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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1979-10-25, Page 38Page 8t Energy and money savers , . Replacement, storm windows cut fuel use, add comfort REPLACE LOOSE -FITTING, rusty old windows like this with snug -fitting aluminum -framed unite, that can cut (neat loss through the window substantially. Pre•-assennbleel aluminum re -- placement and storm windows don't need painting and can lee renurvett or tilted -in for easy ole g. Learn to conserve water at home . Home water conservation can save a lot more than H2O. It can also be a profitable experience. Changes in lifestyle can con- tribute greatly to a water conser- vation program. Coupled with home improvements and the use of new energy saving devices, savings can be measured in gal- lons as well as dollars and cents. Helpful booklet To establish or enhance home conservation efforts, the Na- tional Association of Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors and Bradley Cot oration have published a 12 -page brochure of helpful suggestions for home. - 'owners. Entitled "Let's Make An En- ergy Check All Around the Home," the brochure is divided into sections with water and en- ergy conservation tips for the plumbing, heating and air con- ditioning systems. The brochure encourages ho'meowners to be conserva- tion -conscious in their daily lives. Practical though often overlooked suggestions in- clude: • Lowered water heater set- tings—especially on days when hot water isn't needed often. • Full Toads only for the dish- washer and washing machines. • A container of cold water stored in the refrigerator. This keeps a cold water supply on hand and avoids wastefully run- ning thewater while it gets cold. • Soaking of dishes during the day in the kitchen sink, en- abling the use, of shorter wash- ing cycles. " Water saving equipment cur- rently available through plumb- ing contractors is also listed in the brochure. -This includes low capacity . toilets which consume fewer gallons per flush; hot water dis- pensers which•provide instant hot water and eliminate the need for running fauc.c.ts to get the right temperature; faucet and showerhead devices to restrict water flow; water heater sizes to match family needs and insula- tion kits for water heaters. Collectively these items can make a major difference in the average amount of water and energy consumed in the home. Every little bit helps Minor, adjustments alo•ne,.. such as the repair of a leaky fau- cet, also can make,a major con- tribution. A faucet which loses only .I/a of a gallon every 10 minutes can.cost a homeowner over $20 annually. .Tips for more efficient opera- • tion from the heating and cool- ing systems, such as scheduled replacement of dirty filters and the installation of attic vent fans, are also included in the brochure. • In some cases, a thermostati- cally controlled attic vent fan re- moves heat build-up and can save as much as one-third on air conditioning energy costs. . Give a fresh new look. to the same old furniture If one glance around your home brings on thoughts of a complete overhaul—but you can't afford it—cheer up. Sim- ple ideas that don't cost lots of time or money can provide a fresh new look. Here are some suggestions: • Play musical chairs art: rearrange paintings or move them from room to room. • Do the same with furniture. Form an "island" in the center of the living room by moving the couch and one or two arm- chairs into a cozy grouping. The open area around the perimeter is a perfect place for plants. • Kitchen walls have a mean way of getting soiled. Just spray the soiled areas with Grease reliefs all-purpose degreaser, and you can wipe the dirt away with a damp sponge. •.Borrow your child's cray- ons to remove scratches on wood f(arniture.'Choose a black crayon for blacklurniture and dark brown for mahogany pieces. Just rub the crayon on the scraiches. then buff the marks thoroughly with a dry cloth. • A shower curtain will get clean in the washing machine, Fill the machine with hot water. the shower curtain and two bath towels. Adt'• IA cup each of de- tergent and bleach. Run through entire cycle, and rinse in plain water to which you haye added at least one cup of vinegar. Do not rinse the vinegar out. and do not spin dry..Be sure to put in the bath towels, because this methoe won't work without them. Rising fuel costs and lowered thermostats may make you feel uncomfortable this coming win- ter if your windows and doors aren't sealed effectively against leaks and drafts. Where windows are worn, warped or loose -fitting, modern replacement windows may be your solution. However, if your existing windows are in repairable con- dition, storm sash will give you the needed protection. Offset initial cost Either way, savings in energy will help to offset the initial ex- pense because good replace- ment or storm windows and doors, properly installed. can cut heat loss through these aper tures by as much as 40 percent. In tfddition, Uncle Sam will help defray some of the cost by allowing you a tax deduction of 15 percent of the first $200C you spend for such fuel -saving devices. Never need painting - Aluminum-•fkaned replace- ment and storm windows con- tinue to be the most popular type because. they never need re- painting or require maintenance and, although they are light- weight and easy to handle, they won't shrink, swell or rot. • Standard sizes fit most types of windows—picture, bay, dou- ble -hung, single -hung, vertical and horizontal sliders, and doors of all kinds. If your windows are not stan- dard size, aluminum replace- ments and storm can be custom - fitted hi -accommodate any size opening. You can order thorn in anodized finishes or painted to match or blend with any decor. Replacement windows conn as completely pre -assembled units with aluminum frame, bal- ances, hardware, weather-strip- ping and trim. and some have self -storing screens. The newest and best of these are thermalized. This means that an insulating material in the frame ,and in the sash, along - with insulating glass (two or three sheets of glass separated by a dead air space), helps keep heat inside during the winter and outside in summer. These aluminum replacement windows insulate lust as well as wood and , in most elimates. don't require storm sash. Other aluminum -framed re \placements come with either double or single glazing plus storm windows and •self -storing screens. There are sliders that lift out and new double -hung windows that tilt into the room for easy • cleaning. All of then) can effect sub- stantial fuel savings. If 'heating - oil reaches the anticipated 80v a gallon by mid -winter, a family in Minneapolis, Minn., with window arca of 250 sq. ft. and using oil heat, could save as mulch as $3 ing old wi lized, dour) car by replac- with therma- zed,aluntinum plus storm sash; in Des Moines, Iowa, $275; and in New Haven, Conn., $240. Triple the savings . Savings.could be three times more if they heat with electricity and about half with gas.'As fuel costs rise still further savings can climb proportionately. Wherc'prime windows do not have a serious air leakage prob- lem and can be caulked and weather-stripped pr'operly to make then relatively airtight. storm windows•ntay be your solution. Such an investment, Tess costly than replacement win- dows, could pay for itself within three to six years by similar re- ductions in heat loss' and fust use. A storm window provides a second window over the origi- nal glass. and its low -mainte- nance aluminum frame helps to reduce air leakage around the perimeter of the prime window. Leave air space For storm windows to be most effective, there should he an air space of at (cast one inch between the two windows he• cause. just as with double - glazed replacement windows, this air space acts as insulation. Storm windows should fit snugly and have weep:holes at the sill. to allow for sufficient "breathing"'to the outside. This reduces condensati,un on the window panes and sill. Most popular variety The most popular storm is the triple -track aluminum -framed window with self -storing•;• screens that slide neatly into place. They, too, come in mill, anodized and painted finishes and in standard sizes and cus• tom fit. Shop carefully before you se- lect any new window}, and compare the quality of the var- ious types available. Look for neat, strong. joints, a substantial frame and general construction. glass that weighs. at least 18 ounces per square foot,' and thick weather-stripping. Try to sec complete windows as well as the small sample in the salesman's kit: • Look for certification Look for the certification scal of the Architectural Aluminum Manufacturers Association. It indicates that the window meets voluntary industry standards. When you're buying storm doors, apply. the same princi- ples. These tome in designs, size and colors to suit virtually any style home and decor. ENERGY SAVER! THE FIRESIDE CARMOR. Behind that beautiful exterior, lies a hearth more'efficient than most. ..Cumhuu'the enloymen! of wait( hing.1 cosy fire with the increased) oil( it'll( \ Of a dclwndratt `tou('. 1 ratted brass plated door,- high•Lt'mp Klass • Formed linimax':e" steel plate • Larµ(- cuokinµ surface • Il) hour burn • Ill year Limited Warranty • heats 1811(1 s(I ft. • 211" high x 1i".wde x 11" deep • Installs arms here! 111( ill 1111( It 's.(1 81(,155 \\'IIII _WISE APPLIANCE CENTRE Bayfield Rd. CLINTON .482-7062 When you think about it, WASTING ENERGY CAN BE A PANE! Now's the time to replace broken glass in your attic, basement or garage windows and doors. Also, storm windows and doors are a necessity. Here at Goderich Glass we can repair your present storms or replace them with custom built ones. Call today for an estimate, service or just some good advice about your win- dow panes! IF IT'S GLASS OR MIRRORS OR... •THERMO-PANE INSULATED GLASS •MIRRORS (ALL SHAPES & SIZES) •WINDOW REPAIR •RESCREENING •FURNITURE TOPS *SHELVING •STAINED GLASS •PLEXIGLASS •STORM WINDOWS & DOORS & REPAIRS •PATIO STORM DOORS •TRIPLE GLAZED INSULATING GLASS •SERVICE TO ALL MAKES OF COMMERCIAL DOORS AND CLOSERS CALL US/FIRST..... If we can't do it we'll tell you who can! 0 • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • INSTITUTIONAL • RESIDENTIAL off.©rcT IaSs- LIMITED 49 South St., Goderich 524-2671 or 524-2'672