Storm windows -- highly Mustachian

[Daleth]

I just wanted to share what I've learned over the past few months about saving energy (and thus utility costs) with storm windows. I did NOT find this out from the window salesman I first went to see--he didn't know any of it, probably because window salesmen make a lot more from convincing people to tear out and replace all their windows than from selling storm windows, so why bother informing themselves...

Long story short, if you get well made storm windows (along the lines of Larson silver or gold levels, or any number of others--I'm also looking at a company called GW Trapp and a few others), AND you pay the relatively modest upcharge to switch out the regular glass for low-E glass, you get virtually the same energy/utility cost savings as you would from putting in new double-paned windows, but at a fraction of the cost (not to mention a fraction of the hassle--it's way less disruptive to put on storm windows than to rip out your actual windows and replace them).

Here are some links about the energy savings:
http://www.ehow.com/list_6568299_benefits-low-glass-storm-windows_.html

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/windowsvolumepurchase/pdfs/low-e_storm_windows_fact_sheet.pdf

[coldcarryouts]

Thanks so much for posting this! I've been mulling replacing the original windows in our ~1945 house, but I don't want to get rid of the look - the muntins are lovely, and I hate the look of large, solid panes on Cape Cod-style homes. Replacing with new windows in the same style would be hella expensive.

It's good to know we can get close to the same performance from adding storms on the exterior of the home, for a small fraction of the price. I might do this in the next couple of months!

[palebluedot]

Thank you for sharing this information. I love learning about ways to have a better energy efficient home.

[Daleth]

Thanks so much for posting this! I've been mulling replacing the original windows in our ~1945 house, but I don't want to get rid of the look - the muntins are lovely, and I hate the look of large, solid panes on Cape Cod-style homes. Replacing with new windows in the same style would be hella expensive.

It's good to know we can get close to the same performance from adding storms on the exterior of the home, for a small fraction of the price. I might do this in the next couple of months!

Awesome! I also noticed there's a manufacturer that makes storm windows in a ton of colors, so if matching trim is an issue or if your existing windows are something other than black/brown/white/off-white and you want to match them, there's at least one place where you can:
http://www.proviaproducts.com/products/aluminum-storm-windows#!/town-and-country

[palebluedot]

I noticed you stated "if you get well made storm windows (along the lines of Larson silver or gold levels, or any number of others--I'm also looking at a company called GW Trapp and a few others), AND you pay the relatively modest upcharge to switch out the regular glass for low-E glass"

Do these storm windows (Larons,etc) already come with low-e glass? The ones from Lowes apparently do http://www.lowes.com/Windows-Doors/Windows/Storm-Windows/_/N-1z11pon/pl#!

Just trying to clarify. Thanks!

[Daleth]

I noticed you stated "if you get well made storm windows (along the lines of Larson silver or gold levels, or any number of others--I'm also looking at a company called GW Trapp and a few others), AND you pay the relatively modest upcharge to switch out the regular glass for low-E glass"

Do these storm windows (Larons,etc) already come with low-e glass? The ones from Lowes apparently do http://www.lowes.com/Windows-Doors/Windows/Storm-Windows/_/N-1z11pon/pl#!

Just trying to clarify. Thanks!

I think it's usually an option, not automatic, but I haven't checked lately. Most of the ones at your link are Larson windows (it doesn't say if it's silver or gold or some lower level, but you could probably figure that out by comparing the features described for the Lowe's windows to the features on the Larson pages below), and it looks like the Larson ones Lowe's sells are low-E (but, for instance, the cheaper "Comfort-Bilt" ones are not).

Here's the Larson Gold: http://www.larsondoors.com/storm_windows/products/gold_series/
And Silver: http://www.larsondoors.com/storm_windows/products/silver_series/
And Bronze: http://www.larsondoors.com/storm_windows/products/bronze_series/

Here's why I didn't mention Bronze up front: on the Silver page, "Silver series windows can withstand winds up to 80 mph and cut air infiltration by over 2 times the rate of our Bronze series"; on the Gold page, "Gold Series storm windows are built to withstand winds up to 95 mph and cut air infiltration by over 4 times the rate of our Silver Series." Air infiltration is a huge part of what makes you lose energy through your windows. Personally if I'm going to go to the hassle and expense of installing storm windows, I want the most bang for my buck.

Lowe's seems to sell some standard sizes "off the rack," but to my knowledge every window manufacturer can make you storm windows to fit whatever size window you have. We ordered a custom Larson Gold through Lowe's, I think it took maybe all of 2 weeks to come in.

And, word to the wise, there isn't much point putting low-E glass in a flimsy storm window--the reason storms work is because they're made well enough to seal tightly at all the joins and around each pane of glass. The low-E glass reduces heat loss (or cool loss) through the glass, making them even more efficient. But you have to start with a solidly made, well sealed window.