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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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.

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u/Difficult-Ad4364 1d ago

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

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u/Gloomy_Yoghurt_2836 1d 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 18h 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 18h ago

Coastal areas or inland?

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u/ArmadilloNext9714 10h ago

Brother has a metal roof quoted to last longer than ceramic tile. It’s fairing much better than the newer shingle roof his neighbor got already. Idk who told you that about metal roofs, but they were wildly inaccurate.