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The Citizen, 1991-05-29, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 29,1991.THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 29,1991. PAGE 17. New energy efficient windows keep heat at home Household hazardous wastes can be cut When the time comes to replace the windows in your home, or to buy windows for your new dream home, you need to know how mod­ em windows can save energy and provide much greater comfort. Not so long ago, the only way to make windows warmer in the win­ ter was put up storm windows or add a second piece of sliding glass. The next step was sealed glazing, sometimes called "thermal pane". Then, as manufacturers tried to make better windows more suited for our cold Canadian climate, came sealed triple glazing. But now, with the latest advances in window technology, today's win­ dows provide coziness and warmth, are simple to operate and clean, and almost never experience the fog­ ging and dripping of condensation on the glass. Here's the latest technical infor­ mation a wise shopper needs to purchase high-performance win­ dows. STANDARD TRIPLE GLAZING It used to be that the best way to improve the thermal performance of windows was to go to a third pane of glass - sealed triple glazing. Glass by itself has no insulation value - it’s the air between the panes that insulates. Triple glazing increased the performance of a window by adding an extra, second air space. However, there are more sophis­ ticated, and effective ways of improving performance. GLASS COATINGS Today's best windows use an invisible "low emissivity" or low-E coating on the glass to reduce heat loss by reflecting radiant heat back into the room. Some manufacturers use a plastic film with a low-E coating as the middle glazing to provide the advantages of triple glazing plus low-E. A low-E dou­ ble-glazed unit has about the same insulation value as a standard triple-glazed one. The lower the emissivity, the more effective it is, so check the low-E number when comparison shopping and be sure the glass is labelled "Low-E" before you buy. GAS FILLED The insulation value of a sealed glazing is greater if argon gas is used to fill the unit. Argon makes a low-E unit even better, and most manufacturers now include argon fill for free when you order low-E units. Because low-E, argon win­ dows lose less energy, they have a much warmer glass temperature on the inside surface. Because the glass is warmer, these windows should not experience condensation in most parts of southern Canada. Again, make sure the window is marked as "low-E plus argon" as both these components are invisible and you can't tell they are there 'Clean' cleaning Prior to the "chemical revolu­ tion", householders used creative non-toxic remedies for everyday cleaning problems. Experiment with these: • Baking soda is a non-abrasive scouring powder. • Use vinegar and water for win­ dows and smooth surfaces. • For gleaming wood furniture, use 1 tbsp, melted carnauba wax mixed with 2 cups mineral oil, or dissolve 1 tsp. lemon oil in 2 cups mineral oil. • Rub toothpaste on wood to remove water stains. simply by looking. HIGH-PERFORMANCE TRIPLE GLAZING Standard triple glazing has been largely replaced by low-E double glazing. However, extra high-per­ formance windows are possible using low-E, argon-filled triple glazing. These windows are partic­ ularly suited for colder climates and northern locations. IMPROVED EDGE SEALS As the glass part of windows gets better, you have to look for similar improvements in the rest of the window. Metal spacers conduct heat rapidly and substantially decrease a window's insulation value. Non-conductive spacers, such as butyl-metal or insulated spacers, reduce heat loss and the alternatives • Avoid aerosol products; mist particles can enter the blood stream. Use pump or spray bottles. • Boil cinnamon and cloves in water on stove for "potpourri" air freshener. • Clean upholstery or carpet stains immediately with cold water or club soda. Open drains with metal snake or plunger. Keep drains clean with rinses or boiling water twice a week. PAINT AND SOLVENTS • Use latex or water-based paints whenever possible. They don't require thinners or solvents. potential for condensation around the edges. Insulated spacers are new on the market, so be sure you ask for them. CHOOSING NEW WINDOWS Deciding which windows to buy is no easy matter. First decide which style you want and then look for high-performance glazings to increase comfort and energy effi­ ciency. Don’t consider any window without an IGMAC certification number on the glazing or without CSA A440 testing; both require­ ments are mandatory in the Build­ ing Code. A new Energy Rating system for windows is being developed by the Government of Canada and is already being used by some manu­ facturers. Some provincial electrici­ ty utilities already offer consumer incentives to help buy high-perfor­ mance windows. Check to see if your local utility offers a rebate and, if so, the minimum Energy Rating it requires. Why are household hazardous wastes so important? Household hazardous wastes present serious environmental problems when disposed of: • directly into thee ground or open bodies of water • into existing sewer systems, or • at municipal landfills and waste disposal grounds. Each of these unsatisfactory alternatives provides the means for harmful chemicals to enter the environment. Serious injuries can occur to waste collectors and landfill opera­ tors from household hazardous wastes discarded into regular waste collection systems or sites. What are household hazardous wastes? Most people are not sure what household hazardous wastes really are. Harzardous wastes in the home usually arise from ordinary house­ hold products such as cleaning flu­ ids, solvents and paints, or automotive and garden care prod­ ucts. An easy way to familiarize your­ self with most household hazardous wastes is to look on container labels for danger symbols. Howev­ er, hazardous wastes such as crank case oil and oil-based paints will not be identified this way. NOTICE TO BRUSSELS PUC CUSTOMERS Anyone interested In participating in a program sponsored by Ontario Hydro for the installation of Water Heater Blankets and energy efficient shower heads, please leave your name at the Clerk’s office by Tuesday, May 28,1991. Donna M. White Manager, Brussels P.U.C. Don’t Throw Away A Good Thing Let us fix it for you! Before you give your broken down refrigerator, or air conditioner their walking papers, give us a call. 3 5 J [KJ ===== THE "ULTIMATE" IN ENERGY SAVING! == MICROWAVE COOKING POWER UP! 700/800 WATTS FASTER COOKING FASTER REHEATING FASTER DEFROSTING Quasar has stepped up the power on Its microwaves to give you even faster cooking, reheating and defrosting. The Increase In wattage makes them the most powerful ovens of their size. ASK ABOUT OUR MICROWAVE/CONVECTION/COMBINATION/BROILER FOR COOKING METHODS WITH ONLY ONE INCREDIBLE OVEN We can make most household appliances work like new again for a very small cost. • Servicing all makes & models • No job too big or small • All repairs guaranteed SAXON APPLIANCE REPAIR LTD. 887-9287 RR. 3, Brussels If Your Energy Costs are Sky High, Consider Propane If your energy costs are soaring, there is something you can do about it. Switch to clean burning, economical propane gas. Electricity costs more than propane / because it isn’t as efficient. Propane retains nearly 85% of its original fossil fuel energy. Safe, economical propane. It’s the best way to land energy savings. Call us for more information today! Reliable Energy Since 1951 The quickest method to cook and defrost foods. You can literally prepare delicious meals in minutes I Combination cooking has all the advantages of a conventional oven, but takes only a fraction of the time. It combines microwave and convection cooking in one countertop oven for quickly browned roasts. 1 3 COMBINATION MICROWAVE 2 CONVECTION Clrculsted heat maintains a temperature level that bakes and browns cakes, pies, bread and pastries, as well as delicious casseroles. 4 BROILING Broiling Is a favorite method to prepare steaks, chops, ham­ burgers and more. With Convec­ tion Broiling, the heat cooks the outside quickly and seals in juices and nutrients for better flavor. SEE OUR COMPLETE LINE TODAY AT YOUR APPLIANCE AND HOME ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE 132 Main St. W., Listowel 291-3810 or 291-4430 EXTERIOR ALKYDEXTERIOR LATEXINTERIOR LATEX PRIMERPRIMERPRIMERSFINISHES FINISHESFINISHES CEILING ^OLDFIELD RADIO SHACKHARDWARE /hack RIDUCFD POUUbON WATf R BASE PAW I approved within the Sko's products are al mercury and lead-free constantly working towards the lasting Beauty of our