[jrref]

Originally Posted by C. C. Rider

None of the referenced links that I read compared the cost difference in a warm climate such as Florida. So, using my all electric home as an example, let's do some "back of the envelope" figuring.

Let's say that a house with ALL double-pane windows costs an extra $6,000 here in Florida. Now, again using my heating/cooling costs as an example, let's say that my monthly electric bill in my ALL ELECTRIC home was reduced about $30 per month if I had all double-pane windows.

OK, so $30 per month equals $360 per year. At that rate, it would take 16.7 years just to break even. I don't know about you, but if someone offered me $6,000 CASH TODAY or $30 per month for the next 16.7 years, I'm going to take the $6,000 CASH TODAY!

Further, if you studied economics and the "time value of money", you'll know that dollars "saved" at some point in the future aren't worth nearly as much as dollars saved TODAY. So, if we factored that into our "break even" point above, it would take MUCH longer to break even than 16.7 years.

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First, I'm confused by your response. The OP was talking about the windows in their Lanai not the whole house. I don't believe the price difference between single and double pane windows in a closed in lanai is as much as you are stating. You also have to realize the heat gain is significant because the lanai is a glass enclosed room. Way different that a window in an insulated wall.

But If you are not going to spend the extra money on double pane windows then why even spend money insulating the lanai ceiling? According to your calculations it's not worth it.

[thelegges]

Originally Posted by C. C. Rider

Is that house "all electric" like mine? Also, are you heating the pool?

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Pool gets full sun summers all day, instead of heat we run chiller to keep temp at 84-86 degrees. We have a gas tankless water heater, gas dryer and range. The house is a premier so the entire interior is 10 foot ceilings. We are considering adding a mini split to the garage because it’s south facing this winter.
If we do heat the pool in the January and February it doesn’t cost much because of full sun, keeping water warmer, I prefer swimming at 80° water temp during the winter. We do use liquid pool cover, so even on a very cold night our temp loss is usually 2-3 degrees

[Laurawilcox]

If you are considering installing after market tinting film, I would suggest checking the warranty on your double pane windows. In most cases (depending on manufacturer) the warranty is voided, this is because the darker films can attract excess heat to the glass causing an increase in pressure in between the 2 panes making the window more prone to seal failures.

Most new glass can be ordered with the option of tint that is actually part of the glass composition, this allows you to retain manufacturer warranty.

I am in the warranty department at Custom Windows and Exterior Design and help our homeowners with tinting questions regularly.