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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. McGavin Farm Equipment Ltd. Email: mcgavin@ezlink.ca Web Page: http://www.mcgavinequip.com 519-527-0245 Walton 519-887-6365 Fax: 519-887-6381 www.echo.ca Only MSRP $199.95 After $20. mail-in rebate Only MSRP $199.95 MSRP $259.95 Only PLUS get a with purchase of any ECHO power tool from a participating ECHO dealer. *$20 Mail-in Rebate in effect until July 31, 2012 at this participating ECHO dealer. Prices do not include applicable taxes. STAIRS & RAILINGS INTERIOR TRIM KITCHEN CABINETS 519-357-3889 YOUR LOCAL DEALER Small Engine Repair SALES & SERVICE 519-523-9603 dkrepair@tcc.on.ca NOT SO LITTLE! Over the years many people have complimented The Citizen as “a nice little paper”. Today The Citizen is #3 in paid circulation of the 8 newspapers serving Huron County. The Citizen Proudly Community-Owned Since 1985 By Denny ScottThe Citizen