subject: Some Tips On Choosing Windows For Your Home Improvement Project [print this page] Taking good care of your home is as important as putting money in your savings account on a regular basis. Well maintained homes are worth more money than those which need lots of deferred maintenance. By keeping up with small fixes, you will keep your home at it's prime market value.
While home improvements are a pretty serious challenge, you should enjoy yourself while you do the work. If you are not finding a project fulfilling, you may not complete it. Finding simple ways to make projects more fun, can not only ensure you will finish them, but also, make the progress seem quicker.
As more and more people look for affordable ways to convey style and distinction, lighting companies are stepping up to the plate with mid-range price points and smaller versions of their most elaborate pieces. A mini-chandelier in your bedroom or master bathroom is a tongue-in-cheek accent piece that is perfectly suited to a contemporary look and feel.
Hiring a professional organizer for a home storage makeover, can do wonders for your home's look. Most of us have catch all areas throughout the house, where items tend to go to die. We all have areas that we look at and say that we'll straighten it out tomorrow. A professional organizer can suggest changes you can make to avoid these problem areas and make your home more efficient.
Windows And Doors
Hunt down drafts in your house around your windows and doors, and seal them with insulation or weather-stripping to make your home more energy-efficient. On a breezy day, hold a lit candle or a stick of burning incense around the edges of your doors and windows -- with the drapes tied back away from the edges -- to easily spot drafty areas as the flame moves or the smoke wafts.
Save energy and money by using passive solar heating. Use thermal drapes on your windows and keep them open during the sunny part of the day in winter and closed during the sunny part of the day in summer. Be sure to seal out drafts around windows and doors to prevent unwanted hot or cold air from entering.
Energy Efficient Windows
Always select energy-efficient windows for home improvement projects. Modern windows conserve energy in a variety of ways, from special glass coatings to tight-sealing gaskets. The most efficient of modern double-glazed windows even have noble-gas-filled glazing cavities to prevent heat transmission. High-tech windows can help the homeowner realize significant savings on heating and cooling.
Get windows that have secondary glazing. They are costlier, but they lower energy bills and reduce noise significantly. Consider switching to these when making renovations to save yourself time and money in the long run. Saving money is worth the initial investment.
New Windows
Having new windows installed in your home can be very beneficial. Old windows often do not have a tight seal and allow heat and air to escape, causing an increase in your monthly electric bill. Double pane, vinyl windows are a great choice. Not only do they make your home more energy efficient, but they are easy to clean and increase your home's value.
Are your windows outdated? Do they provide the right insulation? Maybe one or two of them are cracked or perhaps the style and design just doesn't fit the times anymore. Updating to new windows improves the beauty of your home as well as the value. Consider getting new windows if it is time.
One energy-efficient improvement you can make to your home is to replace your windows. Older-style single-panel windows don't insulate the inside of your home nearly as well as the newer double-panel style. New windows will increase the aesthetic beauty of your home while saving you money each month in electricity bills.
