36,000 euros for new windows - experiences?

Hello friends.

Please excuse this "Bild-Zeitung" headline. But actually, the cost estimate from the window builder is in this range. Sure, there are 12 windows, a large sliding door, and two large triangular gable windows included. It may be that the windows and installation are that expensive... but I am currently wondering if I want to spend that.

The windows are now 30 years old (wooden windows, double glazing). Apart from the fact that the insulation value is certainly miserable by today's standards, the windows are otherwise fine - still look good, close well, nothing leaks. We pay about 2600 euros in energy costs per year. Even if I saved 600 euros per year (exaggerated) with the new windows - the windows would only have paid off in 60 years... by then I would be 104 years old (and the windows long since "junk") ... That makes no sense, right? I am thinking about leaving the windows as they are and rather paying more for the energy. How do you see it? Do you have similar thoughts? Or is there a reasonable reason to invest after all? Has anyone here "only" replaced their windows? What effect did it really have on energy costs?

PS: It is a timber frame house from 1980 in the countryside (more of a C location). It has 14cm of continuous insulation above the rafters and we would also insulate the basement ceiling. We do not want to tackle the house facade. Windows were a consideration - but because of the payback period, I am very doubtful... Resale value is not really important because of the C location either...

That seems way too expensive to me. We paid €2,700 for our lift-and-slide door during the sampling. If you now add the removal of the old door, etc., you might end up at around €3,000. But the window installer here charges you that for almost every window. That is way too expensive. Google says you should expect about €800 per window (plastic windows). If we estimate €1,000, that would be €15,000 for you. Get some more offers and then see further. And what kind of windows did you choose? Aluminum? Then maybe consider something cheaper after all. Also check if there are any subsidies for that. I think you also get additional ones for main streets because of noise protection.

I recently saw a similarly high bill for a house that is being renovated. Allegedly, the expensive sliding door element was stolen. I think new windows already provide more comfort when staying, as the draft, meaning the cold from the glass, can be very unpleasant. So it's not just about the bottom line, but about comfort.

Hi, yes, it is an offer for wooden windows. However, the sliding door is also 4-5 meters wide and the removal and installation seem to be problematic (access to the house/ crane, etc...) ... of course, we have already requested a second offer from another window manufacturer and have already switched from wood to plastic... but even if it becomes 8-10,000 euros cheaper, I still wonder whether a replacement is economically worthwhile at all...

Hi ypg, so far I don't feel any draft or the coldness of the glass... or rather, I would have never considered replacing the windows except for saving energy costs. And just for a slight increase in comfort, it's all too expensive for me...

get a few more offers. possibly just change the glasses if everything else still closes well.....