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Showing posts with label energy saving windows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label energy saving windows. Show all posts
With Christmas and New Year’s right around the corner, I thought I’d take the time to help you find out if your home is ready for the holidays. While we Floridians don’t spend a lot of time dashing through the snow, the weather can turn downright nippy during the winter months. As I write this blog, the high is 50 and the low tonight will be just above freezing. While that’s nothing to all you who moved here from places like Chicago or Minneapolis, every Floridian will notice a difference in their next electric bill as we make the transition from autumn to winter.
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.
If you’ve looked into
getting replacement windows lately, you’ve probably run into some terminology
you’re not familiar with. For example, one phrase that you’re almost certain to
run into is “Low-e.” Just what does the “e” stand for? Emissivity. It’s not a
word most people use or hear very often. Here’s a definition from the
Merriam-Webster dictionary.
Emissivity: the
relative power of a surface to emit heat by radiation, the ratio of the
radiant energy emitted by a surface to that emitted by a black body at the same
temperature.
By Gates Dearen Drive through any neighborhood in Northeast Florida
built before 2000 and you’ll probably see windows that are outdated,
unattractive, and provide poor energy efficiency. For example, many homes built
more than fifteen years ago featured single-pane windows with aluminum frames. They
once were state-of-the-art, but they’re not anymore. Another popular style from
the last century was jalousie windows with glass louvers. There are also many old
casement windows which no longer close all the way.
Four
Ways to Determine Whether it’s Time for New Windows
1.Take a good look from outside. Along with
the condition of the lawn and the paint or siding, the windows are one of the most
important contributors to the curb appeal of any house. Windows can enhance the
appearance of a home or they can detract from it and make the home look run-down.
The difference between houses that have modern windows and those that do not is
very obvious.
2.Take a look inside. If you consistently see
moisture on the inside of your windows, it’s an indication that your windows need
to be replaced. In addition, old windows don’t provide protection
from the sun’s
ultraviolet rays. This can result in fading in carpets, rugs, and furniture. Upgrading
to more energy efficient windows can reduce this type of fading and extend the life
of household items.
3.Check for drafts. During the winter months,
it’s very easy to feel cold air coming in through old windows. When it gets hot
out and the AC is running, check outside around old windows to see if cold air
is seeping out of the house, along with your hard-earned money.
4.Open and close the windows. This should
be easy with windows that are operating correctly. There should be no sticking.
If the windows rattle when you open and close them, they have probably loosened
up over the years. Windows that no longer seal properly allow air to pass
through like vents to the outdoors. Also, the locks should open and close
easily. If they don’t open easily, you probably won’t use the windows for ventilation
very often. If they don’t lock easily, that could create a security problem for
you and your family.
One of the primary reasons for updating windows is to
improve energy efficiency. Old windows that don’t seal properly cost homeowners
money on their electric bills. With the high cost of electricity, nobody wants an
electric bill that’s higher than it has to be.
New windows can dramatically improve the energy efficiency
of a home. Modern windows pay for themselves over time through savings on electric
bills. Also, windows that keep the cold air in during the summer and out during
the winter reduce wear and tear on a home’s AC and heating system. Those systems
are very expensive to repair and replace. When they don’t have to run as much, they
last longer.
Window design has improved a great deal over the past
few decades. The materials used and the overall quality of windows is better than
ever. Double-pane windows are now the norm in replacement windows and they are
far more effective for insulating a house from the elements than antiquated single-pane
windows.
Aluminum was popular for a long time and excellent windows
are still being made with aluminum. On the
other hand, vinyl has become the material of choice for many installations. One
of the nicest things about new vinyl and aluminum windows is that they don’t require
a lot of maintenance. They don’t need to be painted year after year to maintain
a beautiful appearance.
Wind
Protection
Jacksonville hasn’t had a direct hit from a hurricane
since Dora in 1964. On the other hand, residents
of Northeast Florida encounter
tropical storm force winds with alarming frequency. New windows that comply with
current construction codes provide far better protection from high winds than windows
built into many homes in decades gone by. For extra protection from high wind and
debris, impact windows with strengthening material between the panes of glass are
very effective. The cost differential
for many people is well worth it versus the expense of repairing the damage caused
by a storm flooding your home.
Noise
Reduction
In addition to reducing energy costs and improving the
appearance of a home, new windows can reduce the levels of noise from outside. Upgraded
windows keep unwanted sound out as well as the weather. If noise from street traffic
or the neighborhood children is bothersome, new windows can make an enormous difference.
The peace and quiet some homeowners experience after installing updated windows
is often a very pleasant surprise.
Select
the Right Windows
There are more choices in windows now than ever before.
Options include aluminum and vinyl, single-hung windows, double-hung windows, casement
windows, and specialty windows. The possibilities aren’t endless, but they can be
challenging to sort out. A professional window contractor will help homeowners select
windows that will make any home more attractive and energy efficient.
Measurements are one of the keys to a good installation. Windows
that don’t fit the openings properly may be prone to warping when the weather changes.
Another important factor for a successful installation is trained and experienced
installers. HomeRite Windows and Doors will get the measurements right and will
install the windows correctly so that they fit perfectly, operate smoothly, and
look beautiful.
In this article, I have
provided some of the key things to help you determine if it’s time to replace
their windows. It is an investment that can pay off in energy saving and add
beauty, value and comfort to their home.
If you would like to
receive an official factory authorized 30% discount coupon for your
next window replacement purchase, print out this article with the coupon on it
and bring it with you when visiting HomeRite.
Gates Dearen is the
co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in
Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Dearen and Richard Walden have been
serving the building products industry in Florida for over
25 years. They know the products, the industry, the market and what
adds great value to a home. Their approach is somewhat different than
others. They strive to match the homeowner with the
right windows and doors for their home and budget. They know that
some home improvement projects can be a hassle. They strive to make the
process pleasant with first-rate, energy efficient products;
affordable prices; and expert, award-wining installers that
employ the best practices and who respect your home as if it
were their own. Related articles
English: Cross Section of an energy efficient replacement window for residential buildings. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
By Gates Dearen
Most home owners who have an older home, try to keep their
living space beautiful and energy efficient, especially in the summer and
winter months. One of the most common questions we are asked when speaking to
these home owner is, “When should I replace my windows?”
The windows in your home not only serve to add character and
beauty, but also have essential functions to keep the home properly lighted and
insulated. Do you choose to open your windows to allow the fresh air to
permeate your home during spring cleaning? Do you enjoy feeling a cool spring
or fall breeze throughout the house when the windows are open? Do you have
enough natural light in your home? Do your windows fit the style of your home
and make it more attractive?
Windows that are in good condition, that keep the elements
out and accent your home, are essential in making your home more comfortable
and elegant. Windows that are older and have too much wear and tear can cause
potential damage to your home. We are
going to investigate some of the key signs that tell you when it’s time to
replace your windows.
SIGN #1 – Your Windows are Difficult to Open
New windows won't stick!
If you dread the thought of trying to pry open your windows
because it is too difficult, it may be a good time to replace them. Everyone in
your home should have the ability to open or close a window and if that’s not
the case, this can be an extremely hazardous situation, especially in the event
of a fire.
If the balance mechanism in a window starts to fail, the
window won’t be able to stay open on its own. This happens more often with
older windows which is a sign they need replacing. Rot and rust can occur when
metal and wood windows are not painted correctly. As a result, the balance
mechanism will fail to work properly and the window will not stay in the up
position, which can cause them to slam shut, creating yet more damage.
SIGN #2- The Atmosphere inside is similar to the atmosphere
outside
If your windows are closed and you still feel the outside
elements inside your home, it’s probably time to replace them. This is
especially true with single-pane glass windows which are not energy efficient
and literally let the outside elements into your home. These windows can freeze
in the winter and increase the chances of cracking and breakage. They can leak air and allow water to come into
your home and cause mold and mildew to form and fester.
Excessive humidity inside your home can cause damage
throughout. It can get into the walls and attic allowing water to freeze in the
winter and melt in the warmer months causing damage to the plaster in your
walls. This is a serious issue and should be addressed because of the potential
damage to the home’s structure. Too much
humidity inside the home is also a potential health hazard, not only due to the
potential growth of mold and mildew, but it can contribute to upper respiratory
illness in individuals with allergies and asthma.
Watch this short video testimonial about Homerite Windows and Doors.
SIGN #3- Your Energy Bills are Too High in the Winter and
Summer Months
When your windows are not energy efficient, the result is
higher heating and cooling costs. Too much solar radiation admitted through a
window can heat up a home during the summer months and require more cooling in
order to be comfortable. This is helpful in the winter months but probably
means the solar heat gain coefficient is too high and may require window
replacement. In the entire window
assembly, heat loss and gain can occur through cracks in the system. Your
windows may have a high air leakage rate, which allows too much air in or out. Even
good windows may allow a bit of infiltration, but it should never be
noticeable. If your windows are not resistant
to heat flow, the U-Value (the measurement of heat loss) is too high and will
consequently lead to higher energy costs.
SIGN #4- Your
Carpeting and Furnishings are Fading Fast
Fading can occur when UV rays from the sun pass through your
windows onto the interior surfaces. Older windows do not have the same glazing
as newer energy efficient windows. Expensive artwork and fine furnishings should
be protected by using a low emission (low-E) coating that protects the interior
of your home from the sun’s rays. Most new windows sold now have this feature.
This applies to double and triple-paned windows. If
condensation is occurring inside the glass, the entire window may need to be
replaced because the seal may have failed. If this occurs, then the window is not
providing a barrier to the outside elements. Double and triple-paned windows have a layer
of gas, usually argon, between the panes. If multiple-paned windows become
foggy, it usually means the seal itself has been compromised. Silica pellets inside the perimeter strip that
usually absorb moisture from the air in between the panes can be over-saturated
and cannot absorb the moisture causing condensation to form.
If left untouched and the condensation continues, it can
potentially leave irreversible damage to the window. “River-bedding” occurs
when droplets form and follow a path down the window which cut grooves similar
to a river running through a canyon. “Silica haze” looks like snowflakes and occurs
when the pellets are saturated and have been eroded by air currents. This is another
sign that the window needs to be replaced.
SIGN #6- Your Windows are Mismatched
You have made the biggest investment of your lifetime - a
home purchase. You may have an older home that could use a few style touches,
or you may have a home with mismatched windows. As we have discussed, older
windows not only come with a host of problems, but can also be unattractive –
even inappropriate. Replacing your windows can provide improved style and
beauty to your home. There are so many designs to choose from that will not
only enhance the character of your home, but also provide the energy efficiency
to reduce heating and cooling costs and add more comfort.
In
this article, I have provided some of the key things to look for when trying to
decide if it’s time to replace their windows. It is an investment that can pay
off in energy saving and add beauty, value and comfort to their home.
If you would like to
receive an official factory authorized 30% discount coupon for your
next window replacement purchase, print out this article with the coupon on it and bring it with you when visiting HomeRite.
Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. They know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Their approach is somewhat different than others. They strive to match the homeowner with the right windows and doors for their home and budget. They know that some home improvement projects can be a hassle. They strive to make the process pleasant with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; and expert, award-wining installers that employ the best practices and who respect your home as if it were their own. Related articles
