Just learned that improperly installed windows can actually jack up your energy bills by like 25%... had no idea. Thinking about tackling a replacement myself but kinda nervous. Has anybody here done this, and is it harder than it looks on YouTube vids?
"Thinking about tackling a replacement myself but kinda nervous."
Totally get that feeling... I replaced two windows in my garage last summer after watching a bunch of YouTube vids. Honestly, the hardest part wasn't the installation itself—it was dealing with unexpected issues like rotted framing and uneven openings. If your house is older, be ready for surprises. It's doable if you're handy, but maybe start with just one window to see how it goes before committing to the whole house.
I tackled a similar project a couple years back—replaced the bedroom windows to boost insulation and cut down on drafts. Honestly, the nerves are totally normal. For me, the trickiest part was getting the measurements exactly right (had to re-measure like three times, lol). But once you get past that initial hesitation, it's pretty satisfying seeing your work pay off in energy savings. Just take it slow, double-check everything, and you'll probably surprise yourself with how well it turns out.
"Honestly, the nerves are totally normal."
Glad to hear I'm not alone in feeling a bit anxious about this. I'm planning to replace my living room windows soon, and the measuring part is definitely what's stressing me out most. I've watched a ton of tutorials, but still... there's always that nagging worry I'll mess something up. Good tip on double-checking everything—I'll probably end up triple-checking just to be safe. Did you run into any unexpected issues during installation itself, or was measuring really the main hurdle?