Replacement Windows: Five Facts To Find The Most Energy Efficient

The energy efficiency of a house can be dramatically increased by the installation of replacement windows. Homeowners must be aware of these five facts to find the options that will give them the most energy savings.

1. Shatterproof glass is becoming increasingly popular as it provides additional security against break-ins and severe weather. The glass is shatterproof because of a layer of plastic that is sandwiched between two glass panes. These are two to four times stronger than standard glass and are as energy efficient as low-E panes and help reduce noise levels. In some hurricane-prone areas, shatterproof glass is now required.

2. The R-value of replacement windows measures the resistance to heat flow. Homeowners will want to look for the highest number when it comes to the R-value because the higher the number, the more energy efficient the window.

3. The U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer from the inside of a house to the outside. Homeowners will want the lowest number possible for the U-factor because the lower the number, the more energy efficient the window.

4. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rating displays how much heat a house gains from the sun. The lower the SHGC, the less heat will be gained. Homeowners will need to decide what options would be best for their climate.

5. Light colored shades can reduce the solar heat gained through a window by up to 43% and awnings can reduce this by as much as 77%. These options should be considered for any home, but especially those looking at picture window replacement as these larger options will have a greater impact on the energy efficiency of a home.

Via EPR Network
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Kitchen Remodeling To Increase Home Resale

Statistically, there are two areas that can can be redesigned or renovated in order to increase the sale value of home. These are bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects. Even on a small budget and simple remodeling projects, there are investments that can be made to increase the return on house sale. The latest results from the National Association of Realtors estimated that over 72% of kitchen renovations can be recouped after a sale.

Unless working on a strict budget, the kitchen can be extremely expensive. Homeowners will want to redesign with a broad spectrum of buyers in mind within their price point and their locality. There are a couple ways to find out the current trends. A homeowner can visit a local home supply store and inquire about the most popular brands and sales in the area. They can also browse through design magazines to see what current trends are in cabinets, wall color, styles and accents.

When researching, homeowners should focus on kitchen remodeling ideas that fit well into the current community, rather than upgrading beyond the personality or value of the neighborhood. For instance, if the majority of the community is started homes, homeowners should not invest in granite counter tops, especially when there are many other more affordable options.

New appliances are generally the most expensive items when redesigning this area of the house. By putting in a little let work, homeowners can find appliances in excellent condition for a discounted price. They should look at “scratch and dent” stores and online.

Via EPR Network
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