Windows?

[CohenCottage]

We had an energy audit from the power company on Friday, and our windows are allowing outside air to infiltrate. We can add weather stripping to the tops and bottoms, but the sides move forward and backward if you push on the window. This means you can put a piece of paper in between them! Does anyone know if you can fix this or should we consider new windows?

[Heather]

We had the EcoEnergy Assessment done too and now what we do in the winters is put that plastic film you blow dry on. It really helps with our heating costs and there's no drafty areas. Does that answer your question?

[CohenCottage]

My friend that lives in Iowa does that... We want to be able to open our windows, so a film would probably prevent that wouldn't it?

[Heather]

Yeah, you can't open the windows....
I'm interested too in what you could do other than replacing the windows. Have you found anything CC?

[RoseMary]

I'd like to use that plastic film on my windows in the winter time, too~but like Cohen mentioned, in the south, you need to be able to open your windows even in the winter at time. It's not unusual to have a few warm days, even in January and February~followed by very cold days, of course.

[vintage girl]

I put the decorative film on my windows that face south to help with airconditioning costs in the summer. We do not get cold in Southern CA in the winter, so it is more for our summers. You can open the window with the film on, as the film sticks directly to the glass, not the casement. I buy the film at Lowes. It comes in various designs and looks like you have stained glass. It is not expensive, allows in filtered light and looks beautiful from both the inside and outside. If you do not want a pattern, they make a clear film also, that does the same thing.

[CohenCottage]

Here is a good link on different types of weather stripping and ways to make your house more energy efficient. Apparently we can add stripping to the sides of the windows too!!

http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11280

[chyna]

Is it the casements themselves or the glass? If the glass is moving you will probably need to replace the stuff that holds the glass to the frames. If you need to do that I would suggest putting a thin bead of clear caulk on the opposite side of the glass so that when you put the glazing on you are effectively sandwiching the glass and helps ALOT on air infiltration. Believe I saw that hint on This Old house but it could have been my Family Handyman magazine. I get those two confused all the time. :o I believe it also would help in keeping the vibration down from doors being closed. Or that is just my house. :)

[CohenCottage]

It's the casements not the actual glass, but thanks for the tip on how to fix rattly glass!