Author Topic: Cheap Way to Reduce Elec Bill  (Read 4378 times)

oldtoyota

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3179
Cheap Way to Reduce Elec Bill
« on: October 10, 2013, 10:49:19 AM »
Bottom Line:

My windows leak heat.
What is a cheap way to prevent that without buying new windows, which are too expensive for me now?

More Info:
I looked into getting new windows. We live in an older house--built in the 40s--and so it's lacking "green" features. The windows would set us back around $10K, and I did not think that was a good investment since we do not know yet how much longer we will stay.



SoftwareGoddess

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 140
  • Location: Canada

kt

  • Guest
Re: Cheap Way to Reduce Elec Bill
« Reply #2 on: October 10, 2013, 11:03:30 AM »
have you looked into secondary glazing? not something i've investigated myself, not being a homeowner, but what i've read suggests it can be both cheaper and more effective than double glazed windows (due to increased air space between panels).

TrulyStashin

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1024
  • Location: Mid-Sized Southern City

oldtoyota

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3179
Re: Cheap Way to Reduce Elec Bill
« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2013, 01:29:22 PM »
Something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039PELK8/ref=asc_df_B0039PELK82758746?smid=A1TLGX60ZNR8D5

+1,000

They work.  I do it every year.

The Amazon reviews were bad. They do not cost much, so maybe it's worth a test. Thanks, you all!

worms

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 382
Re: Cheap Way to Reduce Elec Bill
« Reply #5 on: October 10, 2013, 03:00:06 PM »
I've used sheets of clear acrylic.  at the moment these are simply cut to fit and tacked in place with cable clips, but eventually I will do it properly with magnetic tape, so that there is a better seal and yet easily removed for summer.  The added glazing is completely invisible but makes a big difference to heat, drafts and condensation.

More expensive than the shrink-wrap approach, but well worth it.

...Oh and my house was built in the 40s too...1840s!
« Last Edit: October 10, 2013, 03:02:13 PM by worms »

Kira

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 168
  • Age: 40
  • Location: Columbus, OH
Re: Cheap Way to Reduce Elec Bill
« Reply #6 on: October 10, 2013, 05:13:12 PM »
Something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039PELK8/ref=asc_df_B0039PELK82758746?smid=A1TLGX60ZNR8D5

+1,000

They work.  I do it every year.

The Amazon reviews were bad. They do not cost much, so maybe it's worth a test. Thanks, you all!

That is the exact same stuff I put on my windows last year. If you don't get it on nice and smooth it can pull the edges and let air in, but for the price I paid (not that much! they are cheaper at Lowe's) it is worth it, and if your windows aren't full size you can get multiple tries out of the same piece of plastic.

Jwilliamson22

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 29
Re: Cheap Way to Reduce Elec Bill
« Reply #7 on: October 10, 2013, 05:23:14 PM »
sorry if this is a stupid question but would this help with keeping the house cool as well? I would assume so..?

seattlecyclone

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7254
  • Age: 39
  • Location: Seattle, WA
    • My blog
Re: Cheap Way to Reduce Elec Bill
« Reply #8 on: October 10, 2013, 05:30:26 PM »
Plastic will help stop air coming in or out of poorly sealed windows. It does nothing to stop the sunlight from getting in through your windows, which I would suspect is a bigger factor in home heating during the summer than air exchange is. It won't hurt, but I would bet closing your curtains during the daytime will help more.

bikebum

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 562
  • Location: Nor Cal
Re: Cheap Way to Reduce Elec Bill
« Reply #9 on: October 11, 2013, 12:28:45 AM »
Check out thermal blinds/shades/curtains. I don't have any experience with them, but have heard good things.