is replacing windows (not the OS kind) worth it?

[Psurfer]

Clay, I'd replace the worst offenders only, to keep the cost manageable. For that matter, I'd start by weather sealing everything first, for even less cash outlay. And where aesthetically acceptable, plastic sheeting on the Exterior will make an enormous difference, and by far the most bang for the buck. Even/especially where you already have plastic up on the inside. And will stop the ghost-like plastic sheet "breathing".

[OWC Jamie]

you can pretty much guarantee a 50% savings in heating costs if the window you are replacing looks like this:

[rouderon]

$1000/window is installed. Again, depending on the size/style window and if you have transoms/sidelites, that would be approximate. Also, if you're not picky about the look, anywhere you have 2 windows side-by-side you could replace with one 2 or 3 Lite Roller (sash slides from side to side as opposed to up and down).

If you decide to buy & install yourself, make sure you do not use spray foam insulation. It's almost impossible to control and most people overfill, which eventually compromises the window frame, which in turn causes seal failure (resulting in condensation between the panes).

[clay]

Black wrote:
[quote=clay]
[quote=thermarest]
I asked this question of the inspector I hired for a pre-purchase for a 1976 house with wood windows. His firm opinion was that in terms of cost savings via energy conservation new windows were not worth it. But there are plenty of other reasons to get new windows--you don't like the drafty feeling, you want them to open and close smoothly, want a certain look, want to see out better (frosted or "smoked" old windows).

Doing it yourself is totally reasonable, depending on your level of DIY determination. If you enjoy that kind of thing and have a friend who has done it before and/or a complicit spouse, I'd say go for it.

I would actually enjoy doing most of the install myself, with the help of my wife or a friend. And if we're talking about $1000/window + installation, I would rather start by replacing the worst ones first, maybe doing a couple a year as I can afford it.

There's no way I'm spending $10,000+ on something that I could do myself for a lot less. I know there would be hassles, but I can't really say I don't have enough spare time to handle this sort of thing...
Easy there. $1,000 has to be a typo or a thinko.
What was my estimate-- chopped liver?
I've replaced windows several times-- even giant ones like mine don't cost more than $250/window installed/trimmed.
Sorry, didn't mean to ignore your estimate, Black. Your $250/window estimate seemed more in line with what I had thought the price would be. I'm sure there are far nicer windows available, but I'd probably never willingly spend 4x the money for something that may or may not have functional benefits.