I put sun screens on all non-south windows.

This keeps the inside warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and provides great privacy views.

Sun screens? Got any pictures?

I'd be interested in the sun screens. My cheap solution to add a weather barrier is to spray the windows with water and apply bubble wrap, the precut bubble wrap will stick to to the window. Not that attractive, but it lets in light and bubble wrap is cheap. Over the years I have tried shrink wrap and always falls apart after a month.

This company has storm window inserts. Custom orders.
Window Insulation - Insulate Your Windows - EnergySavr Window Inserts

Sorry I don't have any photos, due to my camera not working with linux.

I was looking into double paned windows but didn't like their expense and complexity, outside storm windows seemed too much of a hassle, and window films had to be stuck to the glass. Also I didn't like that film blocked certain wavelengths of the light. I had previously used bubblewrap, which blocked most all of the view, and was not that effective.

Then I got the idea of using sunscreens, to get similar benefits without having to attach the any film to the windows. I had made a couple of sunscreens a few years ago, put them back up, and was pleased with their appearance. So I got frames for the rest of the west and east windows, more sunscreen, and put them all up. People walking by the front windows can NOT see inside of them. There have been door knockers who have started to walk up the driveway, stopped to look at the windows, turned around and left. Apparently they don't like not being able to see inside the houses! :)

When I'm outside, I'm not able to see inside the windows at all, but get the full views when inside looking out. I am very pleased wtih the sunscreens. I think the material is called suntex, or it is something like that. It is the thickest screen they have at Home Depot and it's in the same place as the frames.

I just looked at Suntex at Home Depot and it looks pretty nice, for blocking out the sun.

But, if you stuck it on the inside of the window during the winter,
it could absorb the solar heat and re-radiate into the room..
While, adding a little R-factor to your windows.. If it's air-tight enough..

I'm thinking about my Den.. When a dark room is what I want to watch the big-screen TeeVee.. :)

That's a great idea!

The screen is not air tight, but that doesn't matter that much.

I have been considering some replacement windows and like AC Hacker said there are some government incentives out there also. I think to many people are over look the savings to had and need to take advantage of these offers while they can. Have you ever consulted a contractor on Angie's List for something like this?

I've been looking at the Pella 350 line (top of the line) triple pane sliders for my den..
The old windows aren't doing the job anymore..

I found the U-Factor was just under 0.3 on average, with the best around 0.27 to 0.29.

So, today I went back and looked at the cheapo Pella sliders (48x48) and they were 0.30! On Sale, for $150 each..
Shop ThermaStar by Pella 48"W x 48"H Vinyl Dual-Pane New Construction Sliding Window at Lowes.com

The only problem with these is they are for new construction.
I would have to score and break the nail-fin off all four sides.
But worst of all, there is an outside molding/flange, all around the edge.
I'm not sure if it would work for me or not..
The other thing I need to find out, can these be fastened to the 48x48
box/ 2x4 frame, like a regular Replacement window.?.
The Replacement window version of this $150 window is $237.00 :eek:

The price is right. I can get 4 for $600. One quote for the '350' sliders
was $434 each.. And that wasn't even a Replacement style.. It had nail-fins!

Retrofitting new construction for replacement windows happens every day for the exact reasons you describe. But in all honesty, forget the sliders and go for French doors for the air sealing. You have this chance to actually improve your house. A bad french door will have a better air seal and outperform the best slider.

Please don't do it.

These are 48" x 48" sliding windows, not doors! ;)
And, at $149 per window, these U-0.30 windows are only $9.31 per square foot!

Since they are under a nice 12" over-hang that prevents water drip and snow build-up,
not exposed to a lot of sun during the day (Not facing south), they should last at least 20 years.

At which time I should be living in a double-wide down in South Texas,
or be pushing up some kind of perennial plant like Rainbow Knockout Roses.?.

http://www.conard-pyle.com/_ccLib/im...s/DETA-594.jpg
What do you think? Too pink? :o