Heat loss from old windows

[shineglass]

I recently purchased an old home that has windows from the early 80s and I can feel the breeze coming in through them on windy days, and no the windows are not open....
Just wondering if there are better DIY solutions beyond plastic to help with the heat loss?
Thanks

[EDJ13]

One solution is an interior storm window. I've made up and used these. If you take your time and do a good fitting job it's almost like a new window. Or just check at any building supply store. There's tons of weatherstripping stuff to be had.

[RTF]

Exterior storm windows work great and can be replaced with screens in warmer weather. You can remove the old cracked glazing and re-glaze the panes and add weather stripping as necessary. If your budget is tight some 6 mil clear plastic will do the job on the exterior.

[designbuildnj]

The first thing you can do is caulk the windows from the outside as well as the inside. On a windy day you can stand in front of the window and see where you feel the draft the most. If the windows are that bad your really just putting a bandaid on the problem that you will continue to loose $$ on due to utility bills. You may have to bite the bullet and put in a decent replacement window. I recommend the silverline 8500 series, the spects are second to none giving low E with argon gas.

[shineglass]

Thanks for the suggestions! I am probably just going to go with the film on some this winter, and hopefully add the storms later.

[joecaption]

And why would you not just install new replacement windows. Will look far better, last forever, the Gov. will give you 30% of the cost of materials as a tax break, very Diy able. I'm paying about $150.00 each for top of the line replacement windows.
The windows can be cleaned on both sides from inside the house.
You will also save at least 25% on heating and cooling cost the day you put them in.
In the long run they save, they do not cost you.

[flipper]

And why would you not just install new replacement windows. Will look far better, last forever, the Gov. will give you 30% of the cost of materials as a tax break, very Diy able. I'm paying about $150.00 each for top of the line replacement windows.
The windows can be cleaned on both sides from inside the house.
You will also save at least 25% on heating and cooling cost the day you put them in.
In the long run they save, they do not cost you.

I agree 100%. You will spend the money eventually on one of the above mentioned solutions. Why not do it now and do it right.

You could also check with your city hall, if you leave near by an airport, the government covers much more than 30% for soundproofing, which also covers new doors, and attic insulation.

[RickW]

Depending on if your windows have some type of weatherstriping, you might be able to change that and save yourself some money. Over the years it drys out and loses it's performance.

[rwanders]

Take best quality triple glazed , argon filled, low-E windows-----then install without correct flashing, caulking and house wrap details=not nearly as energy efficient as they promise and you hope for. As they say; The devils in the details.

New replacement windows are often over-sold as big energy savers----sometimes are but, often not so much.