CLEAR VIEWS AHEAD: INSTALLING ENERGY-SAVINGS WINDOWS IN YOUR HOME TO ENSURE A WARM WINTER WITHOUT WASTE!

Winter is coming, and with it comes the hum of heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces in homes across the nation. Homeowners dread winter and summer, because the cost of heating and cooling a home can be astronomical. Efficient insulation is the best way to protect your home from high energy bills, but sometimes that’s not enough. Old drafty windows are a big outlet for all that expensive air. If you are still experiencing difficulty keeping your house warm, find out if your money is blowing right out your windows, and replace them!

Window Construction

Windows are a fairly simple material, constructed of a metal or plastic frame and clear panes. The panes are generally made of glass, but it’s possible to find them in clear acrylic or plexiglass if breakage is a concern. Windows can be fixed, meaning that they do not open, but the vast majority of windows open in some way. Single-hung windows are probably the most well-known; these are the kind where the bottom part of the window slides up to allow ventilation. Double-hung and sliding sash windows are also available, as well as several kinds of casement windows (these allow the window to open on hinges rather than sliders). Specialty styles of windows including bay, picture, jalousie, and hopper add interest to a building.

In the past, windows were constructed with many small panes of glass held together by mullions, because large panes of glass were unavailable. These small fragile panes were easily broken, and the mullions were often a source of drafts. When large panes were available, they were enthusiastically welcomed. The efficiency of the window was increased even more with the concept of using caulking to seal the window. The concept began with various kinds of gummy substances such as tree sap, but now it is common to use synthetic compounds including silicone or polyurethane. These materials fill the tiny gaps around the window and prevent air from escaping.

Until relatively recently, all windows were made with one layer of glass. Now, the best choice is a double-paned window, meaning that it’s constructed with two layers of glass back to back. This doubles the thermal protection of your window, and has no effect on the look of the window.

Energy Star and Energy Efficiency

Many people know that appliances get Energy Star ratings, but did you know that windows receive these ratings as well? Efficient, energy-saving windows can save you up to $465 a year when you replace your old single-panes. This benefits you immediately by reducing your heating and cooling needs, and continues to pay for itself and reduce your costs throughout the life of the window. Energy star windows are all double-paned, because the two layers of glass provide optimal thermal conditions, keeping heated air in during the winter, and keeping cooled air in during the summer.

In addition to choosing Energy Star rated windows, you may want to consider additions. There are a number of specialized window films on the market to help you achieve results. If you want to draw in more heat from a north-facing window (or prevent it from escaping), try a heat retention film. If you want to reflect some of the harsh summer sun on your southern windows, look for a heat rejection film. These also often aid in preventing UV rays from entering and damaging the people and objects inside. If privacy is a concern, some films are designed to obscure the window without the higher cost of specialty frosted glass.

Replacing Windows

Removing old windows and installing new ones is a pretty easy process. Unless you’re looking to remodel the room by putting in a new kind of window, you will generally choose a new window that is the same size as the old one, making removal and installation easy as pie. Windows are manufactured in a wide range of standard sizes, so it’s easy to find and choose windows that fit, as well as making it easy to exchange them, such as replacing a sash window with a casement. A skilled contractor can probably replace your windows with a minimum amount of mess and time, quickly putting you on the road to lower utility bills and beautiful views.

Some people are afraid of the cost of home improvements, worrying that the money they spend on their home isn’t worth it. But improvements to the efficiency of your home, such as insulation, efficient windows, and other energy-saving choices, pay for themselves quickly, and continue to save money for decades to come, as well as adding value to the home for future owners.

SELECTING APPLIANCES FOR YOUR HOME: A QUICK DECISION-MAKING GUIDE FOR LAUNDRY AND KITCHEN APPLIANCES

Not so long ago, a housewife or a maid had to do all the tough cleaning tasks by hand, and the kitchen often consisted of a fire and a bucket of water. Not so anymore! We are surrounded by machines that simplify our lives. When you’re in the market for new appliances, the number of choices can be overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand what your options are, and how to choose the item that will work best for you.

Laundry

Laundry is often the most-disliked task in the house, probably because it is never totally complete. Choosing laundry machines that suit your needs will help alleviate that problem. First, consider the capacity you need. Home improvement stores often have a simple chart aligning the number of people in the home with the recommended capacity, but as an obvious rule of thumb, bigger families need bigger machines. When you know what size you’re looking for, turn your eyes to the energy usage. Each washer should have an Energy Star rating which shows how much energy they use per load, and how that usage ranks among other similar machines. This is important information to you because you’ll want to consider the cost of using it as well as the cost of purchasing it. Dryers do not receive Energy Star ratings, but often still have energy-use comparisons. Beyond this, there are plenty of options to consider, from the looks of the outside casing to storage compartments.

Dishwasher

If there is a chore that competes with laundry for Most Disliked, it’s got to be washing dishes. Electric dishwashers have been around for decades, but are not always included in kitchens, and many people still choose not to have them. If you want to be free from scrubbing, check out your options. Dishwashers are pretty much all the same size, although you may invest in a professional-sized one if you choose, and they all work pretty much the same way. The first factor you should consider in your choice is the Energy Star rating the machine receives, so you can choose one that conserves energy and money. The other options you’ll have are largely cosmetic, such as the outside casing or the configuration of the racks inside.

Refrigerator

The refrigerator is often the center of the kitchen, whether it’s sleek and stylish or covered with children’s artwork. There are several different types on the market, with single doors, side-by-side doors, French doors, extra wide, freezer drawers, and optional icemakers – it may be overwhelming. Think about the ones you’ve had, and the ones your friends have, and how they serve your needs. Take a stroll in the appliance department and spend some time with them to decide which layout works best for you. After that, take a look at the Energy Star ratings. The refrigerator is running 24 hours a day, so you will definitely want one that is efficient while it does its job. When you’ve chosen a model, you’ll probably have a choice for the outside casing. Do you want classic white, stainless steel, or maybe retro avocado?

Oven and Range

The oven and cooking range are a part of the kitchen that isn’t usually thought about unless it’s broken. When it is, though, that may be the best time to upgrade. Did you know that you can buy the oven and range separately? Homeowners often choose to locate the range on their kitchen island, where it can be central to the cooking process, while putting the oven off to the side, inside a wall and raised up to eye level for easier baking. If that’s not for you, traditional combined stoves are also still popular. These appliances do not receive energy ratings, but the salesperson should be equipped with information to help you choose one that suits your needs.

Small Kitchen Appliances

Alongside those large appliances, we often fill our kitchens with a number of small appliances to make our cooking tasks easier. The microwave, once large and expensive, is now small, cheap, and nearly ubiquitous because of its ability to simplify cooking tasks. These are available from many manufacturers at your local mass market store, and choosing one is as simple as comparing a few specifications on each model, and picking one that fits your budget as well as your needs. Blenders and toasters are good examples of items where your personal preferences are the main concern. If you have a smoothie every morning, or your kids are really picky about their toast, you may want to invest in the high end models. On the other hand, if you don’t need one that’ll last for decades, you can choose a model with less durability and a lower price tag. Slow cookers, waffle irons, and electric griddles are another category of small kitchen appliances which are even easier to choose between. In general, there aren’t many differences between these items, so you’re free to choose one based on nothing more than looks and price.

There are dozens of different appliances on the market, each with dozens of different options to choose from. These machines exist to make our lives easier, so choosing one shouldn’t be difficult.

INSTALLING A LUXURIOUS SPA TUB IN THE BATHROOM: STEPS TO TAKE TO REPLACE THAT OLDER STANDARD BATHTUB

Spa tubs are a fantastic invention. They are deeply relaxing – perfect for escaping the stress of daily life. The jets and ergonomic shapes are great for bodies in need of care, whether you’re suffering from arthritis, sports injuries, or just soreness from working all day. Installing a spa tub in your own bathroom is a serious undertaking, but it is within your reach!

Selecting A New Spa Tub

The first step in selecting your new bathtub is measuring the space you have to work with. Spa tubs are almost always bigger than the standard tub, so there will have to be at least some bathroom renovation. You may need or want to remove structural elements such as dividing walls. But you need to be aware of any load-bearing walls, and be sure of the amount of space you have to work with. You can’t choose a tub that’s bigger than the room it’s going into, after all. When you’re armed with your room measurements, also take a moment to measure the door into the room, as well as any other doors, hallways, or tight corners between the entrance to your home and the bathroom – you want to be sure that the tub will be able to get into the room!

Demolition

Removing an old tub can be quite a job. The tub itself may be heavy, and should have been securely sealed in place. There are also several plumbing pieces in place, around which you need to be careful. (Make sure the water to the room is turned off before beginning!)

Since the new tub is bigger than the old one, removing the tub is not enough. You will want to remove all the flooring (tiles, laminate, or whatever you have) from the space that will be occupied by the new tub. You may also have chosen to remove dividing walls or do other renovations. Special tools may be needed to scrape, pry, and remove the old materials.

Before installation, you will want to be sure that all the debris has been cleared away (contact your waste removal company to find out about disposal options) and the area is all clean.

Installing A New Tub

Installation is not a one-man job. The new tub is large and heavy and you will need help maneuvering it into place. You should also consider hiring a professional plumber for this job, to make sure that all the plumbing is properly connected and sealed. This will eliminate problems and ensure that you’ll be able to use your new spa tub right away, without fear of leaks.

When the tub has been hooked up, it needs to be sealed in place. A clear waterproof caulk is used for this for several reasons. It helps to keep the tub in place without wiggling or migrating. It also seals the joints between the tub and the floor and walls so that water cannot get in and cause damage where you can’t see it.

Reinstalling flooring and wall coverings will probably be the last task in this renovation. You may take this opportunity to replace these in the whole room, or choose to match the old choices.

With your new spa tub in place, all that’s left to do is lay back and enjoy the relaxing jets and bubbles. This project will generally take at least a weekend and is often too difficult to do yourself, but the results are always worth the work.