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Posted by CWatters on October 2, 2007, 9:33 am
> > I am planning to replace some old (late 1800s) single pane windows with
> > vinyl inserts. I'm interested in getting some additional information;
> > regardless of brand, what are the key factors I should look at when
making
> > my selection? What is an acceptable warranty duration?
> >
> > Also, looking at the preliminary information I've collected, it appears
> > that I'll get substantial benefits to energy efficiency with the double
> > pane, but only a marginal increase above that for the argon filled. Is
it
> > worth the extra money? Are any of the glass coating options worth
looking
> > at, or are they just sales tactics to up the price?
> >
> > After installation, should I put the old storm windows back up as an
extra
> > layer- if so, how much additional thermal insulation are they likely to
> > provide?
> >
> > Thank you,
> > Keith
>
> Just like someone els said, If you current wood windows are still in
> good structural condition you should concider installing weather
> stripping or energy efficiemt jamb liners instead of new inserts. The
> thing that the double window manufacturers dont want to tell you, ( I
> have gotten some very frank answeres from them) Is that the actuall
> energy loss through the glass its self is very minimal. Double panes
> only make a few point increase inefficiency.
To the whole house perhaps but..
http://www.greenconsumerguide.com/commercialll.php?CLASSIFICATION=25&PARENT=19
" The U value of single clear glass is 5.4
With ordinary double glazing this is improved to 2.6
With Low-E glass the U value is reduced to 1.8
If argon gas is used to fill the air gap, the U value will reduce to 1.6 "
Smaller the U value the better. (U value is similar to R value in the USA)
so that's a factor of 3 ish reduction in loss through the glass itself.
The biggest part of
> energy loss in old windows is Air infiltration around the sashes. Also
> wood windows are much more effencient than vinal. Wood is much better
> insulator than vinal. As well as if you keep the original wood sashes
> than you dont change the look of the house. The windows are the eyes
> of your house, they have a great deal to do with the over all look of
> the house. Also the tripple track storm windows are junk, they do
> nothing to eliminate air infiltration, all they do is keep weather off
> the wood windows and help them last longer. You should go with a good
> positive sealing single pane storm and that will fix all air
> infiltration issues. If you have any questions check out my website.
> www.fairviewglass.com, send me email if you have any questions. Hope
> this helps you
>
If you seal up all the air gaps around your windows make sure the house has
sufficient other sources of ventilation or you will have condensation
problems.
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