Moving on Up to a Higher Standard of Window Installation Can Put a Dent in the High Cost of Energy
Replacement window installation comes highly recommended if you live in a house with old-style single-pane windows.
Not to knock single-pane, but no matter where you live, they can let in too much heat in summer and zip it right back out in the winter.
The newer double and triple pane windows comply with Energy Star® guidelines.
These not only make sure that heat and cold don't do you in, they make sure that incoming light doesn't pass harmful UV radiation thus protecting furniture and other items that can fade from prolonged exposure.
Furthermore, given the furor over sun-caused cancer, they can also keep your skin in good shape.
Negative: The old windows must go to make way for the new ones.
If the original frames show wear and tear, they probably have to go too, and that means extra expense on one hand and an interruption in everyday living on the other.
Positive: The government wants you to save energy, and with the proper type of replacement window installation, a juicy tax rebate will make the savings in heating and cooling that much sweeter.
If you're handy, there are good DIY guides available online or at your neighborhood bookstore.
You choose the time and place, do the work at your leisure, and know what's happening every step of the way.
If you hire a contractor, you'll have to stand back, give him unlimited access to the house, take his word for everything that happens, and then pay up.
Although it sounds dire, you will have a guarantee, won't you? Whether it's DIY or contractor-driven, going for the double or triple panes with the argon gas and special coating makes sure the frames will be adequate for the new hardware since a bad fit defeats the purpose of the energy savings.
Not to knock single-pane, but no matter where you live, they can let in too much heat in summer and zip it right back out in the winter.
The newer double and triple pane windows comply with Energy Star® guidelines.
These not only make sure that heat and cold don't do you in, they make sure that incoming light doesn't pass harmful UV radiation thus protecting furniture and other items that can fade from prolonged exposure.
Furthermore, given the furor over sun-caused cancer, they can also keep your skin in good shape.
Negative: The old windows must go to make way for the new ones.
If the original frames show wear and tear, they probably have to go too, and that means extra expense on one hand and an interruption in everyday living on the other.
Positive: The government wants you to save energy, and with the proper type of replacement window installation, a juicy tax rebate will make the savings in heating and cooling that much sweeter.
If you're handy, there are good DIY guides available online or at your neighborhood bookstore.
You choose the time and place, do the work at your leisure, and know what's happening every step of the way.
If you hire a contractor, you'll have to stand back, give him unlimited access to the house, take his word for everything that happens, and then pay up.
Although it sounds dire, you will have a guarantee, won't you? Whether it's DIY or contractor-driven, going for the double or triple panes with the argon gas and special coating makes sure the frames will be adequate for the new hardware since a bad fit defeats the purpose of the energy savings.
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