Today's Technology And You

Today's
TECHNOLOGY AND YOU

Cheap ways to fix old windows

Q: Help! I'm on a limited budget and cannot afford all new windows, but I have to do something about my old leaky double hung windows. Some don't even stay open without a stick. What can I do? - T. N.

A: Old leaky windows are not only unattractive and inconvenient, but they can dramatically increase your utility bills year-round. In the winter, the air leaks cause heat loss and create drafts. These drafts result in a double loss because they make you feel chilly so you often set the thermostat higher to feel comfortable.

There are many new do-it-yourself kits available to upgrade your old windows without the huge investment in new replacement windows. You just have to buy the sashes and some hardware, not an entire new window. Many major replacement window manufacturers offer various designs of kits.

These kits are easy to install yourself in an hour, so you can save the labor costs too. Simply remove the old sash and cut the counterweight cord. Mount brackets (cams) on the window frames and install the vinyl channels. Set the new sashes in place and close the window. There also are very low-cost easy-to-install channel/sealer replacement kits available.

Tilt-in replacement sash kits offer all the convenience and energy savings of complete super-efficient replacement windows at a lower cost. The windows will operate exactly like expensive new replacement windows. You can tilt them in for easy cleaning.

All of the new super-efficient types of glass options block furniture and carpet fading year-round and window condensation in cold climates in the winter. One of the most efficient glass options is Supersmart triple pane glass with two low-e (low emissivity) coatings inside.

Since only the sashes are changed when installing these kits, not the window frames in the walls, the windows still match the original ones. This is a real plus if your budget allows for upgrading only several windows at a time. It is also important in historical buildings which are required to maintain their original appearance.

Tilt-in sash kits usually include upper and lower efficient sashes, vinyl channels, balance springs (to make them stay open), clips, tilt-in pivot cams, parting stops and rubber spacer blocks. Some kits also have foam insulation sections to fill the old counterweight areas.

For the lowest maintenance, choose a kit with an aluminum-clad wood exterior. These never need painting. Options for the interior surface of the sashes are attractive natural wood, primed or prepainted custom colors. Some use real oak or cherry on the interior, which you can finish by hand for a rich warm look.

The lowest cost (about $20 to $30) window repair option is installing only replacement channels and accessories. A power lifter kit includes springs to balance the sashes so they are easy to open and do not slide closed by themselves.

Write for Utility Bills Update No. 584 showing a buyer's guide of efficient do-it-yourself, tilt-in window sash kits and channels listing frame materials, glass options, colors, features, installation instructions and prices. Please include $2 (with checks payable to Jim Dulley) and business-size SASE, and send to Jim Dulley, Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708.

James Dulley is a mechanical engineer who writes on a wide variety of energy and utility topics. His column appears in a large number of daily newspapers.

6 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 1997