"John Keith" wrote in message
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On 24 Apr 2007 07:06:53 -0700, Joe wrote:

With metal frames and probably single pane glass you're fighting a
losing battle to save energy. IMO the people would be far better off
with a modern window that doesn't leak, doesn't transmit as much
summer heat, doesn't lose all that heat in winter and can be opened
now and then to enjoy a nice breeze. Factor in an energy credit on the
replacement cost and the choice is easy. HTH

Joe,

You are correct the windows are single pane. Still closing some air
gaps will make a large difference.

I agree that new replacement windows would be the ultimate solution
and this has been suggested but this would be well out of the budget
for this couple. There are actually three sets of identical windows in
a sun room type of situation and the walls are not stud construction
so there would be some unique issues installing a replacement window.
I would guess the cost would easily reach a couple thousand dollars or
more.

Check with the gas or electric company, whichever they use for heat. Many
towns have government or quasi-government programs to help fixed-income
seniors with repairs like this, and the utility they use should be able to
point you in the right direction. In some cities, IIRC, Habitat for Humanity
also does repair work, and their ReStores can be a real cheap source for
servicable windows from remodels. Know anybody into Scouting? Sometimes
young strong guys going for their Eagle take on things like this for their
community service project. Is there a local Vo-Ed school with a carpentry
program? Sometimes they need small class projects. There are resources out
there, but they take digging.

As a cheap painless interim measure, I'd recommend interior storms make from
that plastic 2-layer stuff used for greenhouses- think clear corrugated
cardboard. Hold it to the wall with velcro tape. Very light, and easy for
even an elderly person to put in place or remove on nice days. Yeah, it
obscures the view, but it does let the light through. 4x8 panels are about
40 bucks, the velcro tape another 20 or so per roll. If velcro seems to
crude, a wood channel at the bottom and a wood turnblock at the top corners
would work almost as well.

aem sends....