Totally get your point about curtains and sealing gaps, but I'd say don't dismiss ratings completely. They're not just marketing fluff—there's solid science behind them. I've seen clients invest in mid-tier windows thinking they're saving money, only to regret it later when their energy bills didn't budge much. Ratings matter, especially if you're dealing with extreme climates or older homes. Sure, installation is critical, but pairing proper sealing with high-performance windows usually gives the best bang for your buck... at least from what I've seen.
"pairing proper sealing with high-performance windows usually gives the best bang for your buck"
True, but from experience, sometimes mid-range windows plus smart DIY sealing can get you pretty close without emptying your wallet. Did this in my older home—energy bills dropped noticeably, and my budget survived... just saying.
True, but from experience, sometimes mid-range windows plus smart DIY sealing can get you pretty close without emptying your wallet. Did this in my older home—energy bills dropped noticeably, a...
Good point, but curious—did you notice much difference in comfort levels between mid-range and high-performance windows? Numbers-wise, the DIY sealing makes sense, but wondering if there's a noticeable real-world gap in insulation or noise reduction...?
Honestly, I think the comfort difference between mid-range and high-end windows is a bit overstated. Had both types in different houses—noise reduction was slightly better with premium, but insulation-wise, DIY sealing closed that gap surprisingly well. Just my two cents...
Interesting point about DIY sealing—I’ve seen some pretty impressive results from that myself, especially if you’re meticulous about it. But I wonder if the insulation ratings might matter more in extreme climates? Like, maybe premium windows really shine when temps drop way below freezing or climb into triple digits. Has anyone noticed a bigger difference in comfort or energy bills when dealing with harsher weather conditions? Curious if that’s where the ratings become more meaningful...
