attic hatch and—surprise—our fireplace damper. I ended up stuffing a draft stopper up there and taping around the hatch, and I swear the house felt less drafty almost overnight.
Funny thing is, my heating bill didn’t drop as much as I dreamed, but it was still noticeable—maybe $20-30 less a month in the coldest stretch. The windows are still on my list, but now I’m wondering if it’ll be as dramatic as I thought. Has anyone found that new windows made a huge difference, or was it more of a “lots of little changes add up” situation for you?
You nailed it—it’s usually a bunch of small fixes that really add up over time. I replaced a few windows in my last place (old wood frames, super drafty), and honestly, the comfort improved way more than the bill did. Like, it felt less chilly near the glass, but the heating savings weren’t as dramatic as I’d hoped. Sealing up the attic and fireplace made a bigger dent for me too. Still, every bit helps, and I think you’re on the right track mixing upgrades.
I get what you’re saying about the comfort—new windows definitely made my living room less drafty. But honestly, I did see a noticeable drop in my heating bill after swapping out all the old single-panes. Maybe it depends on how bad the originals were? For me, it was worth it, but I agree, attic insulation gave a quicker payoff.
I get where you’re coming from—my place had those old, rattly single-pane windows too, and honestly, I was skeptical about the payoff. But after biting the bullet and replacing them, I noticed the same thing: less draft, way quieter, and yeah, my heating bill dropped a bit. Not a miracle, but enough that it felt like progress.
You’re right though, attic insulation gave me a much faster return. The first winter after adding insulation, my bills dipped more than with the windows. But, I will say, the windows made the house feel less “old”—less condensation and no more cold spots near the couch. For me, it was about comfort as much as money.
If someone’s on a tight budget, I’d probably say tackle insulation first. Windows are a bigger investment and the payback takes longer. Still, if you can swing it, new windows do add up over time. Plus, no more plastic window film every winter… which I definitely don’t miss.
Yeah, I hear you on the insulation—when I finally got around to blowing some in the attic, it was like my house went from drafty old barn to “hey, maybe I can wear socks instead of boots indoors.” Windows were a bigger splurge for me too, and honestly, I mostly did it because the old ones wouldn’t even open half the time. Anyone ever try those DIY window kits before caving and getting replacements? I swear I spent more on shrink wrap than coffee one winter...
Honestly, those shrink wrap kits are a decent stopgap, but I’ve never seen them do much besides cut the worst of the draft. They’re kind of a pain to put up every year, and one stray cat or clumsy kid and you’re back to square one. I get wanting to save money, but after replacing a few hundred windows over the years, I’d say if your frames are shot or if they don’t open right, you’re just throwing good money after bad with the kits.
One thing people don’t always realize: if your old windows are warped or have gaps around the sashes, no amount of plastic film is gonna fix the real problem. It’s almost always air leaking around the frame or through the weight pockets in old double-hungs, not just through the glass itself.
I get why people try to stretch it out, though. New windows aren’t cheap. But once you factor in what you spend on heat (or AC), plus the hassle every fall, it starts to make sense. I’ve seen folks regret waiting—especially when they notice how much quieter and less dusty their house is after proper replacements go in.
I totally get what you mean about the plastic kits—they’re honestly more trouble than they’re worth after a few seasons. We finally bit the bullet and did new windows last spring. Have you noticed any difference in your bills after replacing yours? I was surprised how much less dust we’re dealing with, too... is that typical?
Yeah, the dust thing surprised me too—didn’t expect that at all. I swapped out my old windows two winters ago and noticed way less grime on the sills. My heating bill dropped a bit, but honestly, it took a while to see the difference. The upfront cost still stings though...
- Totally agree on the dust—didn’t expect that perk either.
- Swapped out my 80s-era sliders last spring. Noticed less draft and the living room stays warmer.
- My wallet felt it too... but I did get a small rebate from the city, which helped a bit.
- Install was a pain since a couple frames weren’t square, but worth it for the comfort.
- Still kinda waiting to see big savings, but at least my house feels less like a wind tunnel now.