“3 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S
INSULATION RIGHT NOW”
by Fredy Burgos, 20 years in the window
business
Whether you have a 30 year old home or
a 10 year old home, there are ways to eliminate drafts or leaks. You
may think just because your home is newer there is no need for upgrading
energy efficiency. But contrary to popular belief, younger homes need
nearly as much insulation upgrades as an older home due to builder grade
materials not working as effectively. Why do they put in builder grade?
Because builder grade materials cost less for the builder which equals
a larger profit margin for the builder and a lower initial cost for
the buyer. Designer Windows and Siding can help you lower your power
bills.
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Are you tired of feeling chilled in the winter?
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Does your upstairs overheat during the summer?
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Are your monthly payments to the power company too high?
•
Follow the advice and you will experience a comfortable home with lower
power bills.
“The windows were installed in September
2002, just before the cold weather set in. We instantly saw a difference
in the absence of condensation on the windows.” -Mr. &
Mrs. Beissner
“I have saved $500 on each of my
utility bills the first year after the installation of new windows on
both my houses.”
-Mr.
Ramirez purchased windows 2003
“Hello Fredy, The windows are great!!
Last night our house was quiet. And David had to keep turning the heat
back! Yeah!”
-Mr. & Mrs. Peters purchased windows
2003
1. Upgrade your home with windows that
are well insulated. Your windows are at least 1/3 or more of your home’s
barrier to the outdoor elements. So if your windows are not properly
insulated, your home’s heating and air-conditioning will literally
fly right through your windows as stated by a law of physics, that heat
is attracted to cold. Now is the most opportune time for this upgrade,
due to the government’s Energy conservation incentives plan for 2009
and 2010. This plan states you can recoup 30% of the cost up to $1,500.00
for a well insulated window, NOTE: Just because it is Energy Star rated
does not mean it complies with the government’s conservation incentive.
2. New siding such as Charter Oak has
unmatched durability and performance because the TriBeam™ design gives
superior rigidity, while the double thick nail hem enables it to withstand
high winds. Charter Oak has been independently tested to resist category
5 hurricane forced winds. Siding alone is not an insulator, but paired
with a quality insulation board, it can lower your heating and air conditioning
bills 30% or more. Insulation board ranges from 1/4 inch to 11/2 inches
in thickness. The Fullback thermal support system paired with Charter
Oak siding creates an optimal insulation package. Fullback insulation
board is unique from the others because of its shape. It is not flat
but a contoured foam system precisely configured to fit the profile
of any siding panel. It completely eliminates the problems associated
with the void behind conventional hollow siding. Fullback has up to
5 times the ‘R’ value (Resistance value) of conventional backs,
which means significant energy savings for you.
As a standard feature with Fullback we
install RainDrop housewrap because unlike the flat boards where seems
can be sealed with tape strips, Fullback cannot due to its unique shape.
RainDrop housewrap seals off air and water leaks by being the first
ever housewrap with drainage channels that actually move water away
from the wall. Preventing air and moisture infiltration of the wall
cavity, RainDrop preserves the energy efficiency of the structure, while
allowing it to breath to allow moisture vapor to escape. RainDrop housewrap
can help reduce air leaks as is recommended by EPA’s Home Sealing
Effort.
3. Air Vent Ridge Ventilation system,
a vent on the ridge of your roof used to ventilate your home. Without
an air vent excess heat and humidity can become serious problems. Excessive
heat causes air conditioners to run more and excessive moisture can
lower the R-value of some insulation.
“One of our clients replaced their
windows and siding and I noticed that he did not have a roof air vent
and suggested that he get one, but he chose not to. Months later he
called me complaining of mold. I explained that his house was so much
better insulated and that significantly less heat and moisture was escaping
through his windows and walls that it caused mold to grow in his attic
because there was no place for the heat and moisture to escape, and
again I recommended the roof air vent. After the installation of the
air vent, his mold problem ceased.”
Air vents play a significant roll in
the team effort of your home’s insulation.
Unsuspecting Home Energy Loss
You have new windows but your hearing
outside noises quite clearly, then check your window for complete closure.
If you have a casement window push the top and bottom shut or make sure
your slider is pushed shut on both sides. Sometimes your window may
appear to be closed but it is actually not completely closed thus allowing
noises and your heat/air to be flying right our your window.
Your electrical outlets could save you
money with a quick and inexpensive solution. Pre-cut foam gaskets bought
at your local hardware store. Just unscrew the face plate and place
the pre-cut foam gasket over the outlets and then reattached the faceplate.
Want help? Email: designerwindowsandsiding@cox.net
or just call us at: 703-250-3010
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