Let Energy Savings Pay For Home Improvements Like Replacement Windows

In this day and age of ever-rising fuel costs, not having your home properly insulated is like throwing money out the window. Literally, in fact, as old, leaky windows are a prime source of residential heat loss. Replacement windows alone can make a dramatic difference, with energy savings of up to 40% in monthly fuel bills.

In this article I'll explain why dual pane replacement windows and other energy-saving home improvements are like money in the bank. Contractors like to point out an almost 100% return on investment when installing more energy-efficient windows, and they are right.

The problem with windows is that glass has poor heat insulation properties. Old single pane windows are hardy better than no windows at all when it comes to heat loss. And even older dual pane windows develop leaky seals that lead to condensation and reduced thermal protection. Replacing that old glass with new Energy Star compliant windows reduces utility bills, provides better sealing to ward off pollen and other pollutants, insulates better against noise, and also drastically reduces the load on your heating and cooling system.

In addition, the replacement windows can be ordered with tempered and shatterproof glass for extra protection, tinted glass for privacy and additional insulation, and even color options for special effects. Further, the extra ultra violet protection provided by specially coated and reflective glass can keep your furniture and floors from fading. Sometimes existing frames can accommodate more efficient replacement windows. If the frames need to be replaced, you can select from high-quality vinyl that never cracks or peels, or sturdy, elegant aluminum. While you're at it, you may consider replacing flat standard windows with bay or decorative windows or add other architectural touches and enhancements.

Windows, of course, are not the only way to save energy. Up to 40% of a home's exterior is roofing, and properly installed roofs can reduce heating and cooling bills in a number of ways. Shingles may reflect heat instead of absorbing it. Proper ventilation removes heat in the summer and quickly cools down your home. And whole-house fans efficiently remove the heat accumulating in attics.

Siding is important as well. Exterior painting not only improves the appearance of a home, but it also seals cracks through which heat can escape. Materials like Hardi Plank fiber-reinforced concrete siding are more durable and weather-resistant than wood or vinyl, again contributing to good insulation.

Properly built sunrooms can provide warmth in the winter and, through venting at night, cooling in the summer. Covered patios can provide shade, again reducing the load on the air conditioning system. The same goes for certain types of pergolas that are both decorative and provide shade. Decks and terraces, too, can shield windows from the sun, perhaps with the addition of plants, while adding quality living space to a structure.

So, the next time you think of home improvement projects, don't stop at replacement windows. Take it as an opportunity to make your home a more environmentally friendly place with lower heating and cooling bills. Improving the value of your home and saving money at the same time...who could argue with that?

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Best Way To Tackle Cleaning

Do you have one of those really big, filthy, completely disorganized cleaning jobs to get after? It it that one client you really dislike? Worse yet, is it your house?

Either way, you can tackle it quickly and efficiently is you are organized and know "how" to approach cleaning a big job, room by room and through each room. Here's how!

First, make a checklist. Put on there everything you need to do. If it looks to long just keep adding items. Take it with you in your pocket to every room and a pencil, too. The idea is to cross off everything you finish so you get a great sense of accomplishement as you move through the house. It also reminds you of things you might forget so you never have to go backwards.

Always start at one end of the house and work your way to the other. If its multiple stories start at the top and work your way down. If its one level, start in the bedrooms and work you way to the kitchen.

In each room, always clean top to bottom. Start at the ceilings with cobwebs and spider webs and work your way down the walls, windows and to the floors.

Wash walls, windows and then vacuum. After vacuuming dust. When you dust, start at the top and work down.

Be mobile and prepared. Take all your cleaning tools with you into each room. Avoid unnecessary trips back and forth.

Unplug the phone and turn off the T.V.

Eliminate clutter as you go, too. An uncluttered home looks better than one that is dust-free but strewn with odds and ends.

A house that smells fresh will give the impression of cleanliness. Leave baking soda on carpeting for the night to absorb musty odors, vacuum in the morning. Place natural soy candles scented with oils around the house. Lightly scented but not overpowereing cleaners will give your house that special "nose sparkle" clean, fresh scent.

Keep a big mat on both front and back porches to cut down on tracked in dirt.

Keep a basket in the kitchen for the mail, newspaper, car keys to help with clutter.

Keep a hamper in every bathroom and in each child's room.

Check your checklist off at this point and your finished!!


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How You Should Prepare Your House For A Hurricane

Preparing your house for a hurricane is very important, and it does not need to be a difficult task when done properly. Most of the things that are important for protecting your home can be done in advance so you have everything you need when a storm comes your way.

The most important thing to have for any home is window protection. Windows are the weakness of any structure, but they do provide the light that is necessary for everyday living. Plywood is the easiest way to cover any basic window. It is inexpensive and easy to store away. You can simply nail it to the outside of your house to cover any windows, however there are many other ways to ensure protection in fierce winds. You can install brackets for holding the plywood. The brackets screwed into the structure to insure ample strength and they offer a quicker way to secure your house in an emergency.

Another great option to protect your home is with storm shades. They are a strong metal shade that rolls down over a window to protect it. They can easily be added to any existing home or be built into the exterior walls of a home under construction. They can be raised and lowered manually or be controlled by a electric motor. Either way, they are both just as effective against storm damage.

They have become the standard window protection for any waterfront home because of the constant ocean winds. The storm shutters are not very cosmetically appealing, but when they are installed with new construction homes, the appearance is minimized. Many condo structures include them when they are constructed because they offer such great protection. Besides just storm protection, the shutters offer great heat and light protection. Shutters can be automated to close during the day so that your home receives less sun exposure. This will keep summer electric bills at a lower cost as well as offering criminal protection during the day. When shades are closed at night they also offer the criminal protection and will block the morning sun in any room desired. Storm shutters are common in many countries for their versatile uses, and are becoming more popular in the United States every year.


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