It’s going to be another hot weekend it may be time to shop for that air conditioner, or new windows...

There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for replacement windows. 

Glass plays a big role in the efficiency of replacement windows. Glass can be hung in different layers and even glazed with tints or reflective coatings.

There are also many choices when it comes to frames. Most styles of windows can be framed with different materials which can have a major impact on energy efficiency. There are many types of frames to consider:

• Aluminum-the most affordable but least energy efficient.
• Fiberglass- Moderately energy efficient, lightweight and easy to handle.
• Wood-Heavier and pricier than vinyl or aluminum. Vinyl clad wood is a popular high-end choice for optimal energy efficiency and durability. 
• Vinyl-The most popular choice for energy efficient windows.  Vinyl is affordable and easy to maintain 

When it comes to replacement windows, most people think of keeping their houses warm, but they can also help keep things cool while reducing energy use. If this heat continues, we may reconsider our original plans to wait until it gets cold out to start our replacement project

. 

Our “vintage” windows are a nightmare to operate. You have to retract the screen to open or close the actual window. Very unpleasant with bugs or in the rain. And check out the debris we get when we retract the screens.

I find myself thinking twice when I want to open or close a window now.

We were however, lucky to find some replacement screens in the attic for our original windows. I seriously doubt it is an item we would be able to purchase today considering that these replacements were wrapped in a newspaper dated 1939! Check it out.

(download)

Click here to download:

Vintage_Equals_Old_for_this_Ho.zip (372 KB)

After 3 days of nearly 100 degree weather, we have begun researching air-conditioning options for our Tudor house with- gasp- no central air.  Not only that we have original casement windows and steam heat radiators, so throwing a standard window unit in isn’t an option.

Our friend Kevin installed central air in a house with radiators, so we know that is an option- but that would be more than a weekend DIY project and costly for us right now.

Here are two options I found for more immediate relief from the heat.

1.       Portable Air Conditioners-  I wasn’t even aware these existed.  They don’t actually sit in the window, although they have an exhaust hose that does. Some models, like the one shown below (Kenwood PAC C130EK 13,000 BTU Portable Room Air Conditioner at Costco.com) can work with casement windows according to the product information. Looks like most portable air conditioners start at around $300.

2.       There are some window units that are vertical or small enough to fit in our casement windows. I found these to be named mini-compact, compact or vertical window air conditioners. We would probably have to take the window apart to install it, which is not ideal. Although you can get one of these units for closer to $200 based on my quick internet research.

Of course, you need to consider the cooling output as measured in BTUs. The higher the BTUs the more area the unit will be able to cool. And the higher the BTUs, typically, the more the unit will cost.