Reducing Your Energy Costs and the Water Shortage

The truth is your energy usage is directly related to water usage. Since power plants use so much water every day to produce energy, the more energy you use, the more water is being put to use.

According to a NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) report 89% of all energy produced in the United States is hydroelectric. Meaning the more energy you're consuming on a daily basis, the more water your consuming as well. And with the drought effecting us in Atlanta, we need to conserve as much water as possible.

Georgia Power posted the graph you see to above. According to their studies, 52% of our energy usage is from heating and cooling. So keeping the thermostat turned down in the winter and up in the summer is important. However, when you consider that you lose a majority of the heat in your home through your windows...see where I'm going?

So believe it or not, green windows help you save money, energy, and water!

Do your part to help us get through this drought. You probably never thought about how reducing your heating and cooling bill could help keep energy and water usage to a minimum.

If you're a homeowner looking for a way to make your home Green. Energy efficient windows are a big step.

If you're not a homeowner tell people you know how important it is to make sure that they have energy efficient windows in their homes.

For an additional resource about insulation and energy reduction, click here.

Jaq B in Atlanta, GA

What Can You Do? Tell Someone!

Yes this blog is entirely about green windows and doors. But I'm hoping that by spending a few minutes reading and looking around you'll be able to see some of the ordinary things you can do to reverse the trend of energy waste and high level of greenhouse gases. Everyone can do his or her part.

You may have found this blog and you want to be "green" but you're not a homeowner. If so you may not be at a place to consider replacing windows and doors with energy efficient units but you still want to help.

Well good news! Today I have a good tip for you in which everyone can take part. You can help the people around you "Go Green" with the investments they put into their homes.

Your mission this week: Talk to someone.

As an individual who is earth conscious and thinking about as many steps as you can take here in Atlanta to make a difference, tell someone you know about the importance of replacement windows and doors.

Why? Because sadly so many homes built here in Atlanta are still lacking where they need insulation the most; windows and doors. They still have single paned windows or poorly insulated doors. These units do not contribute at all to a home's insulation!

In a home with single paned windows heat in the summer time has no way of being kept out of the house. So people crank up their AC units to keep the home cool. Thus, high energy bills and higher C02 emissions! In the winter, it's the same thing. Homes with single paned windows have no way of keeping the heat inside their home and thus the trend continues in the cold months as well.

However, by replacing windows with energy efficient products that are double paned, come with "Low-e", argon gas, and a good warm edge spacer, you can cut those C02 emissions and lower energy bills greatly.

Makes a lot of sense doesn't it? So tell someone! Let them know they can make a very affordable investment in their homes that will make a HUGE difference in protecting our environment. Not to mention all the "green" they'll save in dollars by keeping their heating and cooling bills lower.

Spreading the word is what "Green" is all about.

Was this post helpful? Let us know! Leave a comment or come visit us at atlantawindows.com

Thanks!
Jaq B.

The Lifestyle of Green: The Three Numbers of Window Efficiency

If your aim is to go green you'll soon find that what really makes a long term positive effect on our environment is all the little, daily decisions you make. Going green is a lifestyle. Being able to make a difference that will last a long time to come is a result of living a life that will have beneficial results.

These sundry decisions we make add up. Taking a reusable grocery bag to the store. Maybe biking to the store rather than driving. Using energy efficient light bulbs. All these choices combine to make an important impact.

It's the same with your windows. Since you live with them everyday, making the choice to upgrade to well insulated energy efficient windows is a huge step you can take to keep heating and cooling costs way down and even reduce the amount of harmful C02 emissions that are released.

When you think about what kind of laundry detergent you purchase you usually look for the kind that's low in phosphorous. When you pick out a new window for your home why not select a replacement window that will reduce energy cost as well as give you a good conscience knowing you've cut down on emissions as well.

So here's a quick tip. When selecting an energy efficient window, pick the one that gives you the best numbers for your buck. There are three numbers to consider that will help you know the thermal value of each window you look at.

U-Value-This value measures the overall thermal value (glass, frames, and sashes) of a window by telling you how slowly heat is transferring through window. The lower the better. Most good windows will have a U-Value of around .28-.30. Anything higher than a .30 may not be worth a second look.

R-Value- It's the inverse of U-Value and uses a more is better scale. It usually measures the density of insulation and how well it blocks heat. Higher is better here. Most well insulated windows have an R-Value of 4 in the glass. The tricky thing about R-Values is that you can get different values from different components of the window. For example the glass may have a 4 while the sashes have an 11. That's why we mostly turn to U-values for an accurate assessment of a window's thermal value.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient-(SHGC) measures how well a window blocks heat from sunlight. The SHGC is the fraction of the heat from the sun that enters through a window. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window's SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits. A good number to look for on a window is .23-.25.

So as you look into replacement windows, these numbers will give you a good idea of what you're comparing between products. The better the numbers the better the performance you'll get and your dollars can go a lot further. You'll be investing in a window that will not only last a long time but its insulation value will be one that you can feel good about.

For even better numbers in a vinyl replacement window, don't forget about the options of triple paned units, krypton (rather than argon) gas, and Super Spacer (one of the best spacers available).

Going Green

It’s sort of a big deal to us. We hear about global warming, gas prices, and diminishing resources all the time. It seems you can’t turn on the news without hearing some kind of mention of these hot topics.

That’s why “Going Green” has become such a concern for so many Americans. People are now looking for ways to not only cut their energy costs to save some “green” in the pocketbook, but also make a lasting impact on the environment.

One way we recommend save some “Green” is to have your single paned or clear glass windows replaced with energy efficient replacement windows that provide better warmth in the winter and keep you cool in the summer.

How can this make an impact you may ask?
Consider:
Most heat loss and gain comes is through your windows and doors. Since they open and close frequently and let in light, they typically are built with poor insulation value. Since your home has to work hard to compensate for this loss during the cold of winter or the heat of summer, your AC units are working overtime during the height of each season to keep you comfortable.
All this output and energy consumption from your heating and cooling units does two major things;
Raise your gas/electric bill to sky high levels.
Produces high levels of CO2 (carbon dioxide) gasses.

But how can replacement windows and doors help? When window frames, and glass are properly insulated they can help in a big way. Things you should look for you in your replacement windows; multiple panes of glass for one. Most windows are available with up to three panes of stacked glass for added insulation value. Also the presence of “Low-e” (for low emissivity) is vital. The low-e coating goes on the inside of a pane of glass and acts as a heat shield, keeping heat in for warmth and out during the hot months. Don’t forget about warm edge spacers which you can learn more about here.

For more information contact us or visit us at http://atlantawindows.com

What Makes a Difference in Vinyl Windows?

Brought to you by http://atlantawindows.com

You may have never thought about vinyl windows before reaching this blog and then taking the time to read through this article. You probably thought all windows were the same and even thought the windows in your home were just fine. As long as they’re not rotting and falling apart or fogged up between the panes of glass, why even think about it?

Well there is a difference and picking the right window is a decision you’ll live with for years to come. Either you’ll pick a window that will need replacing 10 years later or a window you’ll be proud to keep in your home saving you money on energy costs for years to come. So what makes one window different than the other? With so many windows out there how in the world do you pick one and live with it? It can seem daunting and in fact is a quite a big sea in which to swim.

Here’s some things to think about that we hope will help the process.

Pick a window that looks good to you. Start off by looking the window over and seeing what kind of things you like aesthetically about the appearance of the window. Does it look cheap or does it look well put together? Does its design suit your style taste or even the decor of your home? Are their elements to the window that look like they could break off easily or are unsightly? Appearances can tell you something about a window and first impressions are important.
Does the window stand up thermally and structurally? Do you like the way the window is built and designed when it comes to withstanding years of exposure to the elements and use? Do the thermal numbers on the window come from a third party rating system? (For instance NFRC for thermal rating and AAMA for structural ratings). Do you know what the numbers mean and are they the best you can get for your dollar? Choosing thermally energy efficient windows is important. But when comparing thermal numbers think about what a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is, as well U-Factors, R-Values and visible transmittance.
What kind of warranty are you getting and what kind of company are you getting it from? A good, thermal, vinyl window, should last a lifetime. That means the glass should never have fog or condensation between the panes, you should never experience rot of any kind, you should not be getting moisture or excessive draftiness in the house and even if something should go wrong with the components (tilt pins, sash locks, balances, vent locks etc) they should be serviced. Does the manufacturer carry a lifetime warranty on their product. In many cases even glass breakage is covered by most window manufacturers for a number of years. Do they have a long tack record of being in business for a number of years? What about the company that is providing you with these windows? Do they carry a lifetime labor warranty? Will they service the windows years later if something goes wrong? Are they reliable, easy to contact, and have a good reputation in the community they serve?

All of these issues are crucial in choosing the best replacement window for your money. If you want to settle for less, then these tips are of no use. But if you’re looking for window that will look good, keep your home energy efficient for years to come and save you the hassle of replacing them again, then ask yourself these questions as you’re looking through your various options for window replacement.

For more information or questions contact us at info@atlantawindows.com or visit our website http://atlantawindows.com

Know the Difference between what’s between the glass

Brought you by Atlantawindows.com

There’s a little element to your replacement windows that makes a big difference. When meeting with homeowners, most times I have found that they aren’t aware of what spacer system is in their current windows, what spacer system they want in their new ones, and why one is better than the other. But there is a difference! Here are the basics and some tips to help you know the difference.

Lesson One: Every double paned replacement window has a spacer system. What IS a spacer system you ask? If you notice the picture just to the right, you’ll see a spacer system in between two panes of glass. This little piece serves many purposes. First of all, it creates an obvious separation between the two panes of glass. By doing so, window manufacturers are able to build a window that has a layer of low-e coating (a commonly used insulating film) and the spacer provides an additional insulation value because of its ability to keep heat from passing through the window. A good spacer also acts to provide a tight seal that keeps the gas filling (usually Argon or Krypton gas, click here for more information on gas filled windows) from leaking out of the window.

Now you know basically what a spacer does. Let’s discuss the different types of spacers and what makes one better than the other.

Lesson Two: Spacer types. There are two main types of spacers you’ll find in builder grade double paned windows in Atlanta; swiggle and aluminum. Without getting into too much detail I’ll give you one big reason for each of these two spacer systems as to why these technologies fail by comparison to superior systems crafted today.
Aluminum conducts heat rather well which means makes the passage of heat easier rather than slowing heat gain and heat loss which is what good insulators do.

Swiggle among it’s many other cosmetic defects tends to buckle or even crack with time since it is a rubberized black material. It’s insulation value is fairly low but the main drawback is the unsightliness that it creates over the years.

So which spacer systems do you want to look to have in your replacement windows? Unlike aluminum spacers, upgraded windows use “warm edge technology” to ensure a better seal than the conductive aluminum spacers do. Most premiere replacement vinyl windows will use either Super Spacer or Intercept Spacers.

The Super Spacer which uses warm edge technology is found commonly in vinyl replacement windows in standard energy packages that include low-e and argon gas.

For an upgraded system homeowners can turn to the Intercept Spacer which has continued to receive high marks from consumers and window manufacturers alike. Intercept Spacers tend to outperform most other spacer systems and protect against gas leakage, seal failure, and provide higher insulation values.

While Intercept and Super Spacers are not the extent of spacer systems available, they are two of the most commonly found systems and are used in manufacturers such as Softlite Windows, Thermal Industries and Vista Windows.


For more information visit us at Atlantawindows.com or give us a call at 770-499-8894 for an in home consultation.

Why Are your Wood Windows Rotting?

Brought to you by Atlantawindows.com
The pictures attached came from a recent window replacement job we completed this past week. Many Atlanta homeowners deal with rotted wood and give us a call to replace the old rotted windows with non rot vinyl windows or even pvc windows. But why is it that so many homes in Atlanta have rotted wood around the windows and even rotted sashes?

One reason is seen in these pictures here. The builder of the home that these samples were taken from took a major shortcut during the original installation. Every wood window has flashing installed on its top edge to ensure that water will run off the window and away from the wood to prevent rot. Usually the flashing is a sturdy thin layer of metal or pvc that keeps water wicking away from the wood components of a window. For this flashing to be effective it has to have good water tight seal and be installed correctly. However, if you’ll look a little closer you’ll see that the flashing that was taken from this house is not capable of properly protecting the wood beneath it because of the vent slits all through it.

This is a serious problem that brings up an important question. How sure are you of proper window installation around your home? There are a lot of great home builders in Atlanta who take the time to install quality products and make sure everything will last a long time. However, there are a lot of homes that we serve everyday that have experience the same poor craftsmanship that this home was subject to. There are a lot of steps builders can take to make sure wood does not rot but to many builders will not take the time to use proper techniques or in the case of this home proper flashing materials.

We regret that this home owner had to replace their windows because of negligence and sloppiness. We are glad though that the same homeowner now has replacement windows that are guaranteed to have been installed correctly by a company that can stand behind its work for a lifetime. We at Atlanta Area Window and Door use non rot window components such as pvc brickmold, sills, nosing, and blind stop with only the best caulk to ensure protection against water damage.

Great installation with proper materials done right the first time can prevent a mountain of problems.

For more information or questions visit us at Atlantawindows.com

What's the deal with gas?

You may have heard people talking about argon and krypton gas when discussing replacement windows lately. When these mentions of gas and windows come up do you scratch your head and reply "I didn't windows had gas!"?

It's a fairly new feature that replacement windows have nowadays to include some kind of slow moving gas in the space between the two panes in a modern replacement window. And though now it has become common to find on almost any vinyl window these days, questions still arise as to why people are even talking about gas when referring to their windows.

Let's start with argon gas. Almost any double paned replacement window on the market will have this gas as a standard feature. Along with low-e, argon gas is pretty much a non-issue when selecting a vinyl replacement double hung window because every insulated window has it. But what is argon gas, what does it do, and why should you make sure your window have it?

Argon is a very dense, slow moving, inert gas. The reason it is pumped in between the panes of replacement windows is because of its unique ability to slow down heat from entering into your home. It works along with the low-e coating replacement windows have to keep a high insulation value in your home (measured by U-values and R-values). Typically, a replacement window with argon gas and low-e will have a U-value somewhere around .25 to .30 (remember, the lower the better!). Again, argon gas is standard in most replacement windows and if it's not included as part of the insulation package it's not worth looking into.

Now there's also Krypton gas. No, Superman has nothing to do with this one. Much like its cousin argon, Krypton is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas that is used for its inert, dense qualities. However, Krypton is much denser and has better insulation qualities than argon. Krypton is not typically offered as a standard item in insulated glass packages and with most windows is an upgraded or added option. Many vinyl window manufacturers offer Krypton gas as an option or even a krypton and argon blend for a better insulation value.

Typically, adding Krypton or a Krypton/Argon blend will provide your glass with a .16 to .10 U value (don't forget less is more).

There you have it. A little crash course in krypton and argon gas and why you should be sure it's a part of any replacement window you install in your home.

For more information visit us at Atlantawindows.com

Wood Windows yet Energy Efficient

So you want to improve the energy efficiency of your home and decide to replace your windows. However you still would like the style, look and feel of classic wood windows. Big problem right? Not so!

Wood replacement windows are no longer single paned rotting atrocities that destroy your heating bill. When working with Atlanta Area Window and Door we'll be glad to provide you wood window options that are not only still energy efficient but will preserve the traditional look that you already love.

Our wood windows are ready to be painted and installed with a guarantee that you will love them for many years to come. In every case of wood window installation that we provide you will get a vast improvement in quality from your old wood windows, and no longer deal with the "pane" of not being able to open and close them to enjoy those breezy fall Atlanta evenings.

Call Atlanta Area Window and Door if you're ready to look into a wood window option that is right for you.

Door Installation

Just a little update and an opportunity to share with you some pics that we've taken of a replacement door we put in this month. As I've seen more and more front entry doors installed, I've grown to really love the process of seeing a brand new door installed. It's very satisfying to see a customer's old front door replaced with a door that is brand new, beautiful, and increases the quality and look of the home.

I've had the chance to see old rotted doors falling off the hinges and don't open correctly replaced with elegant, custom front doors that give the front of the house a much needed facelift.

This summer, along with the many fiberglass doors we've put in, we've started ordering and installing more wood doors as well. There are still a lot of Atlanta homeowners who love the look and feel of a wood door. Wood doors also provide a very distinct, bold and tasteful look that many Atlantans love.

The picture you see in this blog is of a Precision Entry fiberglass door. The door is a St Jane style glass door with low-e glass sidelights and a cherry finish. We're very proud of this door and the work that was put into it. This home in Alpharetta, GA also has new windows installed as well. The customer we served had the entire front of the house improved. With arch top windows, sidelights, and a new front door, we were able to give our customer an improvement she had been wanting for years. Enjoy the pics and keep checking in!


JB in ATL