Replacement low-e glass windows (McKinney: how much, cost of, steel)

[buwau]

Hi

i have couple of east facing windows with broken seals. The windows are about 18 years old. Does anyone know how much replacement low-e glass will cost, just a general idea? I don't expect to replace the whole window unit. Only the glass potion of it. Thank you

[bencronin04]

I have no idea, but posting the size of the glass pane may help in determining cost as well.

[buwau]

Around 46 inches x 28 inches.

[Rakin]

Not sure they even make Insulated window units that are not Low E any longer.

What I've seen is a cost about $75 per unit (each window has 2 - upper & lower). I'm sure that will vary depending on labor.

46 inches is large.... you will probably pay more. Is that the size of the whole window or just the lower glass unit ?

[MckinneyOwnr]

Originally Posted by buwau

Hi

i have couple of east facing windows with broken seals. The windows are about 18 years old. Does anyone know how much replacement low-e glass will cost, just a general idea? I don't expect to replace the whole window unit. Only the glass potion of it. Thank you

If your windows are 18 years old, the frames are probably the old metal style frames, which are inefficient in themselves. Newer windows with low-e glass have fiberglass frames, which is a much better insulator than metal.

If you're looking to maximize efficiency, you should replace the whole window.

[nsumner]

The glass only for that size would be about $125. The entire window to vinyl like McKinneyOwner suggested would be $400.

Naima

[buwau]

Thank you so much for the information. Very helpful. The size I gave was only for the bottom part of the window. I actually wanted to put on 3M tinted window film and the dealer gave me a cost of $1000. But commented that since the seals are broken I will have to replace window/glass down the road and I cannot reuse the tinted film once applied.

MckinneyOwn - you are right the frames are made of a metal, Aluminum perhaps? Thanks again. You all are wonderful!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

I bought peel-and-stick cling film for shading a few west-facing windows. As I remember, it is less than $50/box and does 2 standard windows. They also make the peel and stick fim which is HELL to work with but I could do the cling film myself and it is re-usable. It definitely lowered the heat in those rooms this summer.

[MckinneyOwnr]

Originally Posted by buwau

MckinneyOwn - you are right the frames are made of a metal, Aluminum perhaps? Thanks again. You all are wonderful!

Probably, though I've seen steel frames too. Obviously, a metal framed window heats up quickly in the TX sun, and it conducts that heat directly into your home. The newer style fiberglass/vinyl windows do a much better job with thermal efficiency.

My worry would be that even if you replaced the glass with low-e, you won't see that much of a benefit because the frames are working against you. But, I can understand the cost argument too. If it's a window that sees direct sunlight, I think you're better off replacing the whole thing, but if it's a window that has significant shade during the day, replacing the glass alone wouldn't be too bad.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by MckinneyOwnr

If it's a window that sees direct sunlight, I think you're better off replacing the whole thing, but if it's a window that has significant shade during the day, replacing the glass alone wouldn't be too bad.

The broken insulation is only worth maybe 5-10 efficiency.

He would be wise to take your advice on 18 YO windows and replace the whole windows.

And then get your AC vents / ducts checked for leakage.