Replacing spiral window balances on thermal gard windows

Question

I have never worked on windows so I am learning as I go. I wanted to write before I start taking the window apart and not be able to get it back together. The windows I have are non-tilt thermal gard brand. The are probably from the 80s. I moved in approximately 6 years ago and a few of them have never stayed up. Most of the issues are with the window on top towards the outside. I attached pictures of the spiral balances. Some of the windows have one and then I noticed that the picture I attahed that specific window has two.

I have been reading through other discussion and I believe that I know how to do it but I wanted to clarify like I said prior. In order to replace the balance I would need to remove pivot bar set from the bottom of the window. The pull the pivot show down. Then unhook the bottom of the spiral balance. Then I would pull the window down and remove the sprial balance from the top of the window via the screw. Then measure the length of the spiral balance and order as needed. Is the the correct process? Also I assume I would need to replace the double spiral balance with two balances correct?

Also a few of the windows are very breezy, is there anything you can recommend to fix this issue?

User submitted photos of window hardware.

Paul · Accepted Answer

Looks like you do have tilt Thermal Guard windows, and because of the heavy sashes they used two balances instead of one like they normally do. When replacing them, you should use two if the manufacturer use two. I pulled up videos to help you and a variety of parts you might need. Please review them on the right hand side of this page.