If your older double hung windows are not working correctly, you may need to do some sash cord repairs to get those windows working like they should.

Sash weights are iron weights that connect to the window through use of a cord. The cord fits over a pulley found in the upper portion of the window frame. The weight itself is not visible as it is located inside your wall.

As time goes by, the cords start to wear and sometimes break. The lack of the counterbalancing weights can make the window difficult to open. In addition, something must be used to prop open windows that have broken sash cords.

Sash cord repairs are easy to do. Most of the windows have an access hole that is located in the lower part of the window behind the window frame. To access this opening you will need to remove the lower window pane.

This portion is held in place by a small wooden trim that is easily removed. Use a sharp utility knife to cut through any paint that may be holding the trim in place. A putty knife will allow you to remove the trim gently without breaking it. You will also need to remove any metal channel and cut any remaining sash cords. You should be able to remove the lower portion of the window from the assembly. Open the access ports. The weights should be found inside these ports. Bring them out to attach the new cords which have been lowered over the pulleys.

Open the ports and take out the weights. A new cord will need to be threaded through the pulleys by using a sixteen penny nail to provide weight. Attach each cord to the existing window weights and to the lower window. Reverse the other steps to replace the window and finish the job.

Want to know how to get your windows working properly? sash cord repairs could be your solution. Learn how to repair sash cords right now and fix your window problems today!

Homemade Energy – a guide written by Bill Ford, a scientist, researcher and energy consultant – claims that it can show you how to build your own working home solar and wind power generators, even if you have never picked up a tool in your life before. So does it really work? And are the instructions as easy to follow as they claim to be? We put bought it, put it to the test and saw how it compared to Earth4Energy.

What we liked about it:

1 – It was an enjoyable experience:

We found the instructions for the wind turbine very well laid out and explained. They were easy to follow, and we really had fun putting the wind generator together. Also, when it was finished, it actually worked, and our neighbors did not believe us when we told them we had built it ourselves.

2 – Very Affordable

Well, Home Made Energy is only about $2 cheaper than its rivals, but with the economy currently in crisis, every dollar helps.

3 – Easy for anyone to follow:

Bill Ford obviously wanted to appeal to the masses when he wrote this guide. It was super simple to understand, and although the diagrams could be a little confusing at times, it was almost impossible not to end up with a working windmill after following the instructions.

What we did not like about it:

1 – Not as complete as the other guides

Homemade Energy was on of the shorter guides we read. It was only about 43 pages long, so it seemed to lack some value-added information. If you compare it to a guide like Earth4Energy or Efficient Planet, we would rather have spent that extra $2 to get all that additional advice and information.

2 – Needs an update:

We are not sure about other customers of the guide, but we sometimes found the solar plans a little confusing. The diagrams did not tie in well with the the advice, and we had to email Bill for support numerous times while building our solar panels. He may have been helpful in his response, but we think it would make more sense if he updated the guide with the right solar power advice for everyone to use. If he wants to offer free lifetime updates, then he should actually update the guide every now and then.

Verdict:

Home Made Energy is a guide for beginners that are willing to learn as they go along. The instructions and advice are sound, which is crucial any diy guide. However, Bill needs to keep up with his rival, Earth4Energy, and add more value to the guide, such as providing videos and maintenance instructions, which we – as customers – so desperately need.

Tim McDonald has been making his own home wind turbine and solar power since June 2008. If you are serious about making your own power, reducing your electricity bill and becoming more energy conscious, then he recommends you get the Earth4Energy Sneak Peek – before buying any energy guide.