Energy savings Guarantee!

Have you heard the ads touting ” 40, 49, or even 50% energy-savings guaranteed”? I have, and I am often asked about this by potential customers. I have a very simple answer: BS!… “Well”, they say, “but it is guaranteed!” Sure there may technically be a guarantee, but read the fine print and you’ll be less than impressed. First, the guarantee applies to usage, not dollars, second there is a cap that the companies put on the amount that they will pay as the difference. Usually a maximum of $500 only for the first year. The sad part is, you’ll likely never even see a dime of that, due to the fact that the company will have you jumping through hoops providing documentation, and meeting a million ridiculous restrictions such as attic and/or wall insulation, furnace efficiency, etc. … Can you save 40-50% with replacement windows? Sure it is possible, but pretty rare in my experience. A typical home with original wood windows will probably save somewhere between 15-30%. I strongly recommend against using anyone who offers such a guarantee. I feel that it is an unethical and dishonest practice, and is usually accompanied by questionable pricing and sales tactics among other things. You’ll be much better served finding a window contractor who is honest upfront, rather than using dubious tactics just to get you in the door.

EPA Lead regulation changes

Is your home built prior to 1978? If so, there are some big changes in the EPA lead regulations occurring on April 22, 2010. These changes will lead to increased costs for most exterior remodeling projects including replacement windows, siding, and trim work. Contact us for more details on these changes.

Window condensation

“What is the deal with window condensation?” This is a question that I hear pretty frequently especially in the colder months. Unfortunately, I even hear it sometimes after a client has already gotten replacement windows. Basically, window condensation occurs when warm, moist air on the inside of your home cools and contracts and its moisture condenses. Most of the time this will happen on the coldest surface in your home which often is the glass of your windows. “Does this mean my windows are bad?” No, most of the time it does not mean that. By getting replacement windows you will have a warmer temperture on that interior glass surface, therefore reducing the likelihood of condensation, however if your home is damp enough, even the best windows in the world can develop condensation. This could be a sign of a moisture problem in your home. Sources of moisture are people, pets, plants, cooking, etc. Problematic sources of moisture could be basement issues, as well as improper ventilation in the attic or other areas. Getting your home completely sealed with new windows, insulation, etc. came sometimes make these problems appear worse as moisture used to be able to escape through those same areas.
“What can be done to address this?” There are a few things that you can do to regulate the level of moisture in your home. 1: Increase ventilation. Make sure attic vents are open and clear, make sure all exhaust fans from kitchens and bathrooms are properly ventilated out of the house (not just into the attic). 2: Monitor the humidity level in your home with a humidistat or humidity monitor. If necessary, run a dehumidifier in the basement to keep the indoor humidity level around 30-35% or less in winter. A few other small things would be to group plants in one room and avoid over-watering, and also keep window treatments open when possible to allow warm air to circulate across the glass and keep its temperture up as high as possible.

Energy saving tips

Now that we are in the middle of winter, it becomes a bit easier to tell where you home’s heat retention shortcomings reside. Maybe your walls are cold, your basement is freezing, or you can feel (or even see) a cold draft coming in around your doors and windows. Obviously it would be ideal to get replacement windows, doors, or insulation, but sometimes it just isn’t in the budget. Here are a few tips to save you some money, and add some comfort in your home for a low-cost.
As mentioned in previous posts, windows and doors can be a huge source of heat loss. There are a few things you can do to improve this short of window replacement. First, is the good-old window plastic. It is ugly, inconvenient, and a pain to apply, however it really does work when properly installed. A slightly more visually appealling option altough it doesn’t work quite as well, would be “seal and peel” caulking. This is a type a clear caulk that you can apply to areas of the windows that experience air-infiltration. It will semi-harden, and be ready to peel off in spring just like the plastic would be. One thing to keep in mind with either of these methods however, is that they can pull paint or finish off when removed.
On doors, you can actually do a more effective, somewhat permanent fix by replacing (or adding) weather stripping around the opening, as well as the threshold. You should be able to pick up the proper products to seal up one door for around $10-$20 from any hardware or home store.

Is now the time to replace my windows?

I am frequently asked by potential clients if it is “worth it” to replace their windows, and when is the “right time”. It sounds like a simple question, but the truth is, it really depends on what you value, the condition of your home, and your budget. Timing-wise, I don’t think there has ever been a better time for replacement windows. As I sit here in Milwaukee, it is 9 degrees outside and I can’t think of a better time for you to start saving money on energy-savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy and HUD, 71% (on average) of a home’s heating dollars, and 40% of a home’s total energy is lost through windows and doors. Can you believe that?! Now don’t get me wrong, replacement windows are not going to save you that full 71% on your heating bill, however it is realistic to look for a savings anywhere from 15-50% depending on circumstances. That really is not chump-change. In addition, this time of year is the beginning of the slow season for window contractors, that means discounted prices, and quicker turn-around times. When you add in the federal tax credit of 30% up to $1500 back on your window purchase, I can’t think of any time when window replacement has been a better deal… Now, that being said, is it time to replace your windows? Here are a few questions to help you answer that: What is the age and condition of your existing windows? Is there any water damage/wood rot evident? This is an important factor, as this could (and may have already) lead to water infiltration in your walls causing possible structural issues as well as mold… Are your windows easily operated or painted shut? Are they an eyesore and possible detriment to the value of your home? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then it is time for replacement windows in your home. Check out my other posts on the next steps to take in the process. Good Luck, and stay warm!

Straight talk on replacement windows

Often I’m asked “What is a good replacement window?” Now many greasy salesman types would be salivating at the chance to tell you why their window is the BEST and nobody else comes close. Well, I’ll let you in on an industry secret: Most of the “technical” features that salesperson is raving about are nothing more than sales gimmicks. Most of these guys are trying to trick you into thinking that their product is far better, and that is why you should pay $1000.00 per window. The truth is that the numbers (NFRC ratings) don’t lie. The main things to look at when considering a window are the performance ratings (U-value, SHGC (solar heat gain), etc) as well as the warranty. There certainly are some other characteristics that set a well-built window apart from a “cheapie”, however as a general rule the ratings and the warranty are the most important. Any quality vinyl window will come with a lifetime warranty that is transferrable, and a U-value and SHGC of .30 or LOWER. This will guarantee that you won’t be disappointed the the energy-efficient performance of your new windows. So your next question is: how do you know whether a window is “well-built”? The answer to that question is actually pretty simple. You are already on a computer if you are reading this, so do a web search on the manufacturer of the window. You will find a lot of information, but most importantly you’ll find reviews from other consumers. If you see an overwhelming number of reviews that are good, or a lot that are bad, you are probably well on your way to determining the quality of that product.

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