Storm windows are installed on top of existing windows to improve a home’s energy efficiency. Storms, in fact, have very little to do with them (sorry!).
Storm windows are a smart add-on to homes with old, drafty, single-pane windows, which allow cold air to seep in during the winter (or let cool air out during the summer). Storm windows solve these problems by sealing drafty leaks, and by adding another windowpane between your home’s interior and the outdoors.
Why would you get them?
Storm windows are a budget-friendly alternative to replacing old windows entirely with energy-efficient models—which can be a costly endeavor, says Andrew Hecox, owner of Air Capital Roofing and Remodeling in Wichita, KS.
“A single wood window replacement can run $800 to $1,000 per window,” Hecox says. “Even for cheaper vinyl replacement windows, you can expect to pay $400 to $800.”
That can add up quickly, given homes have an average of 22 windows! Storm windows, by comparison, typically cost $80 to $120 apiece, representing hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in savings.
Storm windows are relatively easy to add onto a home, with models that can be installed on the interior or exterior. This represents even more savings for the handy DIYer who doesn’t feel quite up to the task of installing permanent windows. Hiring a contractor to replace windows can run anywhere from $300 to thousands of dollars, depending on where you live and how many windows you need replaced.
If your home has older, single-pane windows, you’re a prime candidate for storm windows. If you want to start by installing just a few, prioritize areas of the home that are exposed to prevailing winds, as well as any spots where you feel drafts. An energy audit of your home can also help identify spots where you might want to install storm windows.
Storm windows pros and cons
Aside from saving a bundle of money over replacing your windows entirely, storm windows can save you money on your heating and cooling bills, says Dave Lincon, director of product management and business development for Sears. Money aside, storm windows also make your home less drafty and more comfortable.
Yet storm windows do have some drawbacks. For one, many storm windows can’t be opened, so once they’re on, don’t expect to pop open your window on a whim to air your place out. However, most storm windows are removable, so you can always install them during seasons when they’ll really help, then remove them when they’re more of a hindrance.
While some storm windows can be opened, they often require more maintenance, as dust and dirt can get trapped between the storm window and the actual window, so you might need to clean between them. And this is not a cleaning chore you want to let slide, since improperly maintained storm windows can trap in moisture.
“This is especially problematic if you already have an old window you are trying to protect,” Hecox warns. “You might be able to fix the draft temporarily, but the moisture will lead to dry rot in the wood window frame, requiring repairs and eventually window replacement.” Yup, that pricey upgrade you were trying to avoid in the first place.
Bottom line: Storm windows can improve your home for cheap, but prepare to roll up your sleeves and do a little maintenance to keep them in tiptop shape.
