Windows and doors play a key role to the overall beauty, comfort and cost of our homes. They are an integral part of the home envelope and with a good product, installed correctly they maintain the integrity of your home by eliminating air and water leakage. And since the 1990’s we have increased the number of windows or sashes in a home and spend $7,000-$20,000 on replacements.
So what should you look for in a window and what are your choices in today’s market. Besides the style (double or single hung, casement etc) there is the type of window and what it is built from (wood, vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass). Each type has pros and cons, but I believe to be more “Green” one type in particular stands out the most and that is Fiberglass.
Fiberglass is not well known and mostly because they are a more expensive window to build. The benefits however, far outweigh the extra cost on the front end. First, the all-fiberglass and fiberglass-clad products are stronger and tend to insulate better than a vinyl or aluminum window. If you live in an area where hail, strong winds and large trees exist, the fiberglass can withstand the hits with little to no damage. Compared to a vinyl window where R-values are 3.3 to 6.3 on average a fiberglass window R-value rates 7 to 11 in most cases.
Wood windows need to be thoroughly cleaned, resealed and painted carefully so the paint doesn’t hinder the smooth operation of the window working mechanism. A fiberglass window also appreciates a good cleaning to keep the working mechanisms running smoothly but they appear to handle mistreatment better. They can be painted but if you order your favorite dark color to begin with the other great advantage is they resist fading and then you don’t have to do any painting.
The best part of the fiberglass is they expand and contract at the same rate as glass, resulting in fewer seal failures and cracks. What makes them a favorite for “Green” is they take less energy to manufacturer and are primarily made up of silica sand which is an easy to obtain natural resource.
Although they may cost more to start the time you save on maintenance, overall wear and tear appearance will be long lasting curb appeal. To enjoy the benefits of the R-value and maintain a good moisture and air seal your window installer plays a key role in the new window performance. Make sure to ask questions to ensure your windows are installed correctly per the manufacturer’s instructions. Most water intrusions occur when the installer did not properly flash or secure the window to its opening. To learn more about various windows and manufacturers visit: www.jdpower.com and look for residential window ratings. Or visit your favorite window manufacturer directly on their website. Marvin www.marvin.com, Pella www.pella.com , Hurd www.hurd.com , Weathershield www.weathershield.com
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Resale of Homes is Improving. Now Remodel or Tear Down
With the first time home buyer Federal Tax Incentive coming closer to the end - sales have buckled down and started to fall into place. The majority are still bank owned type properties but some well priced traditional homes have also started to make their way through the marketplace.
What is exciting is the "new life" that is going back into some properties that really need the attention. Recently we had one on our block that sold for less than $200k (average is $280-350k). This home was owned by someone out of the state so it sat vacant, unattended which resulted in a waterline break after a heavy freeze. The home had mold and overall water damaged. Being a less favorable floorplan but in a great neighborhood - it took the lower price to finally find a buyer.
At first we all expected the home to be demolished and a better floorplan design to be built on the lot. Instead the new owners stripped it out and worked within the framework that existed. We did a similar remodel back in the late 1990's. The benefit of this was we redesigned the interior space and with basic refinishing kept the taxes from moving sky high as they would have for new construction and if we would added an addition to the home (we switched a porch for a porch etc). The only disadvantage to this is future resale - the market data has to show that it was still built on the original date which may have been 20 to 30 years ago. But for a great neighborhood where you otherwise may not be able to afford to live.... this is another great alternative.
If you decide to invest in such a property make sure that your financing company will allow you to purchase a distressed home or at least what meets their qualification level. 2nd, see if your financing has a special incentive program for renovation funds. Several do offer this type of special financing where they'll allow a loan for renovations knowing that when it is done the value of these restoration activities will bring the value up and be worth it to them for financing the loan. 3rd, check with your city building department regarding fees and the procedures for doing your restoration or does it make more sense to tear down and start over? Weigh the two ideas against each other and based on what you know about the community, how long you plan to live there, one idea may stand out as the clear winner over the other.
What is exciting is the "new life" that is going back into some properties that really need the attention. Recently we had one on our block that sold for less than $200k (average is $280-350k). This home was owned by someone out of the state so it sat vacant, unattended which resulted in a waterline break after a heavy freeze. The home had mold and overall water damaged. Being a less favorable floorplan but in a great neighborhood - it took the lower price to finally find a buyer.
At first we all expected the home to be demolished and a better floorplan design to be built on the lot. Instead the new owners stripped it out and worked within the framework that existed. We did a similar remodel back in the late 1990's. The benefit of this was we redesigned the interior space and with basic refinishing kept the taxes from moving sky high as they would have for new construction and if we would added an addition to the home (we switched a porch for a porch etc). The only disadvantage to this is future resale - the market data has to show that it was still built on the original date which may have been 20 to 30 years ago. But for a great neighborhood where you otherwise may not be able to afford to live.... this is another great alternative.
If you decide to invest in such a property make sure that your financing company will allow you to purchase a distressed home or at least what meets their qualification level. 2nd, see if your financing has a special incentive program for renovation funds. Several do offer this type of special financing where they'll allow a loan for renovations knowing that when it is done the value of these restoration activities will bring the value up and be worth it to them for financing the loan. 3rd, check with your city building department regarding fees and the procedures for doing your restoration or does it make more sense to tear down and start over? Weigh the two ideas against each other and based on what you know about the community, how long you plan to live there, one idea may stand out as the clear winner over the other.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Home Cooling - Improve Efficiency and Lower Your Costs
Home Cooling – Improve Efficiency and Lower Your Costs
Your homes’ cooling depends on several factors (shade, insulation, reflectivity and your personal tolerance to heat). The more you can achieve the better your efficiency will be. We’ve all been taught basics but with a closer look you can easily save even more.
1. Reduce Internal Heat - humans contribute to indoor heat build-up and so do our appliances, entertainment gadgets, lighting and cooking methods. Avoid heating the oven during a hot day and limit your hot water usage. Turn-off the entertainment gadgets by using the new power-saver strips created just for television, Wii, computers and printers.
2. Reduce Air Leakage – sealing ducts can save 10 to 25% on energy costs. They can be hard to find so this needs to be done by a professional it is well worth the long-term savings.
3. Transmission – Simple ventilation techniques can help flush the heat out. Such as the occupants should open and close windows, window coverings at the proper time. Also turning on fans including ceiling fans at the proper time to create air movement.
4. Upgrade to a new air conditioning unit – Since the 1970’s, newer units have an efficiency that is at least 1-1/2 to 2 times greater than the units of that era. Some of the advances made include:
a. Variable-speed or a two-speed blower system
b. Aluminum fins spaced closer together and perforated to improve heat transfer to air.
c. Improved electric motor design.
d. Dual-speed compressors
e. Time-delay relays controlling evaporator fans.
There are rebates in place making the desire to change even more appealing. These rebates along with overall efficiency improvements make this well worth considering.
5. Improve Air Flow - Central air conditioning systems are designed to cool the whole house so closing the registers in unused rooms will not usually save you anything. Make sure your air from every supply register has an unobstructed airway back to a return register. This blockage can pressurize or depressurize portions of a home resulting in poor air conditioning performance. It can also increase air leakage through the building shell. Check to make sure ducts and registers are not badly bent or dirty.
6. Failing the Air Conditioner’s Efficiency Rating?
This mostly occurs due to faulty installation and/or inadequate planning. A common problem due to inadequate planning includes low air flow, incorrect refrigerant charge and duct-air leakage. Periodically have a service call to check the refrigerant charge. For a satisfactory performance and efficiency a home central system should be within one of the correct charge.
7. Basic Maintenance and Service
The difference in consumption between a well-maintained unit versus a severely neglected system can range from 10% to 30%. These (5) maintenance tasks can be performed by a skilled technician or homeowner and really improve your units performance.
a. Clean or replace filters every 1 to 4 months
b. Clean supply and return registers. Straighten their fins (dirt and damage)
c. Clean the blower’s fan blades.
d. Clean evaporator coil and condensate pan every 2 to 4 years.
e. Remove debris from around condenser. Straighten bent fins.
Your homes’ cooling depends on several factors (shade, insulation, reflectivity and your personal tolerance to heat). The more you can achieve the better your efficiency will be. We’ve all been taught basics but with a closer look you can easily save even more.
1. Reduce Internal Heat - humans contribute to indoor heat build-up and so do our appliances, entertainment gadgets, lighting and cooking methods. Avoid heating the oven during a hot day and limit your hot water usage. Turn-off the entertainment gadgets by using the new power-saver strips created just for television, Wii, computers and printers.
2. Reduce Air Leakage – sealing ducts can save 10 to 25% on energy costs. They can be hard to find so this needs to be done by a professional it is well worth the long-term savings.
3. Transmission – Simple ventilation techniques can help flush the heat out. Such as the occupants should open and close windows, window coverings at the proper time. Also turning on fans including ceiling fans at the proper time to create air movement.
4. Upgrade to a new air conditioning unit – Since the 1970’s, newer units have an efficiency that is at least 1-1/2 to 2 times greater than the units of that era. Some of the advances made include:
a. Variable-speed or a two-speed blower system
b. Aluminum fins spaced closer together and perforated to improve heat transfer to air.
c. Improved electric motor design.
d. Dual-speed compressors
e. Time-delay relays controlling evaporator fans.
There are rebates in place making the desire to change even more appealing. These rebates along with overall efficiency improvements make this well worth considering.
5. Improve Air Flow - Central air conditioning systems are designed to cool the whole house so closing the registers in unused rooms will not usually save you anything. Make sure your air from every supply register has an unobstructed airway back to a return register. This blockage can pressurize or depressurize portions of a home resulting in poor air conditioning performance. It can also increase air leakage through the building shell. Check to make sure ducts and registers are not badly bent or dirty.
6. Failing the Air Conditioner’s Efficiency Rating?
This mostly occurs due to faulty installation and/or inadequate planning. A common problem due to inadequate planning includes low air flow, incorrect refrigerant charge and duct-air leakage. Periodically have a service call to check the refrigerant charge. For a satisfactory performance and efficiency a home central system should be within one of the correct charge.
7. Basic Maintenance and Service
The difference in consumption between a well-maintained unit versus a severely neglected system can range from 10% to 30%. These (5) maintenance tasks can be performed by a skilled technician or homeowner and really improve your units performance.
a. Clean or replace filters every 1 to 4 months
b. Clean supply and return registers. Straighten their fins (dirt and damage)
c. Clean the blower’s fan blades.
d. Clean evaporator coil and condensate pan every 2 to 4 years.
e. Remove debris from around condenser. Straighten bent fins.
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