Blocking heat from windows

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

Hmm, our attic insulation is probably as old as the building. May be worth looking into, though that would be a job and a half, for sure. Wouldn't want to attempt to clean up there. Can we just dump new insulation on top of filth?

I think some of the utility companies are offering discounts or rebates on re-insulating attics. It might be part of their energy survey. Might want to look and see if your electric or gas company offers this.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

I think some of the utility companies are offering discounts or rebates on re-insulating attics. It might be part of their energy survey. Might want to look and see if your electric or gas company offers this.

Good idea

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?...ts.tx_index#c2

http://socalgas.com/rebates/residential/insulation/

There are also some rebates on windows (mousepod), if they are EnergyStar compliant:

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?....pr_taxcredits

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'm considering installing some ceiling fans (at the very least I want to have overhead lights instead of floor lamps) in the bedrooms so perhaps once thats done I'll lay down some insulation.

Of course the irony is that anything that involves working in the attic I'm not going to be particularly motivated to do until summer's over.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

I'm considering installing some ceiling fans (at the very least I want to have overhead lights instead of floor lamps) in the bedrooms so perhaps once thats done I'll lay down some insulation.

Of course the irony is that anything that involves working in the attic I'm not going to be particularly motivated to do until summer's over.

Ceiling fans are a great idea. They have wireless controls now, so that makes the wiring much easier, you can mount the remote to the wall, or leave it on the table.

[Mousey Girl]

David put film on The Boy's window. It really helped. He also put in heavier blinds.

[scaeagles]

Definitely go remote control....that way you don't have to worry about going down the wall to wire a switch or two. That turned a relatively easy ceiling fan mount into a HUGE project for me.

Curious....you said you had looked into replacing a window. What does that cost? I have several that need to be replaced but I have no idea the cost involved.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Definitely go remote control....that way you don't have to worry about going down the wall to wire a switch or two. That turned a relatively easy ceiling fan mount into a HUGE project for me.

Curious....you said you had looked into replacing a window. What does that cost? I have several that need to be replaced but I have no idea the cost involved.

It really depends on the application. If it was a retrofit window, it's relatively inexpensive ($200-$500 per window, depending on size, etc) if you do it yourself. In GD's case, because of HOA rules, they will probably need to take out the old frame, put in the new window, and restucco (I'm guessing), which will increase the cost because of labor.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by DreadPirateRoberts

It really depends on the application. If it was a retrofit window, it's relatively inexpensive ($200-$500 per window, depending on size, etc) if you do it yourself. In GD's case, because of HOA rules, they will probably need to take out the old frame, put in the new window, and restucco (I'm guessing), which will increase the cost because of labor.

Yup. I believe the sliding glass door was nearly $2,000.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

Yup. I believe the sliding glass door was nearly $2,000.

I don't know if you are allowed to do this, but we replaced a sliding glass door with French Doors for under 1K. Not that you are looking to do that anyway.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Definitely go remote control....that way you don't have to worry about going down the wall to wire a switch or two. That turned a relatively easy ceiling fan mount into a HUGE project for me.

Unfortunately there's no ceiling light installed right now, so there's no power in the ceiling. No matter what I'm going to be going down the wall. But there's already a switch there, I'll just be tapping in to the hot line going into the switch, not installing a new switch, which should be easier.