You have a few options depending on the state of the current windows. We got a guy who did a cheap maintenance run over all the windows, lubrication, adjustment where is wasn't sealing well and replaced a few broken / loose handles. We've 20 year old PVC double glazing.
We've a busy road near the house so I'm considering window upgrades within a tight budget to solve a few problems:
- Noise
- Improve Insulation / BER
- Add bedroom Blinds that completely block sunlight - I keep waking up early in the summer
I'll use the Home Renovation Incentive scheme to save some VAT but replacing all the windows is out for me financially. I've two options:
- Install secondary glazing on specific windows (bedrooms)
- Replace a few windows at a time with double / triple glazing, starting with bedroom ones (I've over 13 windows....)
Secondary glazing could work out around €600 per window but I'm not sure if RHI will cover it. I've seen it used in hotels very effectively to block noise. I'd only go this route if the window was in good repair but you loose most of the indoor window sill at a result. They can be easily removed for cleaning / fire escape (magnetic).
Alternatively I'm planning to get a quote for total window replacement from a few vendors and find out how much 2 or 3 at a time would cost to install. Some say modern double glazing is not far off triple glazing but for bedrooms where noise is concerned or north facing windows, I'm still inclined to use the RHI saving towards the triple glazed cost rather than regret it later.
I'm not sure there's much of a saving keeping the existing frames plus they aren't going to be as thermally efficient anyway. Worth asking though.
Hope this helps!