1. Properly installed, a storm window can cut energy loss through a window by up to half. If the window already has a storm, adding an inside storm can cut energy loss by a third.
   
2. From energy standpoint, inside and outside storm windows are equally effective. However, when it’s cold outside, inside storms like 3M Weatherwindows are much easier to install.
   
3. The thickness of the plastic make very little difference. Properly installed, a plastic sheet that is less than 1 mil in thickness will have the same R value as a sheet that is 6 or 8 mils thick. The thicker sheet may be more durable, but it is not more energy efficient.
   
4. We sell two kinds of plastic sheeting for covering large areas, vinyl and polyethylene sheet, often called “poly” or “Visqueen” (a brand name), is relatively inexpensive, come in larger sizes (10’ x 25’ or larger), but has a foggy look compared to vinyl.
   
5. Before installing an inside storm window, any air leaks around the window should be sealed. If the window won’t be opened until Spring, Mortite rope caulk can do this job quickly, easily and effectively.
   
6. Loose fitting doors are a huge energy waster. A quarter-inch gap around a door is equivalent to a nine square inch hole through the outside wall. ACO has weatherstripping for any kind of door.
   
7. Electrical outlets and switches on outside walls often leak cold air from the outside. Foam seals that fit under the switch or outlet plate can cut this air infiltration dramatically.
   
8. Gaps around electrical boxes or pipes and wires that run through outside walls should be made air-tight with caulk or urethane foam.
   
9. Rolls of foam weatherstripping come with open-cell or closed-cell foam. Closed-cell foam works great when the size of the gap is pretty much the same all the way around and where the foam may be exposed to water. Car door weatherstripping is made with closed-cell foam. Open-cell foam is much softer, so it works better when the width of the gap varies. Air conditioner weatherstrip is a good example of open-cell foam. It can fill larger areas up to 1-inch wide, but it can also be stuffed into a 1/8-inch gap. Open-cell foam absorbs and holds water like a sponge, so don’t use it in spots where it will be exposed to water.
   
10. Foam weatherstripping is not made to last forever. In general, it should be replaced every year or two. Other types of weatherstipping such as metal or vinyl can last much longer.
    

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