I'm in the process of replacing all the windows in my home for better heating and cooling efficiency. The estimate I received includes replacing two attic windows, which I consider more decorative than functional since we don't use the attic for anything—it's just got normal insulation and a water heater. Excluding these windows would save us around $1500, but I'm unsure if it's necessary to replace them at all. Since these windows are on a single-story home and get afternoon sun, I'm looking for opinions that aren't influenced by the sales guy. What do you think?
2 Answers
If the attic windows are still water-tight, you probably don't need to replace them unless you're aiming for a specific aesthetic. They're not a must unless weather-tightness or visual consistency is a concern for you.
If you're in a cooler climate, those attic windows could let heat escape, so it might be worth replacing them. In a hotter area, they might still help with thermal bridging, but the real savings on heating would come in the winter. So, consider your local climate!
I hear you! In South Texas, winter isn’t really a concern for most of the year, right? So maybe it’s okay to skip those windows if they’re just for looks.
Exactly! Since we're doing it mainly for energy efficiency and the sales guy mentioned that if we only replace some, the heat will seek out the old ones... I'm just not sold on how much impact these little windows really have.