What are the Key Features of an Energy Efficient House?
Have you looked at your electrical bills recently? Are they higher than you expected? Fear not since there is a simple way of reducing them – with energy efficient upgrades. For instance, did you know that high quality, Energy Star windows can cut your monthly spending for 15%? An interesting fact, right? Check out our list below to see other types of efficient upgrades and the wonderful things they can do for the environment and for our wallets:
Windows & Doors
You have the constant need to turn on the heater, even though it’s warm outside? The main factor that determines efficiency is the quality of windows and doors. Their role is to connect the interior with exterior spaces while also protecting the home from heat/cool loss. And if these appliances are old, rotten, poorly insulated or damaged in any way, they won’t transfer heat properly and will make the bill go higher. To avoid this from happening, check the signs for damage or simply schedule a free consultation to learn more quickly whether your home needs door and window replacement.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats can save up to 18% of electrical bills. And this isn’t the only reason why homeowners are dazzled by them. This product has the highest ratings when it comes to heating and cooling systems. With tracking your daily routines, this thermostat will program itself and start to efficiently control temperature while also satisfying your comfort needs. It also remembers and keeps track of every activity, so you can check the overall electrical usage at any time. The ideal way to increase awareness, efficiency, and comfort at the same time.
Efficient Roofs
Neither upgrade will matter if your roof is leaky and old. Most heating and cooling losses happen through the roof. When it comes to choosing the right one, lots of factors are involved such as durability, lifespan, maintenance, and price. However, you should also look out for energy efficiency ratings since if of higher quality, the roof can save up to 20% of your bills. Some strong materials like tile and metal can push efficiency boundaries even more and increase that percentage to 40.
Eco Appliances
Energy efficient or eco appliances use minimum energy to do their jobs. Yes, an efficient kettle will reduce the bills, but try to think bigger and upgrade your water heater, refrigerator, drier, dehumidifier or dishwasher. Eco-appliances have Energy Stars which is the most valued energy efficiency certificate for products. If affordable, upgrade every electrical appliance you have since when combined together, one can only imagine the percentage of energy reduction.
Energy Stars
For a product to get an Energy Star it must pass certain tests with a high energy rating. Almost every product out there has a more efficient version. There are even decorative Christmas lights and ceiling fans with Energy Stars. To find the most suitable ones for your home, consult with experts. However, they will most likely recommend certified roofs, doors and windows since they have the biggest influence on efficiency.
Riverbend Windows & Doors
We have the best quality windows and doors at Riverbend, Inc. Browse through our inventory for stylish, durable and eco-friendly windows in London.
Why Are My Windows Leaking?
Before moving into a new house, no homeowner had in mind collecting excess rainwater with a bucket or an old towel. However, water leaks happen despite our ideas and desires. Preventing unwanted water to enter your home through a window leak is fairly easy, but finding the cause and permanent solution requires a hand of an expert – a contractor.
Here are some of the common reasons for why windows leak:
Flawed Windows
Some window leaks are caused by the windows themselves and others are caused by outside forces. This category of flawed windows is meant for all who purchased poorly designed window parts and for those who poorly designed them:
Glass sealant – If your window leaks are coming from between the glass panes, you are facing damaged glass sealant. Glass replacement is necessary in this situation as without insulating gas your window loses almost all function.
Low quality product – It isn’t so often, but window leaks can also be caused by low quality materials. They can also be physically damaged while being distributed and installed.
Paint seal – the average homeowners may not know this, but contractors use paint as a seal between the frame and glass. If paint doesn’t overlap the glass, it may cause window leaks. A good tip for your next repainting project, n’est pas?
Broken caulk – Sometimes pieces of window caulk brake. Caulk is just another way of sealing the windows, so logically broken caulk will make way for tons of window leaks.
Flawed Installation
Most window leaks happen because of flawed installation. This is why when you go to window forums or websites, the most common advice given is to observe and ask questions about the installation process. Things that can occur during a flawed installation are:
Improper leveling – The terms plumb, level and square are commonly used in the “window” world. If the installed window doesn’t meet its leveling requirements then it will start becoming loose therefore less energy efficient and filled with water leaks.
Improper sealing – these days sealing is usually done with an expanding foam. If less foam is used than the needed amount, air and eventually water will get through the holes between the window and the wall.
If you are facing an issue of this parameter, a window replacement is a must. Consult with contractors and experts to truly pinpoint the cause and find the ideal solution.
It Isn’t The Window At All!!!
While many causes for water leaks are linked with the windows, some may be the fault of other home parts. Here is how one functionality issue can lead to another and result in confusion or lots of repair money for homeowners and contractors:
Overhangs – If the number of overhangs isn’t enough to keep your home dry, the result is window leaks. Overhangs dry up water on the actual roof and prevent it from coming down your windows. Sometimes, homes aren’t that well planned and your water leaks may be a result of poor architecture.
Fascia Boards– they should be placed so that water is directed away from the unit. If the angle of the fascia isn’t aligned with the window position, rain may fall directly into your living room.
Wall leaks – If your window leak is placed at the top of the window or it’s frame, you aren’t facing a window leak at all. Wall leaks can act mischievous and disguise themselves as window leaks. Check for mold or wall cracks in the surrounding area and prepare, you might even be facing a roof leak.
Riverbend Windows & Doors
We have the best quality windows and doors at Riverbend, Inc. Browse through our inventory for stylish, durable and eco-freindly windows in London.
When Should You Replace Windows?
If left unrepaired, malfunctioning windows can lead to severe damage in homes. Mold growth, pest infestations, high energy bills, decreased safety and faded furniture are just the beginning. In some cases where homeowners decided to ignore the fact that their windows needed replacement or they didn’t know how to recognize the signs, severe floods and floor cracks started to occur.
To help you out with protecting your home from window damage we made a list of some helpful information:
The Signs
Unfortunately, windows do not have the ability to talk. To overcome this obstacle, you should carefully inspect their surrounding areas for warning signs of malfunction. For making the signs easier to recognize we separated them into two categories: physical and factual. The physical signs are almost always near or on the actual windows. The most common ones are rotten or damaged frames, scratched glass, cracked walls, leaky windows, bad soundproofing, unbalanced room temperature and mold growth. Each of them are linked to your window’s age and quality of insulation.
There are three most important factual signs: old windows, high electricity bills and difficulties with operating. Each type of window has its own life span. Windows with wooden frames last to 15 years while vinyl windows last to 40. Depending on the material and year model, a window replacement is necessary if your windows are older than 30. This is also due to advancements in technology as every day new windows with higher efficiency ratings are flooding the market. Your electrical bills are high because your home requires more energy to stay heated/cooled. With tightly sealed and multiple glass pane windows, your home is always going to have the ideal temperature.
The Benefits
Multiple signs for window replacements can start working together on ensuring that your life gets more difficult. For instance, the temperature in your room can become improperly conducted because of scratches within your glass panes and the increased heating energy and higher bills are surely to appear right afterwards. This sort of hassle can be easily avoided with a simple window replacement.
All of the main benefits you’ll get with window replacement are correlated with comfort and by it we mean: security, proper soundproofing, UV protection, ideal insulation, mold prevention and healthy access to natural light. The positive impacts that window replacement has for a home makes it one of the biggest investment returns and home value increases. When searching for ways to add curb appeal or increase the house’s value on the market, be sure that you’ll find window replacement as one of the suggested topics on the list. This sums up the benefits of window replacement, showing that window replacement is beneficial to one’s comfort and budget.
Tips on Replacing
Okay, so you decided to replace your windows. Now, be wary because you don’t want to be making the same mistake as your previous window buyers did. You might never have needed this replacement had the previous windows been chosen more wisely. The things you should take in mind while choosing new windows are Energy Star ratings, room size, weather conditions, aesthetics, practicality and budget. If your budget is tight, you can go with partial replacements of the glass or the frame. Some window issues don’t require replacement of the whole windows, only the malfunctioning parts. The second thing you should mind are practicality and room size. Each type of window is suitable for different living environments. For instance, awning windows work best for bathrooms and slidings are recommended for small living spaces. The weather conditions of the area you live in should also have a large role in your decision as some window materials have poorer functionality in wet and moist areas. Consult with the experts to determine the best type of window for your home. The Energy Star rating can surely help you with this issue as it shows the overall energy efficiency rating of a window.
Once you have all of the necessary information you need to replace your windows, it is time to find a good window installer.
Riverbend Windows & Doors
We have the best quality windows and doors at Riverbend, Inc. Browse through our inventory for stylish, durable and eco-freindly windows in London.