Getting your energy bill can be a terrible shock, especially during the winter. Fortunately, there are ways to save money on power that you don't have to think about constantly. One of the most effective of these is replacing your windows.
Many homes have single-pane glass windows. When these are replaced with windows that meet the EPA's Energy Star standards, your power bill can be 7% to 15% smaller. Unfortunately, hiring professionals to replace your windows is more expensive than your energy bill. The way to do it cheaply is to do it yourself. Window replacement isn't as difficult as it seems, and takes only a few steps.
Step 1: Measure
Measure the height and width of the opening your replacement window will go in. Take your measurements from the inside of the opening (not from the trim around it). Cautious DIYers usually measure several times. This is a good practice; write down your results and use the smallest ones when picking out a replacement window. Small gaps are acceptable, since they will be filled in when you caulk.
Step 2: Preparation
The next step is to remove the indoor stops (the strips that keep your window from falling out). These can be installed in various ways, but you'll definitely need a screwdriver and knife. Don't damage the walls around the window. Save the stops when you're done (you'll put them back on later). Next, remove the old window. Different windows can have different methods of removal, but you'll want to remove the lower sash (the part that moves) before the upper one. Repair any damage to the inside of your window opening, then take your new window and see how it sits in the center of the opening. Replacement windows often come with shims and bumpers used to keep the window in proper position, so use these.
Step 3: Installation
Caulk the inside of your exterior stops, and install any bumpers or expanders you needed in the last step. Next put the window in the opening, making sure it is square and installing shims (it's best to leave them sticking out a little, in case you need to remove them). Use the provided screws to fix your window in place and test it. If everything works properly, caulk the inside of the window and reinstall the stops you removed in Step 1. Congratulations! You've just installed your own windows.
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Photo credit: williefogg / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
Photo credit: ArmchairBuilder.com / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)