Any way to reduce draft from old / large single pane windows?

Also we're looking to replace the current 1970's ish metal blinds with some of the roller shades like you see at Starbucks. A nice light cream color that would still allow for visibility / light, but be able to serve as a sort of additional barrier.

Thanks I did this at my old condo - pricing is a problem now b/c we overextended on this house in a sky high market so we're starting with the roller shades given the cyber monday sale and then we'll address the curtains later on hopefully!

I don't know the solution, but I had a similar situation in my old house.

I had someone come in and tint my windows and that drastically helped. Also helped my neighbors from being able to see directly into my house unless they were on my front porch.

I’d get a few quotes for some window companies. That’s really the only way to fix your issues. Those couple of windows won’t be $15k. And several window companies will offer interest free or low interest financing for 18months or so

Start with removing the old caulk and re-caulking. It may help some.

That $15K better include installation or high end windows. What you have is direct set fixed windows. Basically a built frame with single pane glass set up against jamb stop and an exterior stop to hold it in place. By the looks of their age and the moisture damage on your sill, the life of the sealant has long expired and the only thing holding it in place is the stop. The temperature differences from interior to exterior will create moisture on the glass that drips down to the sill and has begun to rot the wood frame. If these are 4' x 8' (width first, height 2nd) that creates a number of problems. There are many inexpensive interior storm window options but they are difficult to find that large. I most often use the brand Larson and they top out at 80" height. Worth doing your due diligence to look for...should not be more than $500-$700 each and you can easily install yourself. Thermal curtains will help but not significantly. Another option I see from your pics, buy some stop (1/2" x 3/4" square or similar) and install all 4 sides on your interior. Then get some 4'x8' plexiglass cut to fit set against the stop with clear silicone. Do this as a short term fix until you get the funds together for full replacement which you will need to do sooner rather than later (1-2 years?) Good luck!

EDIT: You should also consider having your thermostat relocated out of that room and possibly down a hall where the bedrooms are located? At least to a location less affected by those temperature differentials...a few hundred bucks to do that would pay for itself in one Louisiana summer.

A second pane of glass with silicone spacers between the 2 pieces of glass and caulk inside and out will do 80% of the insulation new windows will. I have done this on all the windows in my 1929 house and it is amazing how much cooler/warmer it is now.

Thanks to all for these tips I really appreciate it and will look at some.

We bought custom fitted Bali solar shades (with 10% see through) yesterday on Cyber Monday deal and spent $600 to cover all 6 windows. They will sit INSIDE the windows (the current metal blinds are outside) so I'm hoping that gives a little extra protection.

I'll take a look at some of these temporary options suggested or even the insulating glass that BottomlandBrew suggested.