Monday, November 9, 2009

Insulating Film?

Which of these windows has the film?
My house was built in 1923. Most of the windows were replaced with energy efficient vinyl windows by the previous owner. The windows in my living room were not, and it's easy to feel how much the cold comes in through them. I decided to try that insulating film that you seal on with a hairdryer to see if it helps to lower my heating bill this year. The package said it increases the R value of your window up to 90%. I don't know what that means in dollars and cents, or in energy savings, but I'll let you know. I actually hate that film, I think it's tacky when I see it. But whatever. It only cost $8.50. You stick double stick tape around the edge of the windows, cut the film to size, and stick it to the tape. Then you take a hairdryer to it which shrinks the wrinkles out of the plastic. It actually worked pretty well, which made me realize I've probably seen many windows with this film and didn't know it. I've only realized it with the people who did a crappy job applying it. In the photo above I have applied the film to one window. Can you tell which one it is?
I am at the end of my 90-day adventure. It sure has been an eventful three months, especially right here at the end. I think I've made some significant steps toward living leaner on less that I would never have made without this blog. Let's reflect:
- Replaced all bulbs with compact fluorescents
- Started making my own household cleaners
- Grew and ate my own food
- Replaced my water heater with an energy efficient one and saved a couple hundred bucks by installing it myself
- Took a baby step toward bike commuting
- Washed my car myself instead of paying for a car wash (okay, that was only once)
- Painted my porch railings with recycled paint
- Implemented the envelope/cash system to help me stay on budget
- Brought lunches to work and ended my New Season's money-sink habit
- Stopped spending money on wine... temporarily
- Researched harvesting rainwater
I am proud of myself! Thank you to my followers for supporting me, and to everyone who read my blog and commented privately. It has been a great tool for changing behavior as well as a wonderful outlet during a difficult time in my life. I may keep it going under another guise... another adventure.... but I need to figure out what my next goal is.

1 comment:

  1. Sarah, wow, you have had significant changes in behavior and lots of success with your living lean and green. So that's why this was your last post-it was a 90 deal. I forgot about that part. Congratulations. I will wait and hope that you choose to keep blogging, with a new goal or no goal!

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