Lower Utilities With Windows You Can Install
Question: Our old double-hung windows are leaky and hard to clean and they sweat. The frames are in good shape. I cannot afford new windows, but I cannot afford my high utility bills either. What can you suggest to help?
Answer: I have the perfect solution to your problem: do-it-yourself replacement tilt-in window sash kits. Installing one of these kits can make an old window almost as efficient, condensation-free, easy-to-clean and attractive as a completely new replacement window.
Many window manufacturers offer these kits with high-efficiency glass options for every climate. You can select kits that have tilt-in pivots for easy window cleaning. New efficient low-e glass also reduces furniture and carpet fading and extends their life for more savings.
If your existing window frames are in better condition than your budget, there is no need to go to the expense of replacing them. The airtightness of the window sash and the type of glass have greater impact on your utility bills, window condensation and your comfort than the frames do.
Also many older window frames have uniquely attractive profiles that you may not want to replace with entirely new windows. Since you are on a limited budget, you can just install one or two window sash kits at a time. If you don’t change the frames, the new windows will still match the old ones.
These tilt-in kits are available in many sizes to fit almost any existing window frame. If your frames are an odd size, most of the manufacturers will make custom-sized kits to fit your frames.
Most kits have natural or painted wood interior sash surfaces. You can select painted wood or maintenance-free aluminum-clad wood exteriors. The typical standard colors are white, beige, green, bronze or brown, with custom colors available at an extra charge.
The two sashes, all hardware, locks, pivots and cams are included in these kits. The sashes are the most expensive parts of any window, so the majority of your savings are from installing them yourself. All the kits include simple instructions and many have instructional video tapes. Anyone can do it.
Do-it-yourself kit installation requires only a screwdriver, pry bar or putty knife, pliers and a hammer. Pry away the old sash stops and lift out the old sash. Tack in jamb liner clips and snap in the new jamb liners. Insert the top sash, tilt-in pivots and then the bottom sash.
If your budget is very tight install just a low-cost replacement channel kit. This reduces air leakage and keeps your windows from sliding closed in the summer.
Write for (or instantly download https://www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 932, a buyer’s guide of double-hung tilt-in sash replacement and channel kits, frame materials, colors, glass options and features. Please include $3 and a business-size self-addressed envelope and mail to James Dulley, Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.
Check Out Soot Stain Near Gas Furnace
Q: We moved a chair and noticed a slightly dark sooty outline around it on the carpet. It is near a register and we have a gas furnace. Is this something that we should be concerned about?
A: Any time that you see soot from a combustion appliance, it is reason for concern. Usually, the soot is near the gas burner area, which is an indication of incomplete combustion. This is potentially hazardous.
From your description, the source of the discoloration is probably insulation inside the furnace blower cabinet. It sometimes has a black coating that slowly disintegrates. To be safe, have your furnace checked by a professional.
Monitor Refrigerator for Right Temperature
Q: Our refrigerator is not new and it seems to run a lot. I have an outdoor thermometer to measure the temperature inside it. What should the refrigerator and freezer temperatures be?
A: It is very important to have the temperatures set properly. If they are too warm, the foods will not stay fresh. If they are a few degrees too cold, your refrigerator compressor must run excessively long. The proper refrigerator temperature is 38 to 40 degrees. The proper freezer temperature is 0 degrees. Use a bulb-type outdoor thermometer to check it. The spring-type dial outdoor thermometers are not as accurate.
Letters and questions to James Dulley, a Cincinnati-based engineering consultant, may be sent to James Dulley, Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.