I get the appeal of blackout curtains, but honestly, from my experience, they're more about comfort than big savings. Sure, there's a noticeable improvement in room temp...but if you're seriously chasing long-term savings, windows might be the smarter (though pricier) move.
"Sure, there's a noticeable improvement in room temp...but if you're seriously chasing long-term savings, windows might be the smarter (though pricier) move."
Yeah, windows can definitely make a difference, especially if your current ones are super old or drafty. But I'm curious—have you looked into smart thermostats much? I've been hearing mixed things about their actual savings potential in the long run. I put one in one of my rental properties last year, and honestly, I'm not fully convinced yet that it's saving me as much as promised. Maybe tenants just override the settings too often?
I mean, energy-efficient windows are a no-brainer if you've got the upfront cash and plan to keep the property for years. But thermostats are so much cheaper to install initially...makes it tempting to test out first before sinking thousands into window replacements.
Has anyone here actually tracked their energy bills carefully after installing either of these? I'd be interested in seeing some real-world numbers rather than just manufacturer claims or vague promises from salespeople.
I've been tracking my bills pretty closely since refinancing last year, and honestly, the smart thermostat hasn't blown me away either. A few things I've noticed:
- Savings seem minimal if your household already had decent thermostat habits.
- Windows made a bigger dent for me, especially upstairs where drafts were brutal.
- Thermostat's convenience factor is nice, but actual dollar savings? Meh.
Maybe it's different for everyone, but I'd lean toward windows if you're serious about noticeable long-term savings.
"Savings seem minimal if your household already had decent thermostat habits."
Yeah, that's pretty much been my experience too. I swapped out my old thermostat for a smart one thinking it'd be a game changer, but honestly... barely noticed a difference on the bills. On the other hand, after we replaced our ancient windows last year, especially in the bedrooms upstairs, it was night and day. Drafts vanished, rooms felt warmer, and the monthly heating costs dropped enough to actually notice. Thermostat's cool for convenience, but for real savings? Windows win hands down.
Drafts vanished, rooms felt warmer, and the monthly heating costs dropped enough to actually notice. Thermostat's cool for convenience, but for real savings?
Yeah, I hear you on the thermostat thing. Had similar expectations myself, but it was mostly hype. Windows though... that's legit. My tenants noticed immediately after upgrading—fewer complaints about cold spots, and bills dropped noticeably. Definitely worth the upfront cost in my experience.
