which is a better return on investment: new windows or vinyl siding?

Question

we currently have aluminum siding. Our windows are wooden, and some have quite a bit of damage.

Which one would save us more money on energy?
Which would improve the value of our home more?
If you were a buyer, would either be a big selling point for you?

our siding is quite old and the paint is faded. We can't wash the siding because the paint comes right off with the dirt, no matter how gentle we are. Repainting it will be necessary if we don't redo. I should also mention that we were going to put in new insulations as well...

Answer 1

From any energy savings standpoint, the insulation will have the greatest impact on your energy consumption. SIR (Savings to Investment ratio) values are typically in the double digit range wheras windows are typically a break even 1:1 (based on a 10 year payback.
Interpretation:
insulation 14:1 SIR money saved in unpurchased energy returns the cost of the insulation in less than on year (A 10 would be a year)
Windows 1:1 10 years to return your initial expense.

But that is taking each item at its sole value.
Insulation in conjunction with the window replacement (particularly a good double or triple paned, argon filled low "e" type window) will calculate out around 2 or 3:1 depending on the cost of the windows.

Good quality intalled vinyl siding, properly installed with an undersheathing and continuous vapor barrier, while not a prime energy saver can help reduce bulk moisture infiltration, prevent air wash to existing insulation and give esthetic value to your home also.

Sometimes it is a better idea to get all the options up front. This is where a home energy anaylisis can be worth its weight. balanced breakdown of cost effective measures, and in some cases even tie ins to available financial grants and loans for specific energy measures installed by their recomendations....

Answer 2

If you are talking about selling values, siding will add more to the home due to curb appeal and overall improvement of the homes "looks". When selling a home, first sight of overall house is most important. For energy savings, windows are more important.

Answer 3

Depending on how your siding was put on? Most siding will have to be removed to remove windows. Windows are probably the better selling point for me. I would think that siding would carry the better energy value as you can seal the windows with shrink film.

Answer 4

I would say windows too, anything that makes your home more efficient and updated is a major plus. Just make sure you get good windows like Anderson or Pella.
Vinyl siding should be considered if your siding is falling apart,or really old.

Answer 5

for me the big point would be the windows I hate vinyl siding, I prefer Hardi-siding.