The big appeal of replacing your old windows with new energy- efficient ones is that they might save you money. A federal tax credit of up to $1,500 adds to the attraction.
But there are cheaper ways to reduce energy bills, experts say. Replacing windows is “one of the last things you want to do,” said Pascale Maslin, founder of Energy Efficiency Experts. “First you want to seal up your house, and that takes more time than it does materials. Second thing, you want to get your house insulated.”
Before you replace your windows, Nils Petermann of the Alliance to Save Energy recommends getting a home energy audit. You may be able to get away with just replacing glass. You might just need weatherstripping or caulking to block holes. You may also be able to add interior or exterior storm windows or plastic window films. Terri Rupar, The Washington Post
