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The Case For Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows
  • The Case For Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows
  • The Case For Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows
The Case For Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows

The Case For Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows

$24.99 USD
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Are your old windows really draining your wallet, or is that just another myth?

The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows takes a clear-eyed, data-driven look at the energy performance of historic wood windows and the claims often used to justify replacement. Drawing on verified studies, industry testing, and decades of hands-on experience, the book examines how traditional windows actually perform, how they can be improved, and how those improvements compare, financially and environmentally, to replacement.

Inside, readers will find practical, real-world strategies for improving comfort and efficiency, with climate-specific recommendations applicable across U.S. climate zones 1-8. The book breaks down the actual cost of restoration versus replacement, explains where energy losses really occur, and offers affordable upgrades that homeowners and DIYers can implement. 

Clear, evidence-based, and refreshingly honest, The Case for Historic Windows helps homeowners make informed decisions that save money, reduce waste, and preserve the character of their homes without sacrificing performance.

Paperback | March 3, 2025
The Replacement Window Myth

Every year, thousands of historic windows are needlessly discarded—victims of aggressive marketing campaigns from replacement window companies. But what if everything you’ve been told about old windows is wrong?

The Case for Historic Windows reveals the inconvenient truth: a properly maintained historic window can last centuries, while the average replacement window needs to be replaced again after just 15-20 years.

With compelling data, practical advice, and real-world examples, this essential guide challenges the conventional wisdom about window efficiency and gives you the knowledge to make truly informed decisions about your home’s historic windows.
The Hidden Costs of Window Replacement

Why replace when you can restore? A restored historic window with a storm window matches the energy efficiency of new double-pane replacements, without the high cost or environmental damage.

Historic windows, crafted from durable old-growth wood, can last centuries with basic care, while replacement windows often fail in 15-20 years. Plus, each new window pumps out 1,244 pounds of CO₂. Restoration keeps that footprint at zero. Choose wisely: save money and history.
Shipping & Returns

At The Old House Shop, we work with a mix of trusted production partners and ship certain items directly from our workshop. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location. For more information, please visit the Shipping Policy page.

We hope you are delighted with your purchase, and we do everything we can to make that happen. However, if you need information about returns, please read our Return and Refund policy. If there is an issue, please contact us directly.

About the Authors

Stacy Grinsfelder is a passionate storyteller and preservation advocate. Since 2014, she has been inspiring audiences through her blog, Blake Hill House, which chronicles the restoration and revival of her 1800s home. As the producer and co-host of the popular podcast True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy brings historic preservation to life with a mix of knowledge and humor, sharing entertaining and educational stories that engage and motivate old house enthusiasts. When she’s not behind the mic, you’ll find her teaching hands-on window restoration workshops, empowering DIYers to save their historic windows and embrace the art of preservation. 

Scott Sidler is the owner of several companies. Austin Historical, a 40+ person window restoration company that restores and rebuilds historic wood and steel windows across the southeastern US. Austin Enterprises Group, which provides e-commerce and content creation solutions for websites in the DIY & Home Improvement niche, and Preservan Orlando, a home rot repair franchise. He has served on the Orlando Historic Preservation Board and the Window Preservation Alliance Board. He is a bestselling author of several restoration books and the creative force behind The Craftsman Blog.

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