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Question: Should i should replace my old windows of my home or purchase a new ac/heating furnace unit ?

(Posted by: Joanna on 2010-02-06 06:02:58)

I am wondering if I should replace my old windows of my home or purchase a new AC/ Heating Furnace Unit which is the original system, probably over 20 years old....Which is the better investment at this time??

Posted by: pickmefirstplz on 2010-02-06, 06:54:08

Either one is a wise investment however 40% of heat loss is thru the windows

Posted by: ryan l on 2010-02-06, 06:06:58

Look at it this way. If you replace the furnace, the heat is just going out the old windows. If you replace the windows, at least any heat you do have wont go out the new windows. I'd say windows first.

Posted by: lookat on 2010-02-06, 06:08:19

I think some major companies can do an evalutation of your home as to heat loss and you can go from there. For instance Dave Lennox as just one example. The category you need to look for in the yellow pages would likely be home heating and air conditioning. If you have a window specialist come to your home to assess things you will be told that your windows need replacing. But a heating and air conditioning service can actually test your home for heat loss and check your central system out to determine if it needs replacement. You might just need basic maintenance of your system.

Posted by: dvdacmn on 2010-02-06, 06:38:50

20 years old its lived its life its around a 4 5 seer system new ones are 13 seer or better go with new hvac system then if you have any tax credit left work on windows hvac systems go up in price they never go down

Posted by: sysint_42 on 2010-02-06, 07:14:30

If your furnace is around 20 years old likely it is about 80% efficiency. Post the type of furnace and that will help. So, you can count the costs to replace your windows and the improved R value and infiltration (air leakage). Then you can compare this cost with the cost of a new furnace which probably is around 92-96% efficient. Oftentimes the window replacement is the better choice because it reduces your energy consumption requirement. Then when the furnace actually does fail the replacement unit will be sized smaller (because your windows are better) and be more efficient. I'm in the heating business and the biggest savings come from reduced heating load, not better efficiency. So, insulating better in your attic, windows and walls is the better choice before changing a heating system. Keep in mind a 20 year old system may not have much life in it anyway - but I'd still go with the windows first and keep money aside for the furnace if it goes before you are done replacing all the windows. The other consideration is the AC part of the system. New laws go into effect so your replacement costs for this are up. I'd wait as long as possible before making a change.

Posted by: Danny on 2010-02-06, 08:57:15

If your furnace is only 20 years old it’s a puppy leave it alone. Replace your windows your done.