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Alternatives to the EnergySavrtm Window Inserts window insulation system
There are alternative solutions to EnergySavrtm Window Inserts panels for reducing air infiltration and increasing the energy efficiency of your existing windows. Each of these solutions has significant drawbacks:
- Window insulation kits
- Storm windows
- Low-E glass windows
Window Insulation Kits
3M, Duck Products, Warp Brothers, and other companies manufacture and sell window insulation kits in hardware and various other stores. These kits have the following advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
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Disadvantages
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- Inexpensive and readily available
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- Double-sided tape can peel off paint when removed
- Tendency to wrinkle distorting view through window
- Unattractive
- Cannot be removed and reused
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Storm Windows
Double-track and triple-track storm windows have been available for decades. Although they seemed like a good idea at the time they suffer from several weaknesses that can problems.
Advantages
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Disadvantages
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- Increases the insulation value of windows
- Reduces noise
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- Readily leak air from the outside
- Conduct heat out of your house
- Creates condensation that causes window sills to rot
- Only mount on the outside of windows thus affecting the appearance of the house
- Expensive to install
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Replacement Windows
Modern replacement windows made of gas-filled Low-E glass can increase the warmth of your windows threefold over your existing windows. However, this option will cost you somewhere between $300 to $500 or more per window. The cost of replacing existing windows often requires the owner to take out a second mortgage to pay for the bill and it might take decades to break even on the return of the investment in energy savings. For example, replacing windows on an average home with 12 windows will cost $3,600 to $6,000 or more and some estimates might run up to $10,000 or more depending on the type of windows selected. Obviously replacing windows on a larger home with many more windows is an expensive proposition!
Advantages
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Disadvantages
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- Increases the insulation value of windows
Many styles available
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- Very expensive!
- Requires skilled contractors to install properly
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