Restoring your old windows
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources has produced a compelling short video that busts the myth that replacing windows is the best investment to lower home energy costs. Residential energy efficiency expert, Lyn Huckabee, takes you through how homes really lose energy: through gaps in doors, walls, windows and attics, as well as through exposed surfaces like walls. Watch the video and learn how to get the biggest bang for your buck. Sealing gaps, adding insulation, and improving your storm windows are much better investments, because replacing windows is a very expensive proposition and there are now energy efficiency program subsidies if you already have double-pane windows.
Restoring older wood windows can be a do-it-yourself task. Boston Building Resources has produced a great series of four short videos on restoring wood windows. Window expert, Steve Gentile, of Arborway Window Restoration, walks you through the process from beginning to end.
Even old rotted window sills can be repaired. Television show This Old House shows how easy it is to fix rotted window frames with epoxy.
Of course if your windows are beyond repair, replacement is an option. If you have single pane windows, you may qualify for a HEAT Loan to help spread that cost out over several years.