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This year’s big home improvement trend is not the hottest paint color or the newest
counter top surface, it’s practical improvement with a capital P. With a stagnant economy, American
homeowners may not be in a buy/sell mode but rather a remodel and remain put
mentality, tackling projects that will add efficiency and value to their home,
versus aesthetic sizzle. In many areas, that practicality translates into
greater energy efficiency and living “green.”
Living la vida verde
Living the green life is now easy. Every aisle you turn to in home improvement
centers has energy-efficient, green materials as options―from flooring to light
bulbs to heating and cooling systems to even the bag you choose to carry your
products home.
Indeed, the greening of America has gone from being a passing fad to a practical
way of life for many homeowners in a budget-tightening economy. The first area
to consider: windows and doors.
In a recent national study conducted by Kelton Research, nearly two out of three
(65 percent) homeowners believe that energy efficiency is the most important
quality to consider when choosing new windows. The virtues of “green” energy-efficient windows easily won out over other qualities like durability,
safety, ease of use, soundproofing and clarity.
In the study, over half (51 percent) of Americans said that of anything in their
home, windows offer the most potential when it comes to improved energy
efficiency—
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more than other products such as lights (48 percent), insulation (48 percent)
and heating systems (43 percent).
For the second consecutive year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
and Department of Energy (DOE) have named Pella Corporation the 2008 ENERGY
STAR Partner of the Year award for the Product Manufacturer—windows category—for Pella’s outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing
and educating consumers about energy-efficient products.
The right time
Deciding when to replace your windows or doors is important to the value of your
home, consider these signs as indicators that old windows need an upgrade:
Poor performance – opening and closing is difficult; air leaks in, out or around the window;
condensation or fogging occurs between glass panes; windows are painted or
nailed shut and virtually impossible to open.
Looks – chipping, deterioration or water stains on the window or the area around the
window (inside or out); design or style that doesn’t blend well with the rest of the home.
Effort – cleaning is a major hassle; replacement parts are hard to find or even
non-existent.
Remodelors Council member Salty Thomason is the General Manager of Pella Windows
& Doors in Houston.
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To find a qualified
GHBA remodeler
in your area, visit |
