Replacing windows before winter: how much you actually save on heating

Old, drafty windows from the 90s: heat escapes through them as if through an open suitcase. How much do you really gain by replacing them before winter?

Real numbers (120 m² house, gas heating)

• Old windows (wooden, from the 90s, leaky): heat loss ~15–20% of the entire building
• New windows (Uw = 0.9–1.1): heat loss drops to ~5%
• Gas bill: a drop of £120–£240 per year given heating costs of £500–£600/year
• Airflow: trickle vents in new windows eliminate dampness (savings on repairing moldy walls!)

When does it pay off

Replacing 8 windows: £1,600–£3,000. With annual savings of £160–£240: break-even in 8–15 years — on bills alone.

But look at the big picture

• A house with new windows is more valuable (valuation +2–5%).
• Comfort: silence and the absence of drafts are a daily benefit, not measured in currency.
• New windows with professional installation mean less risk of mold in the corners.

What to watch out for when replacing windows "in a hurry" before winter

• Installation at temperatures below +5°C requires winter additives — ensure the crew uses them.
• Do not agree to "wet" installation without vapor barrier tape — improper sealing will ruin the new profile.

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