It seems that once again that energy is a top concern in the United States. Not that it hasn’t been, but more so these days. Since the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, thoughts the planet preservation have become more pervasive for a lot of folks. I know they have been for me.

When a great disaster such as this happens, it gives us pause to think about what part we played in this horrendous environmental calamity. And if you think that any one of us are blameless, even in the smallest way, then you are deluded. We all consume energy, because we live on the planet and we buy “Stuff” which takes energy either to make or operate, or both. So what can we do to help? Realistically, what measureable difference can we possibly make in the grand global scheme of things? We as individuals are but a mere drop in the bucket of global energy consumption.

One type of smart window uses a small electric current to change the state of suspended particles in a glass panel to make them line up to make the glass clear, like normal windows. As the electric current is decreased, the particles flow back to a less aligned, more random pattern causing the window to become opaque or darken. Some types can darken more than others, blocking more UV light allowing homes to stay cooler in high heat condition, thus saving energy on cooling bills.

These type windows are known as suspended particle devices or (SPD) windows. Although this type of window has been around for some time, the technology still isn’t in wide spread use for several reasons. It tends to be expensive because of the great deal of modifications needed to implement the replacement of existing windows with windows that can utilize the SPD process.

New technologies are being developed that will allow existing windows to be retrofitted to allow the use of SPD’s in existing windows in simpler process, which should help to bring these windows mainstream.

Liquid Crystal windows also work similarly to (SPD) windows but there is no gradual or intermediate state. The windows are either clear or opaque depending on whether an electric field is applied or not. Both good choices for certain purposes, but a new and possibly better technology my over shadow both these other types of energy efficient windows HERE

Replacement Windows Withstand Recession

While most things in the economy seem to be in a downward trend, replacement windows appear to be somewhat recession proof. Sales and installations of new replacement windows are considered to be holding steady by those in the replacement window retail and installation trade.

Home owners who are staying in their homes have not given up on doing what they can to improve the quality and value of their homes. Many are doing this by installing new replacement windows from a variety of manufactures. Although retail sales are not necessarily on an upswing, replacement windows sales have not slumped as other retail markets have over the last year.

RWI economist Peggy Ungler said that overall most economists have no real data so far as to why the replacement window market has been holding so strong in the face of such a strong economic down turn. Forward thinking would seem to suggest home owners are doing all they can to maintain the value of their homes through these tough times, while saving as much money energy wise as they can...more HERE

DIY: You are better than you think!

If you DIY (Do It Yourself) long enough, you will probably run into a project which will beat you down. One of those projects that turned out to be far more than you had ever contemplated. One that you didn’t see yourself being able to complete because of either the sheer size or complexity it entails. Usually when you finally come to the realization that it’s time to call in the professionals, the project may be at a point that professionals are reluctant to tackle it for any of a number of reasons.

Some professionals may refuse to finish a job that others have started. Others may look at a particular unfinished job and decide like you did, that it is going to be very complex. Knowing that, they would rather have nothing to do with it. Still other professionals hold the whole DIY concept in contempt and refuse to do work for those they know embrace the do it your self work ethic.

For what ever reason, sometimes it is hard, if not impossible to find a contractor who can effectively take on or complete a job the way you..more HERE

Replacement windows: No Big Secrets, Some Negative Aspects (Part 2)

by Scott Best

This article is long over due so let’s recap just a bit. I stated in an earlier article that it’s true that replacement windows save money in energy costs. It’s true that the proper replacement windows, installed properly can add value to your home. It’s true that the cost to replace windows today is by comparison, cheaper then it has ever been.

And I stated that 70% of homes 10 years old or older can benefit from the installation of replacement windows, all true and good. Then I went on to explain how the determination of the windows and seals leads to energy loss and how to spot it. Then I tried to explain how in some cases replacing windows could cause some heating systems to be less efficient, by virtue of combustible air starvation. If you need any clarification on this please see the first article, and read about negative air pressure.

Now it’s long past time for me to talk about another concern when replacing windows and doors in your home, and that is indoor air pollution. You might think that the idea of indoor air pollution is, well almost incongruous, but it really isn’t. In fact indoor air quality under the right (actually wrong) conditions, can be as bad or worse then many major metropolitan cities during a smog alert. That’s right; the air in a tightly sealed home can be worse then city smog, if not dealt with properly..Read Entire Article Here!

New technologies bring greater energy efficiency to replacement windows

Over the years, there has been a steady stream of new technologies that have improved the quality and energy efficiency of new and replacement windows. Some have been readily adopted and others have been less well received for a myriad of reasons...More Here

Straight Talk about Replacement Windows

Anyone who has done any checking into replacement windows has heard all the hype from all the window manufactures about how good their windows are and how much money they will save if they replace their windows ...More Here

Choosing the correct replacement windows

Windows are the eyes of a home. From inside, you see the outside world through them. It has been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. For a home, you can gain a sense of its character by examining its windows...More Here

Avoiding leaks when installing vinyl retrofit windows

These days a lot of homeowners are replacing their old windows with vinyl windows using the retrofit style of window frame. This is particularly true in the west, and specifically, in California. The number one arguement that I have heard against using the retrofit method,is that it is susceptible...More

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Buying Replacement Windows

While most buyers of double glazing are looking for replacement windows to help reduce their energy costs, or because their old windows are rattling in their frames, there's a whole class of buyers who are replacing perfectly good window frames for the sake of having the windows they...More

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Smart Windows Help Make Homes Green

New smart windows technology adds greater green value to replacement windows....More

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Installer Offers Advice

To install new vinyl replacement windows is not rocket science. With these tips, some simple tools and printed instructions from your supplier, you can easily install your own vinyl replacement windows. ...More