XPost: misc.consumers.frugal-living   
   From: mung_me@att.net   
      
     An idea to pass along.   
      
   I've been making indoor storms. These are made out of 1/2" (1/2" is   
   about optimal air space) thick frames ripped from white pine 2 by stock.   
   2x6's seem to be made out of better wood than 2x4's, so I've been using   
   that. Half lap joints for the corners. Then, seal the wood.   
      
   Spray contact cement on one side of the frame and plop it down on a   
   sheet of mylar (I work on a glass top so I can cut with a blade right on   
   top of the glass, quick and easy). Cut the mylar to size and repeat for   
   the other side. 2 mil mylar works well (under $.20/SF), but 1 mil is   
   half the price. The contact adhesive has some working time so you can   
   pull any ripples out of the mylar using your fingers against the frame.   
      
   My friends and myself have old double hung windows, so the frames sit   
   against the window frame. What you wind up with is a poor mans triple   
   glazed window. IR temp measurements come close to the insulated wall   
   temps, the difference in room comfort is very noticeable. The U value is   
   higher than I expected.   
      
   Windows are dead clear, you may see some ripples at low angles at night,   
   otherwise you can't tell they are there. Mylar needs to be inside as it   
   deteriorates under UVB which ordinary glass blocks.   
      
   Just thought I would pass this along. For roughly the cost of replacing   
   one old school window you can get roughly the same thermal improvement   
   for the whole house. And they look good!   
      
   One mylar source:   
   http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/search.aspx?search=mylar&page=1   
      
   HTH   
      
   Jeff   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)