The whole purpose of this blog is to combat burning behavior. Burning Behavior is very primite and at this point in our culture counterproductive behavior. Information can counter this largely instinctive behavior. Notice how quickly you want to put caulk in a hole that the smoke test shows you.
So while this meditation was about Energy Audits it is also about what to do when the audits produce KNOWN results. So let us go back to windows for a moment. It is true that they should all be caulk up by now and any holes filled with expanding foam from a can. Another basic question you need to ask for the heating and the cooling seasons is, “Do I have “storm” windows. These windows were originally installed to protect the interior window from storm damage, particularly in tornado country from damage by wind driven objects. They have since been taken on as an integral component of what is called the exterior envelop. In other words the dead airspace that they provide ups the R value of 2 pieces of glass whose R value collectively might be as low as 2. If you do not have storm windows or during the height of the cooling season in particular you put the back of you hand near the low e film cover window and you still feel cold, you may need to apply plastic to the outside or inside of the windows. You amy also need to think about buying new windows. This can be daunting at 160 $$$ a pop still it also is motivation to considering getting rid of some windows all together.
The exterior application used to be about the only way to do it. You bought a roll of 3 mill or 6 mill plastic, cut card board strips, and used carpet tacks to nail them up. With the invention of the staple gun things got alot easier but you still do damage to the window sills themselves. second story windows also require a 16 foot extension ladder. They come in kits now and may even include adhesive strips:
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$14.00 new
BIC WarehouseOutside Window Insulator Kit
… an extra pane of insulation, preventing frosty windows Special weather-resistant … door plastic weatherstrip wndw insul kit window outside wndow insltr.
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$1.95 new
Frost King P712H Economy Outdoor Plastic Storm Window Kits 3-Foot …
2 Pack, 3′ x 6′, 1,25 Mil, Exterior, Storm Window Cover Kits, With Fiber Framing Strips & Nails.
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$13.58 new
GrabCartOutside Window Insulator Kit
… an extra pane of insulation, preventing frosty windows Special weather-resistant … door plastic weatherstrip wndw insul kit window outside wndow insltr.
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$4.99 new
eBayWindow Stretch Film Kit By Thermwell Products V93h
Frost King Outdoor Window Insulation Kit Outdoor use only, plastic stretch film installs easily from the outside. Apply double-face tape to metal, ….
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$1.42 new
Frost King P712H Economy Outdoor Plastic Storm Window Kits 3-Foot …
2 Pack, 3′ x 6′, 1,25 Mil, Exterior, Storm Window Cover Kits, With Fiber Framing Strips & Nails.
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$2.36 new
noble-sales-co-inc.amazon…Frost King P712H Economy Outdoor Plastic Storm Window Kits 3-Foot …
2 Pack, 3′ x 6′, 1,25 Mil, Exterior, Storm Window Cover Kits, With Fiber Framing Strips & Nails.
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$4.37 new
BIC WarehouseFrost King Outdoor Window Insulation Kit
W. x 504? L (42′) Brand #: Thermwell Prods. Co. V93H UPC: 077578018119 Keywords: window insulator kit stretch shrink film wndw insul plastic weatherstrip patio.
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$4.61 new
Frost King Outdoor Window Insulation Kit
V96H: Patio doors up to 7′ x 9′ or picture window kit: 1 plastic film sheet 84” W. x 110” L., 1 roll tape 1/2” W. x 504” L. (42′).
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$4.24 new
GrabCartFrost King Outdoor Window Insulation Kit
… 504A” L (42′) Brand #: Thermwell Prods. Co. V93H UPC: 077578018119 Keywords: window insulator kit stretch shrink film wndw insul plastic weatherstrip patio.
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But for many reasons the indoor kits are the ones that I would use. They are much easier to use, require no ladder and do no damage to the sills. My sister Joann puts them up at my dads house every year and I can attest to their effectiveness:
Technical Details
- Reduces heating costs and saves energy
- Stops cold drafts, helps prevent frost build-up and reduces condensation
- Performs like an extra storm window
- Shrinks tight for wrinkle-free, clear-as-glass results
- Increases R-value by 90% over an average single pane window.
Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Product Description
Stops cold drafts and helps prevent frosty windows. Clear as glass. Easy to install requires only scissors and a hair dryer for installation. Safe application to aluminum, painted or varnished wood, or vinyl clad window moulding. Film wrinkles are removable.
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Oh and in the heating season don’t forget to bag and seal you window air conditioning unit.
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