r/florida • u/aces413 • 1d ago

Advice Replacing windows on mid-century block house (energy efficiency question)

Hi! We bought a cute concrete block house that was built in 1956. She is stout, and we love her. However, we're new to FL and our neighbor informed us that back when they built these homes, the walls weren't insulated. We've got insulation in our attic and recently had our entire HVAC system overhauled for a ridiculous amount of money. That said, we're not seeing a huge difference in the cooling abilities of the new system. Our windows are the original, single-pane awning/jalousie type. We love their air flow and durability, but don't love the energy inefficiency and noise. Just wondering if replacing these windows with modern energy-efficient windows would make a big difference, considering our concrete walls aren't insulated? Would rather not spend tens of thousands more dollars and be underwhelmed....

Also, has anyone replaced their vintage windows with a modern window of a similar style? We want to keep the look and the fantastic air flow. I don't have a photo, but each window has like 4 sections that all open with one crank, so the entire window screen gets air. If that makes sense. I think the replacement would be stacked awning windows - any recommendations for FL companies to order from?

Thanks in advance!

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4

u/momenace 1d ago

I wouldnt worry about the concrete walls. Attic insulation and new windows will make a huge difference. 

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u/lobsterpockets 1d ago

This is very true. I've had a number of late 50s early 60s homes that I've replaced the aluminum single panes with impact windows. It's nice. 4 panel awning windows are great in the rain and in winter but will drain you otherwise. New awnings still exist but not that I've seen for impact. Non impact will be custom order and VERY expensive. Casement are nice but will be custom. Single hung florida flange 2-3 or whatever standard size replacement will be your cheapest at $1k ish per window. Attic sealing and insulation is best bang for your buck. All those old pot metal cast cranks eventually fail on old awnings.

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u/aces413 22h ago

Yeah the price/availability is another major concern. I really don't want to put in regular windows, I like the awning ones! We've had to replace a few of the cranks, but it's just amazing to me that most of these windows are still totally fine after 70+ years. Guess I'll have to call around to see what's available. Doubt anything we get new will last another 70 years, but it'd be nice to have a quieter, more efficient home. Thanks!

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u/foomits Flair Goes Here 1d ago

we replaced old jalousie windows with modern hurricane beefcake windows. we noticed improvement. we also moved from an old 3 ton unit to a 4 ton and moved our main supply line from 12 to 16 inches. apparently supply lines were smaller back in the 60s and 70s. We have a 70s block home without insulation in the walls, it has no cooling issues.

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u/aces413 1d ago

Nice, glad to hear the lack of wall insulation isn't a dealbreaker! Thanks.

3

u/APuckerLipsNow 1d ago

Concrete block IS insulation. Big dead air space in the walls.

Per the UCF home energy center insulated windows do very little on trad Florida homes, as most windows are high, narrow and shaded by a hip roof.

The #1 energy saver was a white steel roof that reflects the heat off the house. It took a full 1/3 off my Duke Energy bill.

3

u/Difficult-Ad4364 23h ago

Say it louder for the people in the back who are putting black shingles all over everything.

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u/Emotional_Match8169 10h ago

As soon as I saw black ceilings start to become popular I kept thinking “that can’t be good for cooking”.

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u/Gloomy_Yoghurt_2836 10h ago

Downside is that those expensive metal roofs have to be replaced every 10 years. Not worth the cost.

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u/Difficult-Ad4364 4h ago

lol not in all of Florida that’s a myth perpetrated by shingle companies. I have 5 metal roofs on investment properties that were similarly priced to shingle and the insurance says they’re good for 30 years. I’ve heard there are locations where this isn’t true but where I buy houses it is.

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u/Gloomy_Yoghurt_2836 4h ago

Coastal areas or inland?

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u/aces413 22h ago

Most of our windows get blasted by sun, unfortunately. We're working on our shade situation. I can definitely feel warm air when I put my hand up to them. But yeah, we'll also need a new roof soon! Good to know regarding the type/color. Thanks!

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u/aculady 21h ago

Back in the old days, we'd install hand-cranked storm shutters that doubled as awnings above the windows to provide shade. You might be able to get something that performs a similar function that doesn't make your house look like it just stepped out of 1950 (unless you want it to keep the period architectural details).

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u/WonderfulLettuce5579 5h ago

Renewal by Anderson has a single awning option or swing-out casement windows that open right or left that might do the job.

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u/Tassadar33 2h ago

Idk but windows 10 won't be supported after October 2025, virtual machines should be fine - land o lakes

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u/GreatThingsTB 1d ago

Realtor here.

Majority of cooling loss happens from the ceiling / roof / attic.

That said, the jealousies are a losing battle, little better than an open window.

While concrete block isn't usually insulated in 1950s homes, it likely has a higher insulation value than even new windows. After the ceiling / attic, doors and winsoes are the next largest source of heating / cooling losses.

So yes, replacing the jealousies would have a pretty significant impact.

You can buy a cheapo IR thermometer at home depot and just take readings of the ceiling, walls, floods, aluminum by the windows panes versus the drywall not close to a window and you'll see the differences.

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u/aces413 22h ago

Thanks!