Consumer Reports – Replacement Windows

Finding energy-efficient windows has become easier, as insulating features such as heat-reflecting low-E coatings and argon gas between panes have become more standard. You'll also find new options and extras, including fiberglass window frames. Use this buying guide to make your selection.

"Stop throwing money out your old windows," some commercials say. With heating costs on the rise, many homeowners may wonder whether it's time to replace aging, drafty windows with efficient, tight-fitting ones.

In addition to reducing your energy bill, new windows can make your home more comfortable, quiet, and attractive. But don't expect to recoup your investment right away. If you now have old-fashioned single-glazed windows, replacement windows might save you from 10 percent to 25 percent a year for heating and cooling. But new windows cost from $7,000 to $20,000 for an average house, and custom sizes can add another 15 percent. So it might take 20 years or more before you break even. That's why you might want to wait until your old windows have deteriorated, when you're remodeling, or when you want windows that are easier to wash and maintain.

Replacement windows have become more energy efficient since insulating features such as multiple glazing, Low-E coatings, and inert-gas insulation have proliferated in many manufacturers' lines. We tested replacement windows for air and water leakage, durability, and convenience. Here's what we found.

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Consumer Reports - Replacement Windows