Window treatments

[Henz]

Ok, as you all know I have been burning the Olympic for the past two winters and thank god for that! every summer etc I d oanother insulating project in my older homestead of a house. In the main (open Concept) living are where my stove is, I have 4 windows, double pane but not argon filled etc. This year I am thinking about purchasing those insulated blinds that you can buy for them. I have heard that you lose 20% through windows and doors>? has anyone done this yet? I do know that when I place my hand near the windows on 0 degree days or days that are really windy I can feel a difference.

 

[burntime]

It helps more if your windows are bad. I used heavy drapes on some good condition single pane windows and it helped a lot. Now that I am replacing with low e argon windows it does not make a lot of difference at all. Hopefully that helps?

 

[Henz]

well, I am definatly not replacing the windows. they are decent just not the low e argon ones. we need blinds anyways

 

[Todd]

I bit the bullet this year and had 8 windows replaced through "Window World". Argon filled lowE glass, nice quality vinyl windows, cost me about $250 ea installed. They start out at $189 ea, any size double hung window installed, and go up as you add options.

I use to have some cheap vinyl double pane without the argon and like you could feel the cold air, so I use to put up that 3M window plastic every winter and it made a big difference.

 

[burntime]

Its one of thoses things where you need to determine if there is air infiltration...is the cold conducting? If it is the blinds will help. I have 4 windows to do yet this fall then the whole main level is done, just 3 windows in the walkout. Not only is the heat loss non existant comparing to my others but the comfort is 10 fold better

 

[Henz]

I have worked on the windows as far as air infiltration. I have that pretty much solved. Its amazing what silicone caulk does! Now I am thinking about the conductive heat loss or whatever it is called

 

[burntime]

Are there storms on them?

 

[Henz]

no, they are simply double pane, double hung windows.

 

[burntime]

Then a storm on the windy winter cold side would be where I would start.

 

[Vic99]

In my bedroom I have one year old French doors and transoms that are about 10 feet long and 6.5 feet high, nearly all glass. When I close the fairly heavy drapes over them, it is 2 degrees F warmer in the winter at night in that room. I would call that a significant difference.

 

[Henz]

EXACTLY!

 

[burntime]

Thats a lot of glass too. Are they argon and low e or just argon? I still say if you do not have argon and low e that a storm window is your best bet. It will create a insulation gap.

 

[Vic99]

I know my doors/windows are Andersen low E. I think they are also argon, but am not sure. A quick search on Andersen's site didn't yield mention of argon and I would imagine if the product had it, it would listed as a selling point . . . and add to the expense.

I agree, properly installed storm windows make a difference.

 

[SE Iowa]

Stupid question here. Can storm windows be added to any manufacturer's windows? I have pella windows and can not figure out where they would attach. Are they just a completely separate piece. In my parents old 4-square farmhouse, we had single pane windows with an additional single pane storm window that had hooks at the top that they would snap onto.

 

[burntime]

Yes, storms can go on just about any window. It is screws or fastens to the exterior frame. It is just creating a dead airspace that is insulation.