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Top 3 Window Treatment Ideas

Did you know that your home windows contribute to healthy and fresh indoor air? After all, they provide natural ventilation. That means they allow dirty and stale air to go out while bringing fresh outdoor air into your home.

Unfortunately, windows can also lose 25% to 30% of your heating and cooling energy. By contrast, window treatments can help make your windows more energy efficient.

To that end, we came up with this list of the top window treatment ideas. Read on to learn more about them so that you can choose the best one for your home.

1. Window Blinds

Blinds are some of the most affordable window treatments, so it’s no wonder they’re popular. They’re also easy to install, as you only need to affix them to the top of a window. Plus, you can raise them all the way to let as much sunlight and air into your home as you want.

Blinds have panels you can tilt for light and air control. However, their slats are usually narrower than those you can find in shutters.

As for the most energy-efficient blinds, they’re the ones that feature reflective surfaces. So long as closed completely, they can considerably reduce solar heat gains.

Many blinds also consist of moisture-proof materials, particularly PVC (vinyl) and aluminum. Because of that, they make for excellent bathroom and kitchen window treatments.

2. Interior Shutters

Unlike blinds that hang from a window, interior shutters affix to the window frame itself. That makes their structure sturdier than typical blinds. Most come in wood, but some may also feature metal or PVC materials.

Despite their installation, interior shutters are also operable, thanks to their hinges. That means you can swing them open completely by pulling on their panes. On the other hand, you can tilt their louvers to control the amount of light that enters your home.

You can even find remote-controlled, motorized interior shutters today. They allow you to pre-program times that you want them to open and close during the day.

When you shop these shutters, though, be sure they come with a free installation and warranty. In addition, the window treatment company should offer a free in-home consultation. That way, you can ensure their products fit your windows.

3. Window Shades

Window shades are the soft version of blinds. They’re “soft” because they consist of a continuous swath of fabric instead of solid slats. They also fit snugly into a window, covering the entire area in neat swaths.

Like blinds, you can draw shades up and down or side to side with cords. However, you can’t tilt them, as they don’t have slats, after all.

Roller shades and Roman shades are some of the most popular types you can find in the market today. However, you might also want to consider insulated cellular shades for energy efficiency. For instance, they can reduce heating and cooling use by 15% to 22% in a typical western Washington home.

Since window shades consist of fabrics, they provide a softer, warmer vibe to a room. Thus, they make for excellent bedroom window treatment ideas.

Use These Brilliant Window Treatment Ideas

Keep in mind that between 2020 and 2021, electricity prices in the US have trended higher. That’s enough reason to make your home more energy-efficient. Otherwise, you’re sure to face higher electricity bills with every passing year.

So, consider using one (or more) of our window treatment ideas. That way, you can beautify your windows while trimming the energy they lose and gain.

Are you interested in other home improvement guides like this? If so, then feel free to check out our recent blog posts!

The Types of Solar Panels for Your Home: A Quick Guide

Solar power is one of the best renewable energy sources around. Now, solar energy can supply over 18 million average American homes. It will increase in the future, with one in seven houses getting a solar power system by 2030.

If you want to get home solar panels, consider learning the best one for you. After all, not all systems have the same features.

Do you need a good starting point? If so, continue reading to discover various types of solar panels in the market.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

These panels appear black because of how light interacts with its material—pure silicon crystal. However, most monocrystalline solar panels use various frame and back sheet colors.

In most cases, the back sheet will be silver or white. Meanwhile, metal frames use either black or silver to distinguish themselves.

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most expensive option. Growing a single, pure silicon crystal is possible due to the Czochralski process. For this reason, the manufacturing process is more costly, energy-intensive, and wastes silicon.

Monocrystalline panels often make more power than other types. It’s because they have higher efficiency and wattage modules. On average, these have over 300 watts of power capacity and 20% efficiency.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

With these solar cells, there’s often a bluish hue to the silicon fragments reflecting light. Regardless, they also use various back sheets and frame colors. They use silver or white for the former and silver for the latter.

Polycrystalline solar panels are usually cheaper than their monocrystalline counterpart. After all, they use silicon fragments instead of pure crystals. It makes cell manufacturing simpler.

The trade-off is the lower energy efficiency. This type of solar panel only has 15% to 17% efficiency. It also means lower wattages.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

These residential solar panels use thin and low-profile technology for their aesthetics. Its cells are 350 times slimmer than the abovementioned types of solar panels.

However, the width is similar if the thin-film panel uses a thick frame. You can use adhesive variants lying as close as possible to your roof surface. If you want durability, consider getting those with frames that are 50-mm thick.

Out of all variants, thin-film solar panels have the lowest efficiency. It depends on the specific material for the cells. The average is 11%.

Also, thin-film technology lacks standard cell variants. It means a thin-film panel’s power capacity depends on its size.

These solar panel options often have lower installation costs due to the less-intensive requirements. However, before installing solar panels in your home, consider reading the linked guide for more info.

Learn Other Types of Solar Panels Now

These are the primary types of solar panels in the market. Pick the best solar panels in your home using their features. 

However, your choice of solar panel installer will affect its quality. Consider looking for reputable contractors online. Ask for recommendations from trustworthy people to start your search.

Did you find this guide helpful? If so, consider reading our other posts for more valuable tips and tricks today.

Solar Panels vs. Generator: What’s Best for Your Home?

Are you wondering what’s the better off-grid power option right now? Is the answer still a generator, or is solar poised to take the throne?

Traditionally, homeowners rely on portable or standby generators to keep the house running during a power outage. That was the case even if you had solar panels installed. That’s because grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) panels have to be shut off during a blackout for safety reasons.

But now, the solar panels vs. generator debate has no clear winner due to the introduction of solar battery storage. With PV systems equipped with a solar backup battery, you can harness the excess energy stored in the battery even if the grid is out.

So between solar panels or generator systems, which one’s the best backup plan? Let’s look at the pros and cons of both off-grid power solutions.

Solar Battery Storage Benefits

A solar battery can store the excess energy generated by your solar panels, so you can use it if the grid goes out for some reason. As mentioned, grid-tied solar power systems don’t actually output electricity during a power outage. That’s because utility workers fixing the lines are at risk of getting electrocuted if the panels continue to send power to the grid.

Your system will disconnect from the grid, but the battery will start supplying the power instead. You can also utilize the stored energy during times of low solar output (at night) or during peak hours when the electricity rates are highest.

And of course, you also get to enjoy the benefits that solar panels have to offer, such as using a clean and renewable energy source. You can save money by reducing or even eliminating your electricity bills. For more on solar panels, please visit the link provided.

Solar Drawbacks

Having a solar battery installed on top of your photovoltaic panels comes with a much higher price tag. The battery also needs time to charge up. This could be a problem in times of bad weather when the sun doesn’t show up.

Generator Pros and Cons

Backup generators create electricity by burning fuel, such as propane or natural gas. Compared to the costs of a solar battery backup, a generator is much more affordable. It also doesn’t need charging up and can power your appliances directly during an outage.

While a generator is cheaper and easier to install, especially if you have an existing natural gas line, it does come with costs. You have to pay for the fuel it consumes while running, and fuel these days isn’t exactly cheap.

Generators are also loud in their operation. Aside from the air pollution due to the burning of fossil fuels, generators also contribute to noise pollution.

Solar Panels vs. Generator for Home Backup Power

It all depends on your current situation. If you’re only looking for power during emergencies, then the price of solar panels may be too prohibitive. A standby backup generator might be your best option, especially if your home comes with a natural gas line.

For those that already have solar panels installed or planning to have them installed, a solar backup is a nice upgrade.

Can Solar Panels and Generator Systems Work Together?

The question of solar panels vs. generator equipment doesn’t have to be only one or the other. You can also combine the two. When the power goes out, the battery will come online first, followed by the generator should the battery become depleted.

For more home improvement tips, feel free to browse our site.

Benefits of Choosing Eco-Friendly Construction Materials for Your Home

Eco-friendly building materials have been a hot topic for the last fifty years, yet many people don’t know what it could mean for their homes. Is it too pricey? Do these products do what they say? Although there’s a learning curve with these materials: they’re fantastic when implemented correctly.

These are the top benefits of choosing eco-friendly construction materials for your home!

What Are Eco-Friendly Construction Materials?

The definition for what’s eco-friendly isn’t a simple one and seems to evolve. From the materials being sourced in green ways, to materials like bamboo, which are completely sustainable, to even items that can be recycled or repurposed when they’re no longer in use: many things can fall under this label.

Fortunately, that means you have a large selection. If you’re curious about these green materials, talk to your home contractor about what your options are! Wanting to live eco-friendly is a great goal.

These Materials Increase Your Home’s Value

Although this isn’t the main goal for many: it’s a wonderful perk. Through a poll, the National Association of Realtors has found that 68% of home buyers are seeking out green or energy-efficient homes. This means that there’s a major market out there for green properties.

A separate poll by NAR also found that almost 40%  of home buyers agreed that they’d pay over $10,000 more for a home that’s built with eco-friendly materials like ashcrete. This gives these properties a large head start in the market and the opportunity to sell faster and for more money.

You Can Count On Them For Cleaner Air

Air is a problem that many have in mind. The EPA has found that most American households have more than two to three times the air pollutants inside than they do outside. These air pollutants can cause things like asthma, COPD, allergies, and dozens of other issues.  Although you can buy an air purifier, it’s smarter to plan.

Most green products like insulated concrete forms don’t give off the pollutants you can find in most homes. This ensures that you’ll have cleaner air and a better chance at good lung health from the start.

Save Money On Water and Energy Costs

If there’s anything the average person hates: it’s the cost of their energy bills. NPR found that nearly a third of Americans struggle to cover their energy bills because they’re unpredictable except for the fact that they keep rising. This expense is mostly capable of being worked around if you’re getting to start the home from scratch.

Intelligent, eco-friendly construction can ensure that your home will be better insulated- from the paint that’s on your exterior to the insulation in your walls- and that the outside temperatures will be less likely to leech in. It’s not too late to add eco-friendly materials, even if your home isn’t brand new. A roof replacement can also help cut down energy costs and control the internal temperature.

Conserve and Restore Natural Resources

When it comes to kitchen renovation, many have the aesthetics in their mind first.  There’s no problem with that; how your home looks matters and can inspire a lot of love for your property, but consider being eco-friendly as well. Well-sourced cabinetry can ensure that you’re not buying wood that would feed into deforestation instead of renewable wood. You can still have it in any look or finish you like, but sourcing it intelligently can make a huge difference.

Conserving natural resources ensures that your home puts less strain on the local ecology and protects the environment you’re building in.

Better Physical and Mental Health

Our physical and mental health are large deciding factors of our everyday life. Investing in an eco-friendly home can increase your happiness and reduce your likelihood of depression or anxiety symptoms. In addition, studies found that proximity to eco-friendly planning and construction boosts moods.  Even having sustainable public transit available is enough to increase these numbers.

There are multiple theories for why this may be happening, but a large part comes down to enjoying your environment without feeling helpless to pollution and waste. Many people fear that no change they make will be enough, so it feels good to know that changing your home and being conscious about how it’s built can make lasting changes.

Eco-Friendly Construction Materials Are Life-Changing

Whether this is your first home and you want to start it off right, or this is a rental property, you want to offer your tenants the best things you can: choosing eco-friendly construction materials can make a large change in your life and comfort. So take a look at how your items are sourced, how they’re implemented, and the positive changes they can offer you in your daily life.

Start saving by completing these energy-efficiency upgrades

Would you spend a dollar today to save one hundred dollars over the course of the year? By making your home more energy-efficient, you’re setting yourself up for years of future savings through lower utility bills. Here are some of the best money-saving upgrades you can complete.

Add insulation

If you’ve been seeing your home’s cooling and heating costs escalating out-of-control, the best place to start is by adding more insulation. Many U.S. homes, regardless of their age, lack sufficient attic insulation. This allows heat energy to penetrate into the home during the summer and heat to rise out of the roof in the winter.

Talk to an HVAC or home energy specialist in your area to learn more about attic insulation, and whether or not your home currently has enough of it. This all depends on where you live. Homes in colder winter climates generally need more insulation than those in sunny, warmer ones. After all, heat rises—in the winter, insulation prevents the heat generated by your furnace from escaping right out of your home.

Seal your ducts

Your home can have the most-efficient air conditioner or furnace on the market. If it’s pushing heated or cooled air through leaky ducts, you’re going to have major efficiency problems. Cracks, pinholes, and other leaks in your ducts allow air to escape through the attic before it even gets inside your home. Over the course of a year, this can result in major energy waste—and much higher bills.

The solution is sealing your ducts. Talk to a local home energy audit and upgrade specialist in your area that tests and repairs air ducts. Using specialized equipment, they’ll be able to pinpoint exactly where your air ducts are wasting energy. Then, they can seal them for good, ensuring your ducts operate as they should.

Replace your windows

The same basic problem (heat transfer) that affects your attic and roof also impacts your windows. If your home has single-pane windows, you’re probably wasting a lot of energy cooling your home in the summer. As the sun beats down on the glass, heat energy easily enters your home. Any air leaks around the window frame only compound your problems by allowing cooler air from inside your home to escape outside.

Speak with a window specialist and ask them what your options are. You’ll want to replace single-pane windows with dual-pane ones. These windows feature two panes of glass with a thin air pocket between them. This pocket is typically filled with an insulating gas, such as argon or krypton. When sunlight hits the glass, this greatly slows down the heat transfer process. 

Put your home on the road to a more efficient future

There’s so much more you can do to make your home more efficient. Check out this infographic for an in-depth look at the projects discussed above, as well as a few others that can help save you money—both now and in the future.


10 Ways to Conserve Water While Maintaining a Green Lawn

Every homeowner loves to have a green lawn throughout the year. However, maintaining a green lawn all the time can be challenging for many people. It is essential to water a lawn regularly to maintain it green, especially in the summer season. Also, it is important to save water to save our environment and ecosystem.

The conventional method of loan irrigation leads to wastage of plenty of water. Therefore, it becomes essential for every landscape owner to use modern methods of irrigation that help them save water. Let us explore the best methods of irrigation and tips to conserve water and maintain a green lawn at the same time. 

Water at the right time 

It is essential to watering your lawn at the right time of the day to save water. Governments of many countries have established water restrictions on watering during certain times of the day. If your community has set some guidelines and descriptions on watering the lawns, that are there to preserve water in your area. 

Morning and evening hours are considered the best times to water your gardens as the rate of evaporation are almost negligible in these times. Due to the very low rate of evaporation, water loss is also minimal. 

Harvest rainwater

Nature offers many sources of free water that most of the homeowners ignore. If you have plenty of space in your backyard, you can create a water reservoir to collect the rainwater and use it afterward in the summer months. You can also buy some barrels to store water in your garden, and doing this will help you use less of the public water. Harvesting rainwater is one of the best methods to conserve water and irrigate your landscapes. 

Irrigate with the right amount of water 

The amount of water your lawn needs depends upon the type of grass and the type of soil in your garden. Light and sandy soils need more and frequent watering than heavy soils. Clay soils need more water but less often. So, if you have light, sandy, or clay soil in your lawn, you need to water it more frequently. 

The amount of water your lawn needs depends upon the climate in your location and season of The Year. It might be enough to water your lawn once a week in the winter, but you may need to water it every other day in the summer months. 

Aerate your lawn

Lawn aeration is important for your garden maintenance that most garden owners overlook. It is a process that involves creating holes in the soil with the help of an aeration machine. Aerating the soil helps it retain moisture and reduce the water runoff. If you have recently reseeded or sodded your soil, it does not need aeration. Therefore, you should try to aerate your lawn to save water and promote the growth of grass. 

Remove the weeds

Every plant in your lawn needs water for its growth. The weeds in the grass also need water, and they increase the watering requirement of your lawn. Therefore, garden owners should remove the leaves regularly from their lawn and provide proper nutrition to the grass.

Removing the weeds as soon as they appear will ensure that the water you offer gets absorbed by the grass and not by unwanted plants. Moreover, your grass will not be deprived of the fertilizers and nutrients due to the presence of weeds.

Use water-saving watering techniques

The conventional watering techniques like flood irrigation lead to evaporation and loss of water. Therefore, lawn owners should not use conventional irrigation techniques and switch to water-saving irrigation techniques. Let us check some water-saving irrigation techniques for irrigating a lawn. 

Sprinkler irrigation

This is one of the best irrigation techniques that involve the use of sprinkler heads installed on a garden hose or system of pipes. There are different types of sprinklers used for this type of irrigation. It is best to use an adjustable sprinkler that offers a variety of sprinkling patterns. The adjustable sprinklers offer you to water your lawn grass in multiple patterns. You can adjust every sprinkler at a different pattern to suit the requirements of different areas of your lawn. 

Drip irrigation 

Another way to save water while watering is to make use of drip irrigation. You can get a drip irrigation system from the market and install it in your loan. You can also create your own drip irrigation system at home with a garden hose. A drip irrigation system can save a lot of water as the water is directly sprayed near the roots of the grass. There is a very low rate of evaporation, runoff, and requires less water for irrigation. 

Artificial Turf 

If you are looking for one of the easiest ways to save water while maintaining a lawn, you can consider planting artificial turf in your lawn. There are a variety of artificial grasses available, and you can choose one according to your choice. The watering requirements, climate, and location do not matter for artificial turf. Moreover, you don’t need to trim the grass as it does not grow. All you need to maintain it is to wash it with water when it gets dirty or twice a month to keep it clean. 

Maintain the grass height

To minimize the evaporation of water, your graph should cover and provide shade to the soil. It is essential to maintain two inches of cross height to offer shade to the soil. So, the next time when you move your lawn, take care to keep the grass height between 2 and 3 inches long. Maintaining the height of grass will make it look better and also reduce evaporation to a minimum.  

Final Words

These are some tips to save water and maintain your lawn green throughout the year. Installing the water-saving irrigation equipment can help save water. If you cannot find the equipment in physical stores, you can also check the drips and sprinklers for irrigation online. Following these tips will help landscape owners to irrigate their lawns wisely to save water and also maintain them green. 

Live in the Middle of Nowhere? Here’s How to Keep Your Home Running

Electric lines, Wi-Fi, cable television and tap water are just a few of the daily luxuries that most people take for granted. However, these little conveniences can become difficult to maintain when your home is in a secluded location. Whether you’re living in the middle of nowhere for a more sustainable lifestyle or just because of circumstances, here are four ways to keep your home running off-the-grid.

Keep the Lights On

One of the biggest challenges for homeowners living off the grid is establishing a reliable source of electricity, and solar panels are one of the most popular options. Solar panels have no moving parts, which means they are relatively maintenance-free, but they do require regular cleaning so they can absorb the sun’s rays efficiently. Purchase a solar panel cleaning kit and give your panels a scrub at least once per season.

Service Your Septic Tank

Homes in cities connect to a sewer system and let the city handle all the maintenance, but living in the middle of nowhere means you need a septic tank to deal with your household sewage. Dropping the ball on septic tank maintenance can lead to disaster, so remember to get your tank inspected and serviced on a regular basis. If you notice signs of septic failure like puddles in your yard or a backed-up toilet, call a septic tank repair service to fix the problem before it turns into a nightmare.

Stay Connected

Internet and cell phone service are vital to modern life, but securing these services in the middle of nowhere can be challenging. Despite a few shortcomings, satellite internet is usually the best option if you lack access to cable or fiber. Do you work from home and need to stay connected? Consider having a backup provider in case you lose service.

Don’t Run Dry

If you can’t hook into a municipal water system, your best bet is to have a well installed. Although a well eliminates the monthly water bill, it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. The CDC recommends having your well inspected annually for mechanical problems, contaminants and bacteria. Consider installing a gasoline generator to keep your well running when the power goes out.

Do you live off-the-grid and wish that municipal utilities were available? Contact your nearest companies to see if they’re willing to bring their services out to you. You can also call your local government representatives to find out if there are any grants or programs that can help.

Guest Post By:

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.

4 Reasons to Upgrade the HVAC System in an Older Home

The average HVAC system lasts about 10 to 20 years. Therefore, if you have a home that is 20 years or older, it may be time to consider a new HVAC system. Besides upgrading your HVAC system because “it’s time,” there are a number of other smart reasons to give your old home a new heating and cooling solution. Below are 4 reasons to upgrade your HVAC system in your older home.

Save Money on Electric Bills

In many cases, your HVAC system will be the largest contributor to your electric bill. As HVAC systems get older, they become less efficient. When you upgrade your HVAC system, you will have a heating and cooling solution that will work faster and lower your electric bill. In the long run, your HVAC system will essentially pay for itself.

Increase the Value of Your Home

As your home gets older, you will want to make upgrades in order to maintain or increase the value of your home. Since older homes don’t have modern HVAC systems, you can really increase the value of your home with a late model heating and cooling system. In fact, a newer HVAC system can help make your home much more attractive if you ever decide to sell.

Prevent Large Repair Bills

As HVAC systems get older, they will require more frequent maintenance and more costly repairs down the road. In fact, HVAC services can run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars if the older HVAC system requires a major repair. By replacing the entire system, you won’t have to worry about frequent maintenance and repair bills.

Reduce Downtime on Your HVAC System

Every once in a while, an HVAC system will simply breakdown. That means that your older home may have to go hours or even days before the system can be repaired. This could be a great hardship if your HVAC system goes down during the middle of the summer or the dead of winter. By upgrading your HVAC system, you will greatly reduce the chance that your HVAC system will break down when you need it most.

Upgrading your HVAC system can be one of the best investments that you can make on your older home. In addition to saving money every month on your electric bill, upgrading your HVAC system can also increase the value of your home, reduce your maintenance bills, lower your repair bills and decrease the amount of downtime on your HVAC system. Consult with a number of HVAC professionals before deciding on which system you want in your home.

What to Know When Installing New Heating & Cooling Systems & Repairing Services

One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make for your home is choosing the right HVAC system. Aside from making your home life smooth and comfortable, the right system also reduces the chances of having to deal with constant breakdowns and repairs. If you take the time to choose the HVAC system that really suits your budget and your lifestyle, you may be lucky enough to have it for life.

While personal preferences are typically considered, it’s worth noting that you should prioritize energy-saving features for your new HVAC unit. Although an energy-efficient unit may cost more to install, savings on energy bills will soon become apparent. Here are some other factors that you should consider when you’re planning to get a new HVAC system:

Inspecting Your Old HVAC System

Before you have a new HVAC system installed, you should first consider having your old unit inspected or repaired. Professional technicians like those from Winchester HVAC repair will be able to tell you whether your current unit can still be repaired or you’re better off installing a brand new one.

Additionally, a technician can also give you qualified advice about the most appropriate HVAC system for your current vent set-up and ducting. Your needs and preferences will be carefully considered when they make recommendations.

Getting Quotes and Project Details

It’s recommended to get quotes from two to three contractors to ensure that you’ll be able to go over your best HVAC options. Also, don’t accept a quote from a contractor if they haven’t gone to your home and inspected your set-up. The questions you should consider asking are:

  • What are the payment terms?
  • What is the estimated yearly cost of your recommended HVAC unit? What are the maintenance measures that I must take note of?
  • How long is your estimated timeframe for this project?
  • What do other customers say about your recommended unit?
  • What HVAC system does your company specialize in?

Choosing the Right HVAC Size

When it comes to HVAC systems, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. A system that is too big will be idle most of the time, resulting in unpleasant levels of humidity in the house. On the other hand, a system that’s too small will always be overcompensating just to reach the optimal temperatures. In this case, you’d end up with an unreasonably large energy bill.

Choosing Filter Types and Thermostat Options

Filters come in two types: disposable and permanent. Most HVAC units are compatible with either of these filters. When choosing which one is better suited for you, ask yourself if you’re willing to spend time, effort, and money in cleaning them or if you’d prefer to replace them every two months.

Thermostat options also come in two variants: programmable devices and ones that you manually set yourself. There are many advantages to using programmable devices but it may not be compatible with your HVAC system. Ask your technician about all your possible options so you can take care of your unit the right way.

Scheduling Maintenance

To prolong your HVAC’s lifespan, maintenance plans should always be kept in mind. Hence, it’s worth noting if maintenance plans and warranties are included in the contractor’s price quote. Although it may initially cost more, the fees will end up being cheaper over time compared to an installation project that doesn’t have it.

Generally, technicians will visit your home twice a year to evaluate your HVAC system and see if anything should be fixed. For best results, ask your technician about the recommended maintenance schedule for your particular unit.

Preparing Your Home for HVAC Installation or Repair

When you’ve finally decided on a contractor and everything has been agreed upon, it’s time to get your home ready for the work that has to be done. Make sure that the technicians have enough space to do everything they have to do. They should be able to easily carry their equipment from their vehicle to your home and back.

Once your new HVAC system has been fully installed, you should take note of the following:

  • How often should my HVAC system be checked and assessed by a professional?
  • How should the air ducts be cleaned? How often should I clean them?

Almost half of a home’s energy bill is associated with HVAC systems. Hence, carefully choosing your heaters and air conditioners can help you save a huge amount of money in the long run.

THE BENEFITS OF INSTALLING DOUBLE GLAZING IN YOUR HOME

If you have double glazing in your home, you’ll have no doubt already recognized and experienced many benefits. However, homeowners with single glazing might not yet realize just how beneficial new double glazing may be for a number of reasons. Single glazing windows require regular treatment and maintenance, and during Winter, homes can become incredibly cold and often subject to damp and condensation. This in itself can lead to more serious issues and as a result, costly, unnecessary repairs.

Kenneth Hislop, of Window Advice Centre in Scotland – specialists in double glazing in Glasgow, Scotland – says that “the actual benefits of double glazing can save you a lot of money over time, on your energy bills and on general maintenance, like treating timber window frames”.

If you currently have single glazed windows, or your existing windows are due for replacement, consider the benefits of double glazing when deciding to buy new windows.

Style & Appearance

Double glazing is widely available in many different styles and finishes. Of course, standard white UPVC double glazed windows are still a popular choice, but you will find yourself choosing from a huge selection of colours, materials and finishes. This means that your home will enjoy a new aesthetic and look the part once your new windows are installed. Styles might include; reversible windows, sash windows, tilt and turn windows and more.

Security & Safety

It’s important to feel safe in your own home and UPVC windows with double glazing can increase security to give you the peace of mind that windows are difficult to damage and penetrate. Single glazing does not offer much in terms of security. Thin panes and timber frames can often be easily broken. Double glazed windows – with two windowpanes and strong, durable UPVC frames – offer safety features that are not provided by other window styles.  

Saving Money

Double glazed windows can certainly save you a lot of money over time. Timber frames with single glazed panes require regular maintenance, including painting and treating. In addition to this, they don’t offer much to your home in terms of insulation, if anything at all. Double glazing, on the other hand, is a very energy efficient solution. With increased insulation and noise reduction properties, double-glazed windows will save you money on your household energy bills simply because your home will retain more heat.

Double Glazing For Your Home

When choosing new windows for your property, it’s important that they look good and last, in addition to keeping your home safe and warm. There are, of course, alternative options you can choose from – such as triple glazed windowpanes – and various styles too, such as reversible windows and sash windows. However, double glazing proves itself time and time again to be the most popular choice for homeowners choosing new windows in the UK.

If you’re ready to replace the windows of your home, make sure you consider the benefits of double glazing before making your choice, as the benefits are priceless.

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