HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2012-05-03, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
AGRICULTURAL
RENOVATIONS
RESIDENTIAL
Call 519-527-1538
Tarion Home Warranty Builders
Replacing windows can help conserve heat, energyThere are a lot of renovations ahomeowner can do to try and
increase the energy efficiency of
their home, however many of them
represent huge investments in time
and money.
One relatively small and
inexpensive project anyone can
either undertake or have done for
them is to replace older windows
with newer, more effective models.
Newer homes, for example, need
to meet certain requirements when it
comes to energy consumption and
energy conservation and windows,
while providing light and fresh air to
a home, prove to be a barrier to
reaching those requirements. For
that reason, higher-end windows are
needed to keep the heat in during the
winter and the heat out in the
summer and make the work done by
heating and cooling systems easier
and less energy intensive.
North Huron Township’s Chief
Building Official Dave Black said
there is an ongoing issue when it
comes to trying to keep heating and
cooling costs done and windows
factor into that battle.
“Windows are an element in
building structures that need to be
looked as an element of the heating
and cooling system,” he said. “There
are many elements in the system that
dictate how effective it is.”
He said replacing windows can be
a great way to begin making a new
house more energy efficient because
windows, as a part of a heating and
colling system, have evolved.
“Windows have gone from single
pane to multiple thermal panes with
glazed glass,” he said, indicating
those improvements are a direct
result of trying to create a window
which insulates better. “Betterwindows don’t allow loss of heat orcold and don’t allow drafts meaningenergy costs can be lowered.”Multi-pane windows provide a
barrier of air or injected gas which
provides better protection against
the outside temperatures and helps
maintain inside temperature.
He said replacing any older part of
a system with a better alternative can
improve the system but windows,
like doors, aren’t the kind of project
that can be done haphazardly. The
benefits to a new window or door
rely on the quality of the job done
with installation.
“Replacing older systems with
higher-end ones can definitely save
energy and money, but with
windows and doors there has to be a
level of proficiency to the
replacement job for it to affect the
system,” he said. “You have to use
caulking and sufficiently seal the
door or window and surrounding
area to prevent drafts and stop air
from escaping the building.”
He said individuals with a
background in construction should
be able to do it but also indicated
there are many qualified individuals
locally who can replace windows
quickly. He said some people may
prefer that because they will then
know it is installed properly.
Choosing a window, according to
Black, is like choosing a car.
“The less money you spend, the
less efficient the unit is going to be,”
he said. “Obviously you will see a
savings if you upgrade from a
single-pane window to a two-pane
window, and, if you install it
properly you’ll see a definite
increase based on the value of the
window.”
The “Cadillac” of windows,
according to Black, would be a
higher-end model with triple glazingand ultraviolet glazing.“Not only will the window operatesmoother but it will provide the bestinsulation,” he said. “That, of
course, is dependant on the window
being installed and sealed correctly.”
While North Huron Township
does not require a building permit
for windows to be replaced provided
it doesn’t require any change to the
structure according to Black, some
municipalities do have to issue
permits for windows and
doors before changes can be made,
so he encourages would-be
renovators to talk to their local
municipality.
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Farm Equipment Ltd.
Email: mcgavin@ezlink.ca Web Page: http://www.mcgavinequip.com
519-527-0245 Walton 519-887-6365 Fax: 519-887-6381
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By Denny ScottThe Citizen