Are Double Hung Windows Worth It?
With costs in the thousands, window replacement is not a cheap home improvement. While many homeowners understand the benefits of replacing old windows with new ones, you may be asking yourself “are double hung windows worth it?” Read on to learn more about double hung windows cost vs. benefits to decide what's right for you.
Benefits of Double Hung Windows
There are many benefits to replacing old windows, but what's "worth it" to you may differ from someone else's perception. Here are the top benefits that homeowners report when replacing old windows with double hung windows:
Easy to clean
Do you dread cleaning old windows so much that you hire out for the unpleasant task? Since newer double hung windows tilt in, they make for easy cleaning. When you DIY instead of hiring a window cleaner, you will save money without sacrificing shiny windows.
Decrease air leaks
Newer windows block air from leaking out of your home, so your home maintains a more consistent temperature year round. You will enjoy a draft-free home while using less heat and AC to stay comfortable — so you will pay less each month for oil, gas, or electric.
Conserve energy & save money
When you are looking at curbing energy usage, it's important that you seal your home's envelope to lower your overall energy usage before you invest in clean or renewable energy. Otherwise, you would waste energy. By replacing drafty windows with energy efficient windows, you can tighten your home's envelope, curb your overall energy consumption, and pave the way for clean energy home improvements.
Boost resale value
For most homeowners, the biggest payoff of replacement windows comes at the time of resale. When you take the long view of things, you will appreciate being comfortable in your home year round while increasing your home's value and asking price when you decide to sell. On average, homeowners recoup 80 percent of the cost of replacing windows when they sell. To maximize resale value, select double hung windows that mimic the style of your home, especially if it's a historic house. For example, wood windows with divided light panes keep to the historic style of old windows and add value, while baseline vinyl replacement windows without divided light panels blend centuries and may cheapen the home's value. After comparing the expenses and advantages of replacement double hung windows, most homeowners find that the benefits outweigh the cost in the long run.
How Much Do Double Hung Windows Cost?
There's no one size fits all answer for how much do double hung windows cost because it depends on how many windows your home has, the size of the windows, and the features you choose in double hung windows. If you select windows with a low-e coating, which blocks UV rays from penetrating the windows, you will pay more than if you forego this feature. However, your furniture might fade unevenly — which means you may spend more over time in replacing that sofa and rug! At Window Nation, we run specials that allow homeowners to save money on replacement double hung windows and have helped many homeowners answer the question, “are double hung windows worth it?“ We are happy to talk more about the features that set our windows apart, help you select the right features for your new double hung windows, and provide you with a free in-home estimate for double hung or any other kind replacement windows.