Monday, January 27, 2014

Replacement Windows: All about Energy Efficiency

Any homeowner in search of a worthwhile home improvement project may want to consider window replacement. Such a project enhances comfort in the home and helps reduce energy expenses by preventing excessive heat loss or heat gain. Given the importance of this project, costly errors must be avoided. As such, it really pays to hire a professional contractor with considerable experience in this field.

Meanwhile, it would also be wise to observe other energy-saving measures. After all, optimum thermal comfort and energy efficiency at home energy are not solely reliant on window performance. Among other things, homeowners would do well to winterize their homes.

For instance, one can address air leaks by inspecting the caulking around windows and doors to look for signs of cracking and peeling. It is also advisable to check from time to time whether doors and windows can still remain tightly shut and thereby prevent cold air from entering. More often than not, a worn-down weather stripping is the likely culprit for letting in cold air.

Finally, it may be a good idea to replace old window screens with storm windows that provide optimum protection during storms and high windows. It may also be worth investing in a window insulator kit to keep drafts at bay.

Replacement Windows: Factors to Consider

Many cost-conscious homeowners have made the switch to energy-efficient replacement windows that quickly recoup their initial installation cost in the form of reduced power spending. However, before replacing your windows, you may want to consider a few things.
First, you need to determine whether a simple repair or restoration work can do the trick; otherwise, a full unit replacement may be required. Learn about the different types or materials used for replacement windows so you can choose a window style that satisfies your demand for energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness while taking into account your home’s architectural design.
Given the deadly effects of the recent polar vortex that took the entire nation by surprise, every homeowner must accordingly make the necessary preparations for every sort of weather anomaly. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve a more comfortable and energy-efficient home. Proper window installation or replacement can save you a lot of trouble not just during the winter but all throughout the year.
You can consult with a credible window company for more appropriate solutions and high-quality materials. Finally keep in mind that window replacement can be quite overwhelming for the average homeowner. As such, think twice before you embark on a do-it-yourself window replacement project.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

For Energy-Efficiency: Weather-stripping Windows

You can increase your utility savings through durable and energy-efficient windows from your local distributor. However, just because you’ve got new windows installed doesn’t mean you can automatically cut down on your power consumption. You still need to ensure that the news windows are doing their job properly. For one, you might have to add weather-stripping in between your window frames and the wall to keep the air from escaping.

Essentially, weather-stripping is the process of sealing off the remaining passage of air around the window frame or sill. This is crucial for homes, particularly those in northeastern states that are in constant battle with temperature swings. Keep in mind that virtually all types of modern windows allow a certain degree of leakage. With double-hung windows, the weather-stripping part of the installation process may only be minimal, with particular attention paid to the top of the frame.

To completely eliminate the need for weather-stripping your replacement windows, you can try installing picture or fixed windows instead of adjustable ones. Although effective at remedying leak problems, fixed windows have some disadvantages, too, like the inability to open them in the first place. Such windows may help you conserve energy but only to a certain extent as they are clearly unable to let the breezes in during summer.

What Makes Energy-Efficient Windows Tick?

Energy efficiency at home largely has to do with windows. The best windows trap hot air within on cold days and keep it out during hot days, thereby reducing the burden on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system as well as cutting down your energy bill. Yet exactly what features should you look for in an energy-efficient window?

If you live in an area with diverse climate conditions, then you naturally need the sort of windows that perform well in any season. Be it casement or awning, thicker panes and impermeable frames help reduce excessive heat loss and hot gain, which are the main culprits behind unusually high energy bills.

Modern replacement windows, in other words, are designed with optimum insulation in mind. Not all window models are created equal, however. For instance, casement windows often have a higher R factor (which measures insulation) compared to sliding windows.

Regardless of the type of window you choose for your upcoming window replacement project it is vital to understand what sets apart the new models from the traditional ones. This way, you can make the most of your investment. Likewise, be sure to choose a reputable supplier with considerable experience in serving the needs of the local market.