Learn about New Windows or Replacement Windows and Doors for Today's Homes: Energy Star

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The Lowdown on Low-E

By Gates Dearen

When it comes to windows, the glass is where the rubber meets the road, but when it comes to window panes, not all glass is equal. Whether your windows are single-pane, double pane or triple pane, the formula used in the production of the glass and the glass coatings used in their manufacture have a direct bearing on their ability to stand up to the elements.

A One-stop Shop for Renovating, Remodeling, and Decorating Ideas

by Gates Dearen

HomeRite Windows and Doors is excited to be exhibiting in the Jacksonville Home and Patio Show coming up on Thursday, October 1^st, through Sunday, October 4^th, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center in downtown Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Home and Patio Show will feature fantastic exhibits and high-profile industry personalities. If you’re planning a home improvement project of any kind, or if you’re in the middle of one, you won’t want to miss this event. HomeRite will be in Booth # 221.

The Home and Patio Show is a great opportunity to get a fresh perspective on all your remodeling, home improvements, outdoor, and design needs. Hundreds of experts will be there under one roof. This is your chance to see products from lots of manufacturers without driving all over town. Plus, you’ll have an opportunity to meet the business owners and contractors.

The categories of businesses exhibiting include all of the following: Kitchen and Bathroom Remodelers, Solar Power Contractors, Furniture Retailers, Security Systems, Siding Contractors, Window Treatments, Electrical Contractors, HVAC Contractors, Pest Control, Pools and Spas, Landscapers, Painters, Water Purification Systems, Fencing, Roofing Contractors, and many more.

HomeRite Windows and Doors - Live at the Home and Patio Show

If you’re thinking of upgrading your windows or improving your curb appeal by putting in a beautiful, energy efficient entryway door, HomeRite will be at the Home and Patio Show to show their products and to answer any questions you may have.

Gates Dearen and Richard Walden, the co-owners of HomeRite Jacksonville, have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over three decades. They know the products, the industry, the market and what will add great value to your home.

HomeRite’s approach is different from most contractors. “We’re simply looking to match you with the right windows and doors for your home and your budget,” they say. “Home improvements are enough of a hassle. We’re here to make your life easier with first-rate, energy-efficient products at affordable prices. Our award-winning installers are top-notch as well.”

Matt Muenster of Bath Crashers on the DIY Network

Matt will appear on the Fresh Ideas Stage on Friday at 6:00 pm, Saturday at 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm and on Sunday at noon. Matt sees every house project, whether he’s ripping apart dated bathrooms using the latest construction technology or completely gutting his own kitchen, as a chance to use his clever ideas to achieve great design while integrating earth-friendly elements. His professional experience includes high-end interior design, and he gets an adrenaline rush every time he transforms a boring bathroom into a fantastic one on DIY Network’s “Bath Crashers.”

Leanne Lee, the Diva of DIY

Leanne will appear on the Fresh Ideas Stage on Friday at 4:00 pm, on Saturday at Noon and 4:00 pm, and on Sunday at Noon. She hosts the DIY Network's Diva of DIY segment. Earlier this year, she was named the 2015 Home and Garden Trendsetter of the Year. She runs a decorative painting and cabinet refinishing business called Rekindled Spaces. She also has a successful blog informing others how to upcycle through step-by-step instruction and video tutorials.

Fresh Ideas Stage

There will be presentations throughout the day for all four days of the Home and Patio Show. The stage presentations by local and national experts will cover topics pertaining to remodeling, renovation, décor, fall gardening and outdoor projects.

Tony Hogg of the Florida Beekeepers Association will speak on the Basics of Backyard Beekeeping.

Britt Miller of Salty Restorations will present a step-by-step guide to Refinishing Furniture.

Christy McCarthy of Interiors Revitalized will discuss Designing for Resale.

Pat Shanley of the American Rose Society will speak on New Roses for American gardeners.

Jacksonville Magazine Cooking Stage

Local chefs from some of the finest restaurants in Northeast Florida will be performing live cooking demonstrations and offering samples of great recipes throughout the weekend.

The restaurants represented include: 29 South, Gilbert’s Underground, Café Nola, Brew 5 Points, Tapa That, 13 Gypsies, Conscious Eats, Corner Taco, and Soul Food Bistro. There will also be a Cake Diva competition on Sunday afternoon. Yum, yum.

Home and Patio Show Notes

Tickets can be purchased online to save time, avoid lines, and to save $2 per adult ticket. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office.

Celebrity performances are included in the price of admission. However, there is no reserved seating.

Depending on your itinerary, goals and objectives, you should probably plan on spending two to four hours - or more - at the event.

No outside food or beverages are allowed. Concessions will be available for snacks and beverages.

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In this article, I’ve informed readers that HomeRite Jacksonville will be exhibiting at the Jacksonville Home and Patio Show. The HomeRite booth is number 221. I’ve discussed several reasons why homeowners would want to attend the event, and I’ve also noted some of the main attractions at the event, including Matt Muenster and Leanne Lee of the DIY Network.

HomeRite is a window and door dealer that specializes in energy efficient, quality windows with warranties and service to match. HomeRite was founded by Richard Walden and Gates Dearen. Richard opened the doors in 1979 and welcomed Gates onboard in 1981. During their thirty-plus years of business, they have garnered a loyal following of customers. “We couldn’t be more appreciative, and we thank them for their trust and confidence in recommending us to their friends and families.”

HomeRite has partnered with a family owned manufacturer that has been in business for over 60 years. The window and door industry has changed a great deal and HomeRite’s manufacturer has stayed at the forefront of those changes through state-of-the-art design, high quality products, and excellent customer service.

HomeRite products are energy-efficient, and they add substantial value to their client’s properties. HomeRite is a member of the United States Green Building Council, a non-profit organization comprised of leaders across the industry working to advance environmentally responsible buildings.

You’re invited to stop by booth 221 at the Home and Patio Show to meet the staff of HomeRite Windows and Doors of Jacksonville. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about windows and doors.

If you can’t make it, you can learn more about HomeRite and their superior products by calling 296-2515 or visiting their showroom at 4801 Executive Park Court, Building 200, Suite 207, Jacksonville; FL 32216.

Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. He and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. They strive to match homeowners with the right windows and doors for their homes and budgets. They make the home improvement process pleasant with first-rate, energy-efficient products, affordable pricing, and award-wining installers who employ the best practices and who treat customers and their property with the utmost respect.

Put the Latest Glass Technologies to Work for You!

By Gates Dearen

Courtesy of
homeritejacksonville.com/

Over the past decade, window and door glass has improved immensely. This is especially important in Florida, where intense sunlight can pour though older types of glass, resulting in lost energy efficiency as well as faded carpets, window treatments, and furniture. As you shop for new windows, you may wonder what the information on the stickers means, and why it’s important. From Low-e to SHGC to U-factor and R-value to VT, we’ll explain it all so you can be a more knowledgeable consumer.

Cold Air Leak Under Door (Photo credit: CBC || Thermal)

By Gates Dearen

Leaky faucets or roofs are easy to spot; it’s hard not to miss the water accumulating around the leaks. But how do you know if your house is leaking, letting hot air in and cold air out? You may not have thought much about this problem, but if air is leaking into or out of your house, it is literally money out the window! Windows and doors are probably the biggest culprits, as old and ill-fitting windows can lead to drafts throughout your house. While it’s best to have a window-and-door professional come out and take a look, there are simple ways you can check for yourself. Here are some places to look for air leaks.

Seals

Are the seals around your windows and doors in good repair? Make sure they are tight and intact. Seals can dry out and crack, making them ineffective, especially in the Florida heat and sun. A quick inspection will let you know if it’s time to replace them. Similarly, if you have caulk around your windows, or window air

Caulk -Sealers-Fillers

conditioning units, make sure it forms a good bond with no cracks or gaps. Also check the frames. If light comes through your window or door frames, air is getting through, too.

Windows

Try to gently rattle your windows. Movement can indicate leakage. If your windows are old, or of poor quality, they are not keeping the inside air in and the outside air out. The only real remedy for this problem is replacing the windows with newer, more energy-efficient ones. It may seem like a big investment up front, but you will begin to see savings in your cooling and heating bills immediately, and you’ll be much more comfortable.

Doors

What are your doors made of? If you don’t know, find out. A good quality door is usually made of steel or fiberglass, although there are some other materials that will work well to act as a weather barrier, important for keeping wind and rain, as well as heat, outdoors. Try the “rattle test” as suggested above in the window section. If it moves, the door probably leaks. Make sure the threshold is secure and properly placed so as not to let any air get in or out at the bottom of the door. If you do have a gap, try placing a draft-stopper along the bottom of the door until you are able to fix it. Also check your doorknob and lockset to be sure it is fitted properly to the door.

Patio doors can present a special problem, mainly because they are usually larger than your other doors and windows. Is the glass on your patio door energy efficient? Does it have a low-e coating and an Energy Star rating? Does it close securely with no gaps? If not, it may be time to replace it. If you do choose to purchase a new door, look for one with pile weather-stripping on the panels, which increases efficiency and reduces air infiltration.

Unexpected places

The above-mentioned sources of air leaks are the most prevalent, but have you thought about how much air could be getting in or out around your switch plates and outlets? Chimneys? Outdoor faucets? These less-obvious sources can be big air-suckers! You may want to call in a professional to check your entire house, including roof and foundation/house juncture, for leaks, but in the meantime, you can do a relatively simple check.

BUILDING PRESSURIZATION TEST*

If you are having difficulty locating leaks, you may want to conduct a basic building pressurization test to increase infiltration through cracks and leaks, making them easier to detect:

1) Turn off all combustion appliances such as gas burning furnaces and water heaters on a cool, very windy day.

2) Shut all windows, exterior doors, and fireplace flues.

3) Turn on all exhaust fans that blow air outside, such as your clothes dryer, bathroom fans, or stove vents, or use a large window fan to suck the air out of the rooms.

4) Light an incense stick and pass it around the edges of common leak sites. Wherever the smoke wavers or is sucked out of or blown into the room, there's a draft. You can also use a damp hand to locate leaks; any drafts will feel cool to your hand.

If you don't want to turn off your furnace, you can just turn on all your exhaust fans to depressurize your home.

Other air-leak detection methods include the following:

· Shining a flashlight at night over all potential gaps while a partner observes the house from outside. Large cracks will show up as rays of light. Not a good way to detect small cracks.

· Shut a door or window on a dollar bill. If you can pull the dollar bill out without it dragging, you're losing energy. (*http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/detecting-air-leaks)

As I said at the beginning of this article, if your house is leaking, it’s costing you money. Well-fitting, well-constructed windows and doors and frames will make the biggest difference in stopping air leakage, but taking care of smaller leaks in less-obvious places can add up to additional energy savings and greater comfort.

In this article, I pointedout some ways your home may be letting air in and out. We looked at the role windows and doors have in preventing air leakage, along with discussing some other places you can look and methods you can use to check for leakage.

Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Gates Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. We know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Our approach is a little different. We strive to match the homeowner with the right windows for their home and budget. Home improvements can be a hassle. We’re here to make life easier with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; strong warranties and expert, award-winning installers that provide excellent service while respecting your home as if it were their own.

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Six Tips for Choosing Vinyl Windows

By Gates Dearen

Congratulations! You’ve made the wise decision to purchase vinyl windows. Vinyl frames are superior to wood and metal in many ways: They won’t pit, chip, rot, flake, or crack; they don’t require constant painting; they are more energy-efficient, keeping cold and heat out (or, alternately, in); and they are attractive. Just an occasional washing keeps them looking like new. But with so many options out there, how do you know what to look for?

Prepare

If you plan to install your own windows, keep in mind that it can be tricky. Unless you are experienced in installation, you will likely find that it’s a rather unwieldy task. With large windows in particular, the risk of dropping and breaking a window is substantial. If you leave it to the experts, not only will they get the job finished much more quickly and efficiently, but if a window is broken in the process, they will replace it at no cost to you. Whether you choose to install your own windows or leave it to the experts, here are some tips that can make it as “pane-less” as possible.

· Measure – twice. Determine your window needs based on the size and location of the windows. For example, let’s say that most of the windows in your house face west. Since the sun comes in from that direction most of the day, the windows on that side need to be especially efficient to keep the house from getting too hot in the summer.

Budget (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Budget

After you know the sizes of the windows you need to purchase, decide what your total budget is for the project. In addition to the variety of window sizes, there are also many other options. Generally the higher priced windows are going to be more energy efficient. Keep in mind that this is an investment that will pay off in energy savings and peace of mind. If you’re on a tight budget, you might consider

replacing only some of your windows now and some later, making it possible to buy higher-quality windows, rather than buying cheaper windows for your entire home all at once.

Shop and Compare

Look for this logo when considering your
new roofing materials (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Once you’ve established your budget, and you know the sizes of the windows you need, it’s time to find the right windows. Now you want to compare energy ratings, wind and rain resistance, warranties, and window features. The ratings can be hard to understand. Do your homework and make sure you understand the differences before you shop. Get a sense of what the ratings mean and why they are important.

· Energy efficiency: The Energy Star label is one indicator. Also compare the U-value of the windows. The lower the U-value, the more energy efficient the window. A U-value of 0.35 or below is typically considered a good level. Also look at the R-factor of each window option, which indicates how insulated it is. More insulation translates into more energy efficiency for your home. Look for a high R-factor; the higher the number, the more energy efficient the window. For best insulation, choose multi-paned windows with argon gas between the panes, and with an E-coating. These features ensure maximum weather protection and comfort. In Florida and other southern states, it’s also important to look at the solar coefficient, a measure of how well the window keeps out heat while letting in light.

Our glass warranty.

· Wind and rain resistance: If you live in an area that is prone to high winds and/or damaging rain, you’ll want to be sure that your windows are made for such a climate. It’s important to investigate the quality of not just the glass but also the frames of any windows you’re considering

· Warranties: Compare both manufacturer and seller warranties. Up-front savings won’t save you much if the product doesn’t have a repair or replacement warranty. Read the warranty carefully so you won’t have any surprises in the event that you need replacement or repair of your windows. In addition, it’s a good idea to read customer reviews and testimonials. Find a company with satisfied customers.

Our windows have a Lifetime Warranty

· Window features: The features you choose are largely a matter of personal taste, unless you have children, in which case safety is also important. Work with a professional to decide which features will increase your comfort and your windows’ function and durability. Single-hung windows open from the bottom only. Double-hung windows can open from the top or the bottom. Again, it’s all about preference. If you want to transform a simple opening into a stunning room accent, you can choose from a variety of custom shapes for your windows.

Choosing vinyl windows may seem like a daunting task, but with a little research and some help from a professional, you will find the windows that work best for your home and your lifestyle. A variety of options allows you to add your own personal flair, especially if you go for a custom window. Whichever features you choose, vinyl windows are a great investment in energy savings and comfort.

In this article I talked about how to choose vinyl windows. I offered six tips for making the selection process less difficult: measuring, budgeting, and four aspects of shopping and comparing energy efficiency, wind and rain resistance, warranties, and window features. . If you have a comment about this article, please feel free to post it below. Also, if you found this article useful, please pass it on.

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The Taxman is Coming. Don’t Forget Your Tax Credits

By Gates Dearen

With the holidays, Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day now behind us, one of the big blinking lights on everyone’s calendar is April 15th, income tax day. If you’ve not yet done so, it’s time to start

Tax Day Reminder (Photo credit: SalFalko)

gathering and organizing your W2s, 1099s, receipts, bank statements and other pertinent paperwork. There is good news if you just purchased a home, took out a construction or home improvement loan, or if you just upgraded your home by replacing your old windows and doors with new, energy efficiency models.

But before you sit down to file your taxes online, or work with your accountant, remember that by owning a home, you may qualify for some of the above mentioned tax breaks. In order to reap, you must sow, which means you’re going to have to go through the process of itemizing your taxes to take advantages of the deductions. Potentially time consuming? Yes. A hassle? Perhaps, but once you’ve done it, the benefits are usually worth the time and effort – especially if you replaced your windows, skylights or exterior doors last year. You may be able to help pay for those upgrades by taking advantage of certain tax breaks. You should always seek the advice and counsel of qualified tax accountant or attorney before claiming any deduction. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, let’s look at ways you can save money.

Home Improvement Loan Interest

You may be able to deduct the interest on a loan you’ve taken out to make improvements on yo

ur home. Qualifying loans are those taken out to add “capital improvements” to your home, which means the

improvement must increase your home’s value, adapt it to new uses, or extend its life. Installing a new

carpet or painting the exterior isn’t considered capital improvements. However — and here’s the good news — installing new windows, skylights and doors are considered capital improvements.

Energy Efficiency (Photo credit: London Permaculture)

Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credits

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 retroactively renews the Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit of 2011. Homeowners can claim a credit of up to 10% or $200 of the purchase price of qualifying windows and 10% up to $500 for qualifying exterior doors. Installation costs are excluded. Windows, doors, and skylights that are eligible for a federal tax credit and must meet these strict criteria:

Windows must be installed between January 1, 2012 and December 13, 2013.
Products must be installed in the homeowner’s primary residence.
Products must meet Energy Star published criteria for the Energy Star Climate Zone in which they are installed.

Furthermore, if you claimed an energy efficiency credit in a previous taxable year, please consult a tax professional or visit www.irs.gov to determine if you’re still eligible.

What Makes a Window, Skylight or Door Energy Star qualified?

These products are manufactured by an Energy Star partner, they’re independently tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), and they meet stringent energy efficient guidelines as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE doesn’t require any specific technologies, yet certain product features are common.

Homeowners can claim a Federal Tax Credit for upgrading their primary residence with energy efficient windows and exterior doors.

It’s important to keep in mind that, just like clothing, some windows and skylights are better at insulating you from the cold, whereas others are better at keeping you cool when outside temperatures are warm. Performance criteria for windows and skylights are based on four climate zones: Northern, North-Central, South-Central, Southern) and ratings that have been certified by the NFRC.

Education Tax Deductions (Photo credit: StockMonkeys.com)

In general, doors provide more insulation than windows or skylights, based upon the amount of glass your exterior doors have, called the “glazing level” and ratings certified by the NFRC.

In addition to claiming a tax credit, if you’ve replaced your windows, skylights or external doors, there are other steps you may take to save money on your taxes. Again, when in doubt, it’s always best to seek the advice of a qualified tax consultant or attorney.

· Construction Loan Interest - If you take out a construction loan to build a home, you may qualify to deduct the interest. The IRS only allows a deduction for mortgage interest if the loan relates to your principal residence or a second vacation home used for personal purposes.
· Home Office - If you use a portion of your home exclusively for the purpose of an office for your (small) business, you may be able to claim a deduction on your taxes for costs related to insurance, repairs and depreciation. If you upgraded your windows and an exterior door associated with your home office, these too may be considered deductions.
· Mortgage Insurance Premiums - You may be able to deduct the premiums paid for private mortgage insurance for your principal residence and for a non-rental second home.
· Mortgage Interest Paid at Settlement - If you’ve bought a new home within the past year, on a mortgage of up to $1 million, you can deduct the interest you pay at settlement if you itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040).
· Points - Did you pay points in order to obtain your home mortgage? These fees are included on the income tax deductions list and can be deducted as long as they are associated with the purchase of a home
· Property Taxes - If they’re based on the assessed value of the real property, you can deduct your state and local property taxes.
· Selling Costs - If you sold a home in the past year, you may be able to reduce your income tax by the amount of your selling costs, which can include title insurance, advertising expenses, broker’s fees, and repairs.

We all know tax codes can be confusing. You may want to consult the IRS’ website for information concerning deductions and credits. To be certain, you should meet with a qualified tax professional to ensure you’re not missing any deductions for which you’re eligible.

In this article, I covered many of the different types of tax breaks the IRS allows for homeowners and individuals and business upgrading their homes and home offices via construction, home improvement loans and energy tax credits. If you found this article useful, pass it on to your friends and neighbors. If you have a comment related to this article, please post it in the Comments section of this blog. It's been my pleasure informing you about these tax breaks. I look forward to our next visit.

Gates Dearen and Richard Walden: Local owners of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. We have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. We know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Our approach is a little different. We strive to match the homeowner with the right windows for their home and budget. We understand that home improvements can be a hassle. We’re here to make life easier with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; and expert, award-winning installers that employ the best practices and respect your home as if it were their own.

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