we currently have aluminum sidingOur windows are wooden, and some have quite a bit of damage.Which one would save us more money on energy?Which would improve the value of our home more?If you were a buyer, would either be a big selling point for you?
From any energy savings standpoint, the insulation will have the greatest impact on your energy consumptionSIR (Savings to Investment ratio) values are typically in the double digit range wheras windows are typically a break even 1:1 (based on a 10 year paybackInterpretation: insulation 14:1 SIR money saved in unpurchased energy returns the cost of the insulation in less than on year (A 10 would be a year) Windows 1:1 10 years to return your initial expenseBut that is taking each item at its sole valueInsulation in conjunction with the window replacement (particularly a good double or triple paned, argon filled low e type window) will calculate out around 2 or 3:1 depending on the cost of the windowsGood quality intalled vinyl siding, properly installed with an undersheathing and continuous vapor barrier, while not a prime energy saver can help reduce bulk moisture infiltration, prevent air wash to existing insulation and give esthetic value to your home alsoSometimes it is a better idea to get all the options up frontThis is where a home energy anaylisis can be worth its weightbalanced breakdown of cost effective measures, and in some cases even tie ins to available financial grants and loans for specific energy measures installed by their recomendations.
