Have been researching options for primarily helping with thermal insulation in my apartment (condo). The windows we have are the original windows, and are probably about 30 years old, double hung. I know there are air gaps and leaks, but the windows are so old I'm not sure they can be repaired. Replacement is an option but would require a lot of headache with the board. Was looking at interior... [more]
Have been researching options for primarily helping with thermal insulation in my apartment (condo). The windows we have are the original windows, and are probably about 30 years old, double hung. I know there are air gaps and leaks, but the windows are so old I'm not sure they can be repaired. Replacement is an option but would require a lot of headache with the board.
Was looking at interior windows, but trying not to break the bank here and installing something like Cityproof windows throughout would cost $900-2000 per window (depending on size and thickness). And, I am less interested in the soundproofing (though that would be nice as I face a busy 2nd Ave, and while above the 20th floor, can still hear a lot of honking, garbage trucks, and buses. I am close enough to the tunnel that there is often tunnel traffic).
I know one option for drafts would be plastic film (like from 3M). I've also come across these companies:
http://www.indowwindows.com (interior plexi windows that function like Cityproof windows but aren't permanent and are about 1/2 the cost)
http://www.365plastics.com (I think this is a similar idea to Indow Windows but DIY)
Has anyone installed Indow Windows? Would they work well enough for helping with insulation?
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Response by vlotty
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 8
Member since: Dec 2012
As a quick addendum: If there is a way to repair, rather than replace my current windows (which are double paned), to stop the air leaks and gaps, I would prefer that.
Examples of the problems I'm seeing, windows that I can't lock all the way (only one lock fits) because the top part of the window doesn't stay up all the way, and one where there is about a 1" gap between the double hung panels horizontally. The top of this window will fall if the lock is disengaged.
Possible to repair? If so, any recommendations of a window company that does good work for a fair price?
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Response by jukim39
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 24
Member since: Apr 2010
If you are looking for a cheap thermal insulation, try bubble wraps. They work better than plastic sheets.
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Response by ab_11218
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 2017
Member since: May 2009
it seems that any window repair guy would resolve your issues. they can also remove the old silicone and put in new one. that should be done every 10 yrs or so, but is never done in buildings.
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Response by front_porch
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 5316
Member since: Mar 2008
Window tech is improving so quickly - the windows in my co-op are only seven or eight years old, and already they seem obsolete to me - that I would just replace 30-year-old windows. Get the co-op to do it building-wide, and you'll see substantial energy savings.
ali r.
DG Neary Realty
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Response by vlotty
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 8
Member since: Dec 2012
jukim39: I hadn't thought about bubble wrap! I guess that would be better insulation, but would make it hard to see out the windows :)
ab_11218: Any recommendations for a good window repair guy?
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Response by vlotty
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 8
Member since: Dec 2012
I have some window companies coming out to take a look next week-- will report back with my thoughts on those companies.
front_porch: would love for my building to replace building-wide, and I think it's under discussion but the cost would be the responsibility of each owner. Is there a case to be made to try and get everyone to replace? At $15-$20K per unit or more, seems to be a hard sell for a maybe 20-30% energy savings per year (at most $1-2K).
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Response by no_clever_name
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 10
Member since: Jan 2007
take a look at QuantaPanel
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Response by front_porch
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 5316
Member since: Mar 2008
vlotty, you should probably get ConEd involved -- I don't think they subsidize new windows, but they should do a free walk-around and maybe they'll recommend some other ancillary improvements. I believe at the condo where I have an investment property, the ConEd-recommended improvements are set to pay off within three years.
ali
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Response by vlotty
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 8
Member since: Dec 2012
front_porch: Thanks for the suggestion-- are you referring to an energy audit? I don't think I would qualify as our building has over 100 units, unless there is a different program? (The one I am familiar with is EmpowerNY)
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Response by vlotty
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 8
Member since: Dec 2012
no_clever_name: Is QuantaPanel something that you would do DIY typically? (That's what it looks like) And is this different than what Cityproof/Citiquiet installs? Have you used QuantaPanel?
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Response by no_clever_name
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 10
Member since: Jan 2007
It's not DIY...and it's about a quarter of the price of CityProof. They are more interested in energy efficiency than noise reduction. They'll come measure and in 4-5 weeks, come back and install the interior window.
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Response by no_clever_name
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 10
Member since: Jan 2007
And I did choose QP over CityProof. However, windows haven't been installed yet
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Response by vlotty
almost 12 years ago
Posts: 8
Member since: Dec 2012
Thanks for the referral to QP, I'm going to talk to them and see what they say. Have had a couple window companies come in, but they all said my windows can't be repaired and would need to be replaced because of the specific type of window (apparently rare in the city). Can't report on them since we didn't have any work done.
For the moment, I have sealed gaps with insulating tape and put up plastic film to block drafts and create an insulating air pocket.
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As a quick addendum: If there is a way to repair, rather than replace my current windows (which are double paned), to stop the air leaks and gaps, I would prefer that.
Examples of the problems I'm seeing, windows that I can't lock all the way (only one lock fits) because the top part of the window doesn't stay up all the way, and one where there is about a 1" gap between the double hung panels horizontally. The top of this window will fall if the lock is disengaged.
Possible to repair? If so, any recommendations of a window company that does good work for a fair price?
If you are looking for a cheap thermal insulation, try bubble wraps. They work better than plastic sheets.
it seems that any window repair guy would resolve your issues. they can also remove the old silicone and put in new one. that should be done every 10 yrs or so, but is never done in buildings.
Window tech is improving so quickly - the windows in my co-op are only seven or eight years old, and already they seem obsolete to me - that I would just replace 30-year-old windows. Get the co-op to do it building-wide, and you'll see substantial energy savings.
ali r.
DG Neary Realty
jukim39: I hadn't thought about bubble wrap! I guess that would be better insulation, but would make it hard to see out the windows :)
ab_11218: Any recommendations for a good window repair guy?
I have some window companies coming out to take a look next week-- will report back with my thoughts on those companies.
front_porch: would love for my building to replace building-wide, and I think it's under discussion but the cost would be the responsibility of each owner. Is there a case to be made to try and get everyone to replace? At $15-$20K per unit or more, seems to be a hard sell for a maybe 20-30% energy savings per year (at most $1-2K).
take a look at QuantaPanel
vlotty, you should probably get ConEd involved -- I don't think they subsidize new windows, but they should do a free walk-around and maybe they'll recommend some other ancillary improvements. I believe at the condo where I have an investment property, the ConEd-recommended improvements are set to pay off within three years.
ali
front_porch: Thanks for the suggestion-- are you referring to an energy audit? I don't think I would qualify as our building has over 100 units, unless there is a different program? (The one I am familiar with is EmpowerNY)
no_clever_name: Is QuantaPanel something that you would do DIY typically? (That's what it looks like) And is this different than what Cityproof/Citiquiet installs? Have you used QuantaPanel?
It's not DIY...and it's about a quarter of the price of CityProof. They are more interested in energy efficiency than noise reduction. They'll come measure and in 4-5 weeks, come back and install the interior window.
And I did choose QP over CityProof. However, windows haven't been installed yet
Thanks for the referral to QP, I'm going to talk to them and see what they say. Have had a couple window companies come in, but they all said my windows can't be repaired and would need to be replaced because of the specific type of window (apparently rare in the city). Can't report on them since we didn't have any work done.
For the moment, I have sealed gaps with insulating tape and put up plastic film to block drafts and create an insulating air pocket.