I own a house built in the 30ies and the windows are original to the house. I can't afford to change them out as of yet, but does anyone have any ideas on how to make them a little more energy efficient? I know I could never make them anything close to new windows. They are wood and single pane glass and they slide up to open, and still in pretty good shape. Thanks in advanced.
2007-07-19 11:56:00 · 8 answers · asked by JMR 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
i also have a 50's house with same windows you have. i tried weatherstripping but since it is single pane, hot and cold air still flows.
i had it done a month ago. 10 windows for 2,000 all in plus 80 bucks per window for labor. it is so much better in looks and energy efficiency. go to home depot when they have the 1 year to pay promo. it really helps a lot.
you may want to try to install it yourself to save. it looked easy when my installer was doing it. just don't break it and make sure of the measurement.
2007-07-19 12:23:44 · answer #1 · answered by olrac 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can add storm windows if you haven't already. If the exterior of the windows (frame sill and moulding ) are in good condition you can do a sash replacement. This is were you just replace the operating parts , the top and bottom sash and put in new balances. Wood windows haven't changed sizes in 150 years so they should be a stock size (not stocked in a store but not custom) so they will not be real expensive. Lowe's Home improvement can order them for you. You can get them with clear insulated glass or low-E glass. with or with out grids (divid panes) order them one at a time or three or four what ever you can afford. They are easy to install. The first one will take the longest after that it will only take you about 20 minutes a window. You want to ask for double hung sash replacement kits you can get soild wood clad wood (vinyl outside wood inside) or all vinyl. On adverage they should cost about 80 dollars a window larger ones more small a bit less. MW windows makes a sash replacement kits as do other window companies. If you have any other question please let me know. I hope this is helpfull.
2007-07-19 21:32:32 · answer #2 · answered by bill s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you don't want to open them, you can buy plastic sheeting and duct tape. Cover the entire window with the plastic and then use the duct tape to hold the plastic. This will seal the window and stop air from flowing in around the window.
When you are ready for new windows, see if you have an architectural salvage business in your area that may want to purchase your old windows.
2007-07-19 19:02:15 · answer #3 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Storm windows are the easiest and cheapest way to make windows energy efficient. You can add weather stripping to the window frame to tighten the openings.
2007-07-19 19:02:08 · answer #4 · answered by T C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see tons of great advice on here. I would also like to suggest the energy efficient curtains. They are heavy and have a lining that keeps the weather out.
2007-07-19 19:04:45 · answer #5 · answered by lovestogarden 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try sealing the window frames with clear plastic wrap to keep the heat/cold from entering.
2007-07-19 19:05:49 · answer #6 · answered by Kansas Z 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use weatherstrip around them to help. Our house is 117 years old! We like the old windows, and we did this....it helped out a lot.
2007-07-19 19:01:26 · answer #7 · answered by Angelic Valentine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Window shades would help alot..... they come in different colors........and would be cheaper in the long run.......
2007-07-19 20:08:39 · answer #8 · answered by dorton girl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋