4 Reasons Retrofitting is a Better Idea than Window Replacement

According to the Preservation Green Lab, Americans spend over $17 billion annually on heating and cooling. Here in Dallas, we understand the importance of keeping the home comfortable, due to the fact we are the part of Texas that gets blistering hot summers and bitterly cold winters. However, before you whip out the phone and start pricing out new windows, consider a low cost retrofit.

1. The first reason is in that last statement: retrofitting saves you money! Whether you are weather stripping or sealing, installing exterior storm windows or interior cellular shades, you will get a better return on your investment than replacement.
2. Retrofitting saves energy as well as money. By combining exterior storm windows and cellular blinds with interior window panels, your windows will perform the same energy saving measures as new windows.
3. Climate is not a factor. You will save money and improve performance by retrofitting no matter what the climate.
4. If your home is historic, you could maintain visual appeal and historical integrity.

Questions? Drop a comment below or call me today.

Mary, Mary…

Mary, Mary quite contrary… How in the world does your garden grow?!! Some people are born gifted with flowers, shrubs and all plant type things. Some of us have to work, and work, and work and eventually hire someone with those gifts to help! I am told that green thumbs can be taught with lots of patience and love for plants. So today let’s talk about some low maintenance indoor plants that will help improve the quality of life.

This is a braided Ficus tree, you’ve probably seen dozens of fake versions of these. But truly a real one is almost as easy. It needs bright and indirect light, so if you have a sunroom or brightly lit office this is a great plant. They grow anywhere from 2′ to 6′, check with your local nursery to get the correct variety for your needs.

Chinese evergreen is probably the easiest to take care of, aside from air plants or cacti. They don’t need much light at all, a kitchen or bedroom with a window is plenty. They do require a good amount of water, but the leaves will tell you. They turn slightly yellow when the plant is too dry, add water and it springs back to life.

Ok these are for those of you that have kept a couple of low maintenance guys alive for a while… Miniature herb topiary, you can pick them up a certain plant nurseries. They are not only beautiful but you can even trim small portions of herbs off to cook with. The best plants for this are lavender, rosemary and even thyme can be crafted into a topiary. They need bright and direct sun light, think a south-facing kitchen window or sunroom. They also will need lots of water.

Plants improve indoor air quality and that is vital for the summer’s here in Dallas when we go months without the ability to open our windows to fresh air. Many nurseries have classes for those of us that weren’t born with the plant gene.

Check out my favorite nursery calendar here!

 

Do It Yourself Home Energy Audit

You don’t have to spend a bunch of money to start on the path to living green. There are simple do-it-yourself tests that can get you started and save you big bucks! Let’s take a look at some of the big ones.

Fix Air Leaks – Check anything that could potentially leak air; windows, duct work, outlets, faucets, pipes, wiring… on a cold or hot day these leaks may be easy to feel. This takes time, but can help you save up to 30% on your heating and cooling bills. That is huge!!! Make sure to use the appropriate filler for the area you are working with.

Add Insulation – You will want to add more insulation in areas that are deficient, however you MUST fix the air leaks first. Adding insulation will not help if the air leaks are not fixed. And after you add insulation finding those leaks will be almost impossible.

Inspecting HVAC equipment – You will want to hire a professional every year to do a thorough tune up on your units. Also make sure to be changing the air filter as required. This will help maintain better air quality in the home and will help your units operate at maximum efficiency.

Lighting – It is said that lighting can account for up to 10% of your homes electric bill… WHAT?!! Yep, 10%. I’m not saying spend hundreds of dollars and replace every lightbulb at once. But be mindful when you lights burn out to replace them with LEDs. Yes I know what you are thinking… You don’t like the color. Well give them a try, LEDs come in a wide variety of colors now and spending a couple extra dollars can get you a warm glow light that will last many more years than conventional lightbulbs.

Appliances and Electronics – Again, don’t rack up your credit cards and buy all new appliances. That would creat unnecessary waste! But if you find yourself in the market for a new fridge, tv, or anything that plugs in… Make an effort to look for energy-efficient items.

Here are some great resources to find more information on home energy audits.

http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/do-it-yourself-home-energy-audits

http://www.energystar.gov/

http://www.greenbuilding.com/homeowners/testing-energy-efficiency-your-home