We have a number of single pane windows near the ceiling of some of our workshops. I expect that we lose a lot of heat throughout the winter. No budget this year for a retrofit but I am wondering if anyone has some numbers on the effectiveness of applying a layer of shrink wrap poly to trap a layer of insulating air.
3M Sells a number of products that may meet this need. They sell both a window insulating kit, which is very similar to what you are asking for specifically. Website www.3m.com/saveenergy
That is a temporary solution meant to be taken down every year. The other option would be a semipermanent retrofit upgrade to your windows with a low emissivity 3M Window Film called Amber 35 LE, which can be found here: www.3m.com/prestige
rob452,
3M makes an "All Season" Low-E Window Film that will reduce your heat loss in the winter and reduce your heat gain in the summer. The product is LE35AMARL and can be installed for about $7 per SF, a fairly inexpensive alternative to changing the windows and alot more effective then the 3M Insulator Kit of shrink wrap poly you are considering.
If you need further information, feel free to send me an email to solarsecurity@mindspring.com
Thanks,
John
I see you already have a couple of suggestions as to materials. As far as the effectiveness, as long as you maintain a good seal, this is almost as good as thermo-pane of a similar thickness of dead air. However, you will need to inspect the window frames and casing to make sure you have a good seal also. The window film will not help at all if air is blowing around the window.
Take a look at www.EcoInserts.com. They make interior-mounted acrylic pane inserts with a vinyl frame that attaches to the window casing via magnetic strips. The insert adds 1.67 R-Value to any window. It's a pretty slick solution.
I have no specific numbers, but in the late 1980's I lived in Downtown Chicago in a high rise with double pane glass (you have single pane); applying the 3M film to the floor to ceiling windows in the winter cut my heating bill by 30%. Sine you probably have high ceilings, and heat rises, i would think it would cut your cost.
While I cannot speak to window films, I represent a low cost fan that is used to bring the ceiling heat back down to the ground level. Depending upon ceiling hight they can recover about 20-25% of your heating costs. Operating @35W each fan covers about 1500 sq ft. For more info contact info@ecoenergyconsulting.com
We offer a retrofit window technology called RENOVATE by BERKOWITZ. It is intended to retrofit buildings with single-pane, non-operable windows. This technology improves the thermal performance and increases the R-value from R-1 to R-5.5. The building will become significantly more energy efficient because of the installation. This is done with minimal disruption to existing tenants and little additional waste for landfills. Also, the work for RENOVATE can be performed in stages if budget is a concern. RENOVATE is patented in Canada and the United States. Other benefits including:
① Considerably less cost then a rip-out
② Noise reduction / better acoustics
③ Increased security
④ Certified dealer/installer network
⑤ Contributes to LEED requirements
For more information, visit our website at www.jeberkowitz.com/renovate or contact twalker@jeberkowitz.com.
3M Solar Film is a great alternative to retrofitting windows. It costs alot less too. It help save energy and it makes your windows look great. If you're looking for energy savings you should strongly consider window film.