Energy Star- Energy Efficient Window Seal.

I had to choose the best energy efficient replacement windows for home I’m building in a cold climate.  Choosing the best windows for energy efficiency and your budget can be difficult and with the new energy star ratings and tax incentives to replace you old windows, its a smart way to start improving your home.

What Makes Windows Energy Efficient?

The best energy efficient replacement windows use Low-e Glass and are typically dual paned and gas filled.

Low-E stands for low emissivity and is a  new advance in glass and window technology. Basically metallic coating—applied to a surface of glass—that reflects and re-radiates heat energy  into or out of a home depending on climate conditions. Using Low- Eis an excellent way to increase the energy efficiency of a window. In fact, it’s so effective that every window with Low-E is ENERGY STAR® compliant in most regions of the U.S.

What is Energy Star?

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. government program.  The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency with the cooperation of manufacturers—that’s designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels through the education of consumers. Windows and doors can carry the ENERGY STAR label if they are tested by an independent laboratory through the NFRC program and meet specific, predetermined U-value ratings. By selecting ENERGY STAR products, you will reduce your energy costs and help make the environment cleaner.

Are Gas Filled Windows Efficient?

Air needs to be as still as possible to have insulating value because moving

Dual Pane Gas Filled Windows Improve R-Value

air carries energy. Both argon and krypton are heavier than air—so they are less prone to convection or thermal movement. The bottom line is that heavier-than-air gases offer a higher level of insulation. By the way both argon and krypton are found naturally in the air you breathe and are completely harmless to humans.

Best Replacement Windows to Avoid.

In short if you plan on replacing the windows in your home and you want energy efficient replacement windows, don’t buy windows older than a few years, if you buying used.  Buying used window is Eco friendly way to improve the environment but they also need to be energy efficient if you care to make the improvement long term.

What is a Good U Factor for a Replacement Window?

U Factor numbers work from low to high.  A good U factor number for an efficient window would be .35 and lower.  A U Factor of .30 for instance is better than one with .35 and anything above .35 U factor is just not the best option for an energy efficient window.

I’ve recently looked into cedar siding and found a wide range of pricing, finding that odd, I began to look for the reason cedar log siding cost so much at one location and was nearly half at another.  This is what I’ve found.

Cedar Half Log Siding

Half Log Cedar Siding

The best cedar log siding is actually called “Half Log”. By half log they usually mean a thickness of at least 3″ three inches.  The reason the thickness is so important is because it is directly related to the logs profile.  While half log siding is not actually a “half log” it appears to be when installed correctly.  The 3 in. thickness gives the log siding a distinct appearance and it appears to actually be a full log, even up close.  The 3″ half log siding is also the log siding that is more expensive.

Quarter Log Cedar Siding

Quarter Log Cedar Siding

Quarter log cedar siding is usually about 1 and 1/2″ thick to 2″ thick and has a much flatter profile than the 3″ half log brother.  The quarter log siding is less expensive, and also looks much different. From afar it still gives the appearance of a log home but when closer it is obvious it is just a cedar log siding product.

I personally like the half log cedar siding style, I like the deeper profile as it is much more authentic looking.  With various corner treatments the 3″ siding can really be made to look like a log cabin and that is usually the goal when choosing Cedar.

Have you any experience with half log siding in cedar?

This and a few other ideas I’ll list are also free DIY burglar deterrent ideas that most any home can implement, some even yet this evening. DIY Burglar alarm systems are often the wirless variety and can be much easier to install.

One of the best burglar deterrents is an alarm. DIY Burglar alarms have been used for many years and they are effective for most, but not all burglars. The idea or science behind the burglar alarm is instant fear of being caught. When the burglar trips the alarm and the overwhelming noise is blasting in their ears, they think about getting caught and will usually run.

For many this is not an acceptable burglar deterrent for their home because just as the burglar alarm will scare the beans out of the robber, it will also scare you and your family.

Effective Burglar Detterents

A much better and probably the best way to deter a burglar is to start with the aesthetics of your home.  Lighting in and around your home is a top burglar deterrent. Most burglars will look to break into a home where the occupants aren’t home and your light can let them know, someone might be home.

The Best Burglar Deterrent

Another Do it yourself burglar deterrent is to put home securitysigns by your mail box and driveway.  If you leave home for long periods of time the sign can ward of a criminal even though they know your not at the house.  Neighbor hood watch signs are a great example of an effective burglar deterrent.  Well connected community and neighbors are probably the best burglar deterrent going.  Watching each others home and being open about is a great way to ward off would-be assailants.

How to repair PVC.

Repairing PVC pipe is inexpensive and quick fast.  You will need:

• PVC Glue
• PVC Solvent
• And Any PVC Fitting that you require.

How to Video on Fixing PVC Piping.