More Than Just Glass! By cafn8me on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
When my husband and I bought our beautiful, then-74 year old house, the windows (all 43 of them!) were the original, wavy-paned,wooden-framed windows. A good number of the windows on our second floor refused to open, which meant that they couldn't be cleaned properly. And all the windows had all the insulative properties of Swiss cheese! During our first winter in the house, we were forced to put up heavy, thermal drapes to prevent as much heat loss as possible. Once we had some money saved, we called a contractor and arranged to have all the windows replaced with Harvey Industries Classic Double-Hung Replacement Windows. Each window was custom-made to fit the various-sized window openings in our house. About 2 weeks after the contractor came to our house to take the window measurements, our windows were delivered to the contractor's warehouse and our window replacement began.
Inside of 3 days, all 43 windows were replaced. Best of all, the window weight pockets were now insulated! No more heat loss!
These windows are Energy Star qualified, with a pocket of air between the two panes of glass that acts as an insulator against cold and heat. The meeting rail (where the top and bottom sashes meet when the window is closed) interlocks and has double weather stripping to create a tight seal. Both the top and bottom sashes tilt in for ease of cleaning, and the screens are non-glare aluminum. There's even a ventilation limit latch on each window, which allows the window to be open enough to allow a good breeze in the nice weather, but not more than 4 inches. That means that the window cannot be pushed open from the outside by a possible intruder.
The first winter with our new windows, we paid about 34% less than the previous year in heating expenses! Plus, the Energy Star rating meant a considerable tax write-off when we filed our tax returns for that year!
Although window replacement is one of the most expensive home improvement projects we've accomplished, it was well worth every penny! I highly recommend Harvey windows....they're high quality products at great, affordable prices!
About The Author:
Harvey Classic Vinyl Double Hung Replacement Windows Purchased at: Harvey Industries Price: $225.00 per window (installed)
Excellent pricing on your windows Caf! 43 windows to be retrofitted was a big big chore! I'm not familiar with Harvey Windows, but the fact you've seen an overall reduction in energy costs means they are doing their job.
Never heard of this brand, but it sounds like they really did right by you! Are they wood or aluminum? I'd want to stay with wood on that old of a house, but that's just me. Way to go!
I bet your house is GORGEOUS with 43 windows! I love natural light shining through a house & you were wise to get energy efficient windows-in the long run, they will definitely save you money & be worth it!!!!
Insullation properties of swiss cheese! You are so funny:0) Glad you got some new windows!
Good for you that you got some tax write offs for this purchase. I think it's important to replace old windows, even if you have to do them one at a time. I need to replace the ones in our home since they are not really well insulated. This sounds like a great window.
They sound wonderful! I like the ease of cleaning part...
Your house must be beautiful with so many windows. I'm not familiar with Harvey windows, but sounds like you got a great deal. Energy Star rated products save money and they're good for the environment since they save energy.
These are nice windows. We considered these when we did ours, but chose a different brand
You're right, good windows can make such a difference!