Losing Heat from Uninsulated Porth?

11 years ago

I'm visiting my parents for the holidays and I'm looking for "low hanging fruit" in the way of energy efficiency...simple projects a guy who isn't handy can do over the weekend.

My parents live in a big old house. Years ago they replaced most of the windows with modern energy efficient ones...MOST. They skipped the basement (because they were doing this partly for cosmetic reasons and figured that part of the house didn't show.) They also skipped the windows that open out into an enclosed porch on the theory that "those aren't really external windows". Thing is, the old porch (an addition older then most houses) is uninsulated and features walls entirely made of single pane windows.

1.) Am I correct in assuming they are probably losing heat to the porch?
2.) What's the simplest way to prevent the house from losing too much heat to the porch?

Comments (3)

jonnyp
11 years ago
More than likely there is heat loss through these windows. Install clear plastic film. It comes in a kit w/ double sided tape, installed with scissors and a hair drier.Where it is a closed porch I would install it on the outside of the interior windows to allow for shade or blind function.
Dead air is a very good insulator.
lazy_gardens
11 years ago
Do the basement too, and check the weatherstripping on all doors.

Also, check around the new windows for drafts. If the installers didn't seal them they need to be caulked.
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worthy
11 years ago
A fine line of caulk matching the colour of the baseboard and window frames can do lot to cut drafts in those areas. (Use clear caulking if there's no colour match.) If there's an attic hatch, glue on layers of extruded polystyrene to the attic side of the hatch, weatherseal and use eye and hook fasteners to pull it down tight.

See link for other ideas.

Here is a link that might be useful: Air Sealing Your Home