I looked into the energy savings on repurposed windows and was shocked at what I found

Everyone always says turning old windows into picture frames or greenhouse panels is a no-brainer for saving on heat loss. But I dug into the actual R-values of those single-pane windows from the 50s after I put one in my own workshop shed last spring. Found a study from a building science blog that said a single-pane window has an R-value around 0.9, while even basic double-pane stuff from Home Depot runs about R-3. So that old window I hung up is basically like having a hole in the wall for warmth. My gas bill went up $22 the month after I installed it compared to the same month the year before. I get the appeal of using old windows for decor or a cold frame for seedlings, but for actual living space insulation? I think the hype is way overblown unless you pair them with a storm window or something. Has anyone else actually tracked their utility costs after an upcycle like this?

2 comments

2 Comments

drew_grant5213h ago

Oh man, I was totally one of those people who thought old windows were a steal for energy savings. You just convinced me to actually check my own setup, and yeah, my bill’s been worse too.

mary61414h ago

You gotta pair those old windows with a storm window like you said. I did the same thing in my basement workshop a few years back and saw my bill jump real quick. Ended up building a simple wooden frame with a sheet of plexiglass on the outside and it made a huge difference. Without that extra layer, you're basically just letting the cold walk right in. For a greenhouse or a decorative piece they're fine, but for a heated space they need backup or they'll cost you more than they're worth.