Glass Doctor - Energy Efficiency

It's Getting Hot in Here

Mary Beth Farrell — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 16:59:04 +0000

It's Getting Hot in Here

Mary Beth Farrell

Wednesday, June 10, 2015 - 11:59am

Brian Wilson once said, “Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach, going to Disneyland, having fun.”

Brian is 100 percent correct. He is spot on and we couldn’t agree with him more. Summer is all about having fun. However, for those responsible for paying the summer utility bills, summer can also be synonymous with stifling heat and increased bills. And in case you were wondering, an increased electric bill isn’t a bucket load of fun.

Now, there are obvious ways to reduce your summer utility bills like setting air conditioner to 78 degrees and utilizing fans. But did you know that your home windows can be a huge culprit when it comes to increased utility bills? In some cases it’s like you’re literally throwing money right out the window.

Your Glass Doctor specialists want to help bring back the happy times and good sunshine to your summer. We’re going to help you trap in that incredibly awesome and cool air by prepping your windows for the summer heat because…it’s getting’ hot in here!

Replace single-pane windows with double-pane windows (IGUs) to reduce the amount of heat that gets into your home and lower your energy bill. A lower utility bill is just one of the really cool benefits to IGUs.
Install low-e windows. Low-emissive windows are treated with a coating that reflects heat, but still allows light to pass through.
Apply tinting to windows. Glass tinting provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays and it also shields the interior of your home from harmful sun exposure.
Choose a tightly woven window screen to significantly reduce the amount of sunlight and heat that get through your windows.
Fill in air leaks by sealing the cracks on drafty windows with a polyurethane caulk. This is a simple, cheap and temporary fix that will help keep the cool air in and the warm air out.
Install outside awnings to provide shade without obstructing views.

For additional tips on how you can be more energy efficient at home, you can read the Glass Doctor Being Energy Efficient blog.

Call the Glass Doctor…we fix your panes.

Being Energy Efficient

Judy Freeman — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 19:57:22 +0000

Being Energy Efficient

Judy Freeman

Tuesday, March 10, 2015 - 2:57pm

Being Energy Efficient

When was the last time you walked through the mall haphazardly tossing $5 bills into the air for strangers to retrieve? Probably never. Throwing money into the air is certainly not something that we are in the habit of doing. After all, we’ve got bills, groceries, daycare, college tuition, summer vacation…

But now think about your home and how much energy sneaks out from drafty windows or eyesore appliances. You’re throwing money into the air and you don’t even realize it. Your Glass Doctor^® specialist has come up with a list of ways to help you stop throwing money into the air, be more energy efficient and ultimately save money!

Windows and Doors

•   Replace single-pane windows with insulated glass units (IGUs).
•   Seal any window gaps that can allow for drafts.
•   Install door sweeps at the bottom of front and back door.

$$$ Windows and Doors Money Tip: You can save $126 - $465 a year by replacing single-pane windows.

Appliances

•   Replace older appliances with ENERGY STAR appliances.
•   Run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.
•   Unplug ‘vampire appliances’ like coffee makers, blenders, toasters and microwaves when not in use.

$$$ Appliances Money Tip: Replacing an old refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR refrigerator will save you about $46 a year and replacing an old dishwasher can save you about $40 per year.

Hot Water Heater

•   Set water heater temperature to 120 degrees.
•   Cover hot water heater with an insulated water heater blanket.
•   Insulate hot water pipes.

$$$ Hot Water Heater Money Tip: For every 10 degrees you reduce the hot water heater temperature, it can save you 3% - 5% on your water heating costs.

What to Look for in Energy Efficient Windows

Super User — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 05:00:00 +0000

What to Look for in Energy Efficient Windows

Super User

Friday, April 18, 2014 - 12:00am

Everyone loves a little sun … but not necessarily in the comfort of their home. Spring and summer temperatures rise and can seep through window panes, heating up the house and even damaging furniture.

Inefficient windows can be responsible for 20 percent of your home’s energy loss. Upgrading to energy efficient windows saves money and boosts home value. When window shopping, lend attention to the details and you’ll see major differences in your energy bill. We’ve put together a checklist to help make window updates a breeze.

The quick fix: if you’re looking to increase efficiency on a budget, weatherstrip or add storm windows to existing windows to cure air leaks.
Familiarize yourself with energy performance ratings suitable for your home’s design and the climate surrounding it.
Add sunglasses to your house. Look for windows with low emissivity glass, featuring thin, transparent metallic coatings that reflect the sun’s heat away from your home. It allows cool air to stay inside and prevents sun-damaged furniture.
Choose fiberglass or vinyl frames. Although, wood and aluminum can be efficient, fiberglass & vinyl take the cake. They’re designed to outfit the heaviest panes of glass and reduce noise.
Keep spacers in mind. A window’s spacer keeps the perfect amount of distance between window panes for the best airflow. It contributes to insulation and heat reduction.

May your home be cooler and your pockets fuller during spring and summer months. And, remember, your local Glass Doctor^® is a phone call away.

http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/energy-efficient-windows

http://www.glassdoctor.com/Home-Glass-Products/Home.html

http://www.milgard.com/understanding-windows-and-doors/energy-efficient-windows/what-to-look-for/