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Archive for the ‘Energy Saving Tips’ Category
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Bow and bay windows are sought after by homeowners to make a bold statement. Curb appeal is often enhanced by replacing a few standard double-hung windows on the front of a house with one large "showcase" window that projects outward from the exterior wall of the home. By extending the facade in this manner, you are afforded the ability to construct an interior window sill onto which you can set vases or other floral arrangements, fine porcelain or even trophies, if your heart desires. I had a customer several years ago who purchased a large bay window for one simple reason: to allow his cat a place to comfortably lay in the sun.
As with all replacement windows, there are many factors you must take into consideration when purchasing a bow or bay window. First and foremost is the energy-efficiency of the product. Remember, these windows are much larger than traditional double-hung windows, the ones you will likely find in your bedrooms. As such, there is substantial glass surface area which will be exposed to the elements. Choose a window with poor glass and you'll be miserable for years to come.
Similarly, the frame of the window is of paramount importance. Most replacement windows are made of vinyl, which does an excellent job of resisting heat or cold. Many manufacturers will offer an option to add insulation to the interior of this frame, which is traditionally hollow and multi-chambered, similar to a honeycomb. Always demand a welded vinyl master frame. Such a large window will require a welded frame to ensure its structural integrity.
Be certain to ask your window contractor for the "U-factor" of his or her window. This will inform you as to the efficiency of the bow or bay window. The lower the U-factor, the better its insulation properties will be. Next, consider whether your new window will have fabric curtains or furniture nearby. If so, the large expanse of glass will allow harmful solar rays to fade these materials and colors over time. Insist on a low-emissivity or "Low-E" glass coating. This barely perceptible coating will reflect the UVA and UVB rays, keeping them from destroying your furnishings.
The interior window sill on a bay or bow window can be vinyl or wood. Often, birch is the wood chosen by manufacturers for its beautiful wood grain. Be careful if you plan to place plants on this window sill. When watering, any overflow will damage the wood before long. It may be best to opt for a vinyl sill if this is your intention. If instead you plan on placing a large vase or artificial flowers on your new sill, birch will be your most attractive option. A wood sill can be stained and a polyurethane coating applied to not only protect it, but to complement your home's interior. Often we will stain a sill to match a wood banister or hardwood flooring in a customer's home.
For More Information About Our Window, Door & Siding Installation Services OR to Schedule a Free Consultation, Please call 610-667-7775 or CLICK HERE
Tags: bay window, bow window, Philadelphia windows, replacement windows, vinyl windows, windowsPhiladelphia
Posted in Doors & Windows, Energy Saving Tips, Home Renovation Tips | No Comments »
Monday, October 24th, 2011
When searching for an entry door replacement, Philadelphians have a wide variety of door styles and contractors from which to choose. Construction materials range from varieties of wood, to steel or fiberglass. There are a number of companies that offer door installation as well, so homeowners should make certain that they choose wisely.
Since an entry door is likely to be the first thing people notice when visiting your home, it not only makes a statement about the house, but also says quite a bit about you, its owner. Therefore, it's best to find a style and material that complements the overall structure of your home.
 Also consider which elements the door will be exposed to before buying. By considering the environmental elements your door will experience, owners will be better able to decide the door material that best suits their needs. Sun exposure, wind and rain are only a few of the weather and environmental elements that come immediately to mind. Don't forget to estimate the day-to-day traffic in and out of your home. A door that is not suitable for its purpose will show signs of wear quickly. In the long run, owners may end up spending money on repairs. Or, worse yet, need to purchase yet another replacement entry door.
Choosing the right entry and storm door is not just about esthetics, it's also about getting the most out of your investment. By replacing an entryway, a homeowner can boost a house's curb appeal. Someone who is selling a house understands how important this can be when trying to attract buyer attention. Also, many will understand the importance of purchasing a suitable door to maximize security, especially for doors on the rear of the property.
Whatever the reasons for seeking an entry door replacement in philadelphia a local contractor can will surely find one that best fits your needs, encountering options that cater both to your esthetic preferences, energy-efficiency & security concerns alike. The best part is that with intense competition among these products, it's likely you will find quality entry doors and storm doors at fair prices.
For More Information about our Door & Window replacement services or to schedule a free consultation, call 610-667-7775 or click here.
Tags: door contractor, door installer, fiberglass door, insulated entry door, insulated fiberglass door, insulated steel door
Posted in Ask The Contractor, Contractor Selection, Doors & Windows, Energy Saving Tips | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
Congress is about to up-the-ante for homeowners interested in making their homes more energy-efficient. Currently making its way through Congress is "The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act", affectionately known as "Cash for Caulkers". Its goal is to provide rebates for completing energy-efficient home improvement projects and installing energy-efficient appliances.
At present, the maximum tax credit available for installing qualifying replacement windows, doors, insulation and high-efficiency HVAC equipment is $1,500.00. "The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act" aims to enhance those credits, making it as cost-effective to make these improvements as it may ever be…in our lifetimes!
For instance, currently homeowners receive a 30% tax credit for installing windows and doors that comply with stringent US Government requirements. That percentage may rise to 50% of those product's cost once the bill is passed by both houses of Congress.
Perhaps the most compelling piece of the legislation is known as the "Gold Star" program. It would require homeowners to obtain a Home Energy Audit from a licensed, professional, trained contractor and implement the recommended improvements in order to increase their homes energy-efficiency by 20%. Those who do so would receive a $3,000.00 rebate on the products purchased. Homeowners who increase their home's efficiency beyond 20% would earn an additional $1,000.00 rebate for every 5% increase in energy-efficiency. A homeowner who, as a result of making the recommended improvements, increases his or her home's energy-efficiency by 45% would receive a rebate of $8,000.00, which is the maximum rebate amount currently being considered.
Regardless of exactly what the legislation looks like once it makes its way out of Congress and onto President Obama's desk, homeowners would be wise to prepare themselves for the home improvement opportunity of a lifetime.
We hope that you'll allow American Home Concepts, Inc. into your house to perform a Home Energy Audit in order to determine how best to make your home more energy-efficient. Be sure to take advantage of all the rebate opportunities available to you! Please click the link below for more information.
For More Information about our Home Energy Audit, Vinyl Window & Door replacement & Insulation services or to schedule a free consultation, call 610-667-7775 or click here.
Tags: Cash For Caulker Contractor, Contractor, Energy Tax Credit, Home Energy Audit, Home Star Rebate, Window and Door installer, Window and Door replacement
Posted in Ask The Contractor, Contractor Selection, Doors & Windows, Energy Saving Tips | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
First and foremost, you may wonder what exactly is a Home Energy Audit?. Most homeowners in the United States face escalating fuel and energy costs during summer and winter season, discover that it's hard to know where to begin when you're faced with the intimidating task of determining where exactly your heat from the furnace and cool air from air conditioning or central air unit are going! Is it out through your windows and doors? Perhaps its even through the roof. It could very well be your basement that is drafty and robbing your home of its heat in the winter? Last but least perhaps it your furnace that is no longer energy efficient?
A Home Energy Audit can take the guess-work out of isolating the culprit. An energy auditor has been trained to perform tests on your home in order to determine exactly how you are losing these precious resources. Basically, an energy audit consists of a "blower-door" test in which all windows, doors and any other openings (i.e. fireplace flues, etc…) are sealed shut, except for the front door. Whoever conducts the test places a large fan in the front door opening and literally creates a negative air-pressure environment inside of your home by sucking as much air as possible out of your house. By doing this, he or she can then use smoke-sticks, incense sticks or infra-red photography to determine where the leaks in your home are most evident. Once this is ascertained, you'll have a checklist of items which are in need of attention.
A licensed, professional contractor can then provide the products and professional installation required to solve all of the problems identified by your energy audit. Check to ensure that the company performing the audit has experience installing replacement windows, doors and insulation. The Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) is a good source for obtaining an independent opinion.
We hope that you will choose American Home Concepts, Inc for all of your energy-saving needs.
For More Information about our Home Energy Audit, Vinyl Window & Door replacement & Insulation services or to schedule a free consultation, call 610-667-7775 or click here.
Tags: door installer PA, door installer Philadelphia, energy audit Bucks County PA, energy audit Delaware County PA, energy audit Montgomery County PA, energy audit PA, energy audit Philadelphia, home energy audit philadelphia, home energy audits, window contractor Philadelphia, window installer Philadelphia
Posted in Contractor Selection, Doors & Windows, Energy Saving Tips, Helpful Resources, Tools & Tips | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
I am often asked which replacement entry door will insulate a home the best. Usually, the answer has as much to do with the installation of the door as the insulation inside the door.
An entry door is only as good as the contractor who installs it. Make certain that you’re dealing with a contractor who understands that only a custom-made door installed securely against your door frame will keep out the elements. An installer who purchases a door from a home-center or big-box retailer and merely “makes the door fit” should be avoided at all costs.
Similarly, check the contractor’s record at the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) in order to obtain their grade rating. This independent source of information is priceless, as it might save you quite a bit of heartache. Check also that the contractor has been in business for more than 15 years. Sadly, most contractors are out of business within the first five years. One who has at least a 15-year track record has most likely made a commitment to servicing customer problems and performing excellent work.
As for the door itself, it is worth noting that high quality steel and fiberglass replacement doors are typically filled with the same insulating material in their interior cavity. Specifically, good quality doors contain polyurethane foam and possess a thermal-break which both help to keep the cold temperatures which contact the exterior of the door from infiltrating the interior surface of the door.
Aside from drafts coming in through the sides and top of a replacement entry door, problems with cheaper, inferior-quality doors often come from drafting underneath the door. Insist on a door with an adjustable threshold and rubber “fins” at the bottom of the entry door and you’ll be happy with your purchase for years to come. The adjustable threshold literally hugs the rubber “fins” for a secure seal to eliminate air penetration. Likewise, a magnetic rubber seal around the door frame will ensure an air-tight fit on both the sides and top of your new door.
Unfortunately, the big-box retailers are more interested in attaining a low price-point than in supplying a good high quality replacement entry door. Search for a professional, local door installation contractor whose door possesses the elements above and you’ll avoid the headaches associated these mass marketers of mediocrity.
We hope you’ll consider American Home Concepts, Inc. for your door replacement and for all of your other home remodeling needs.
For More Information about our Door Replacement & Installation services or to schedule a free consultation, call 610-667-7775 or click here.
Tags: door contractor, door installer, entry door, fiberglass door, insulated door, insulated entry door, insulated fiberglass door, insulated steel door, philadelphia door contractor, philadelphia door installation contractor, professional door contractor, steel entry door
Posted in Ask The Contractor, Contractor Selection, Doors & Windows, Energy Saving Tips, Helpful Resources, Home Renovation Tips, Remodeling Ideas, Remodeling News, Tools & Tips | No Comments »
Friday, February 26th, 2010
Much of the decision about replacement windows will not only involve price, but what is more advantageous over time. While both vinyl and wood windows have their advantages, wood windows have several built-in disadvantages. These will have a significant impact on what your windows will actually cost you in the long-run.
Vinyl windows are far more durable than wood windows. They also provide long-lasting benefits, including excellent insulation properties and the ability to tilt-in both the upper and lower sashes for easy cleaning from inside your home. Vinyl windows are typically competitively priced, are available in a variety of shapes and styles, and they never need painting.
Windows that are made from wood tend to be less durable than their vinyl counterparts. In addition, they require far more maintenance whether you stain or paint them. Wood stains can fade over time and paint will eventually crack or the color will dull, necessitating repainting.
Wooden windows can often swell as a result of moisture, making them more difficult to lift and lower. In short, wooden windows are both more expensive to install and far more expensive to maintain than vinyl windows.
If you are considering replacement windows, it’s important that you fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of both vinyl and wood. An experienced window installation contractor can help review your home, and work closely with you to decide which type is more suitable for your home. They will take into consideration where your home is located, what you are attempting to accomplish and your budget.
For More Information about our Window Replacement & Installation services or to schedule a free consultation, call 610-667-7775 or click here.
Tags: custom made windows, energy-star windows, insulated vinyl windows, insulated windows, replacement windows, vinyl replacement windows, vinyl windows, window company, window contractor, window installer
Posted in Ask The Contractor, Contractor Selection, Doors & Windows, Energy Saving Tips, Helpful Resources, Home Renovation Tips, Remodeling Ideas, Remodeling News, Tools & Tips | No Comments »
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