Best cost effective way to insulate windows and how to save heat.
#1
10-05-14, 08:46 AM
Best cost effective way to insulate windows and how to save heat.
Hello,
I am trying to get ready for winter.
my windows really do not have the solid frames all around to use the plastic to cover it, and I heard mix review about those. I also Heard a lot of people use drapes. I wanted to which way actually works in most situation? maybe something all around so i do not have to keep changing it.
Thanks
I am trying to get ready for winter.
my windows really do not have the solid frames all around to use the plastic to cover it, and I heard mix review about those. I also Heard a lot of people use drapes. I wanted to which way actually works in most situation? maybe something all around so i do not have to keep changing it.
Thanks
#2
10-05-14, 11:38 AM
What type windows do you have? Single pane, thermopane, LoE? Maybe posting a few pictures of the windows would help us give you better advice. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...your-post.html
#4
10-05-14, 05:53 PM
Well, that went well. Pictures of shades, not windows. Difficult to tell what type windows you have. From what I can see, you have wooden frames. Can you raise the shades and let us see how the windows are put together?
#5
10-05-14, 06:30 PM
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Tired of messing with plastic, install replacement windows or storm windows.
The heat shrink plastic gets attached to the window casings and apron under the window, not the window it's self.
Works fine just a pain to have to install and uninstall every year and have to deal with the paint it peals off.
The heat shrink plastic gets attached to the window casings and apron under the window, not the window it's self.
Works fine just a pain to have to install and uninstall every year and have to deal with the paint it peals off.
#6
10-05-14, 07:14 PM
Here are some more picture. Wonder if their is something as effective as the plastic film. Really hate to keep putting them on and off yearly. Just isnt worth the time, I think.
#7
10-05-14, 09:15 PM
Super Moderator
Well, you have a few options. Replace the windows, install exterior or interior storms, or use film. Of course if you are renting, nothing permanent would be allowed I'm sure.
Heavy drapes would be an option, but that eliminates any light.
Heavy drapes would be an option, but that eliminates any light.
#10
10-06-14, 01:22 PM
I have drapes on most of the windows. I was quoted over 10k to replace my 16 windows. Can not do that now. Whats the best way to utilize the drapes? at night I close them all around and move them aside in morning so sunlight can get in.
#11
10-06-14, 01:35 PM
Close the drapes when it is cold outside, or when sunshine threatens the coolness of the interior of the house. Open them when sunshine is needed to warm the house up. Replacement windows are very DIY friendly. Can you search locally for windows only? You can do the labor yourself, or with a friend. We can walk you through it.
#13
10-06-14, 02:18 PM
Last year was the only time My Pepco bill went upto $500, Due to the fact our ac had issue and we did not know that.lol. But it usually about $150-200 in winter time. We are usually at work or outside of the most of the time.
#15
10-22-14, 08:26 AM
Member
Which tape should be used to tape the plastic sheeting to the windows? All the tape I have used in the past either isn't sticky enough, or it's too sticky so it rips off the paint when I remove it. Another consideration is what the tape looks like. I have rentals, so I don't want to use Tuck Tape and have the units look like a construction site. Tenants don't like that...
#17
10-22-14, 11:53 AM
Super Moderator
From my experience the windows are OK and you have storm windows already.
1. Are there seals where the windows touch the top and bottom? If not add some type of weather seal..
2. Always lock the windows in winter. It makes them tight and seal better. especially where the lock is.
3. I bet you 2 shillings that if you pull the trim moldings from around the windows I would be certain there is no insulation or minimal/ Get some insulation and stuff it in the cracks...
4. As chandler stated caulk around the outside of the storm windows.
5. Make sure the screens are removed or slide them so you have glass top and bottom on the storm windows.
Those windows will act as any IMO. When I had the windows like yours replaced the guys put no insulation around the windows, or very minimal. New windows would be a waste of money if thats not done IMO. I had to go around and follow them window by window to insulate to my standards...
They were getting mad at me for doing this...
1. Are there seals where the windows touch the top and bottom? If not add some type of weather seal..
2. Always lock the windows in winter. It makes them tight and seal better. especially where the lock is.
3. I bet you 2 shillings that if you pull the trim moldings from around the windows I would be certain there is no insulation or minimal/ Get some insulation and stuff it in the cracks...
4. As chandler stated caulk around the outside of the storm windows.
5. Make sure the screens are removed or slide them so you have glass top and bottom on the storm windows.
Those windows will act as any IMO. When I had the windows like yours replaced the guys put no insulation around the windows, or very minimal. New windows would be a waste of money if thats not done IMO. I had to go around and follow them window by window to insulate to my standards...
They were getting mad at me for doing this...
Last edited by lawrosa; 10-22-14 at 01:10 PM.
#18
10-22-14, 01:06 PM
Member
Drapes are far superior to any normal thermopane window for radiant heat loss on a cold night. Whatever you put over the window and even a sheer curtain can be better than the window for night radiation (scientific term is some thing like "black body radiation". This is not the same as the radiant protection by windows for sunlight from the outside during the day.
Windows - A glamorous hole in a wall that costs money and cause some problems, but somehow they are wanted by everyone.
Dick
Windows - A glamorous hole in a wall that costs money and cause some problems, but somehow they are wanted by everyone.
Dick
