It seems almost every year the government has been passing new laws to increase our country’s energy efficiency. While the federal government has instilled a few standards, recently we’ve seen more states passing legislation to make both residential and commercial buildings more energy efficient. In fact, just last year the California Energy Commission unanimously approved new energy efficiency standards for new homes and commercial buildings. Going into effect on January 1, 2014, these standards concentrate on windows, lighting, insulation, ventilation systems and other features that reduce energy use in buildings and homes.

So, the question on everyone’s minds: Is Arizona next? The purpose of increasing energy efficiency standards is to help residents save money and to drastically decrease green house gas emissions. The blistering Arizona sun leaves residents with little choice but to use their air conditioning religiously when the heat of summer hits. With the high amount of air conditioning usage in Arizona, it is safe to say that Arizona will most likely have increased energy efficiency standards in the coming years. The California Energy Commission’s 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards are 30 percent more efficient than previous standards for non-residential construction and 25 percent more efficient for residential construction.

With the high possibility of increased efficiency standards in the near future, it would be wise for homeowners and builders to consider Energy Star approved options. This way, homeowners can avoid the likelihood of having to replace windows again in the future. While these investments may cost a little more upfront, you are guaranteed to earn the extra cash back on your energy bills.

Experts say as much as 25 percent of a home’s cool air can escape out from sub-par windows. Not only would Energy Star approved windows seal up these leaks, but they also can reduce up to 99 percent of heat gain and harmful UV rays. Energy Star windows can also earn you tax incentives and sometimes even additional perks from local energy companies.

Switching to more energy efficient products before the regulations are put into place will leave you ahead of the curve and saving early. Even if the regulations are not put into place for a few years, you will never regret the significant amount of money saved on your energy bills, especially with summer right around the corner. To keep from being left with a significant amount of work on your hands come regulation time, upgrade sooner rather than later.

Here in Arizona, we seem to jump from one extreme temperature to the next. One season it’s nearly 115 degrees the whole month, the next it drops to about 20. This giant fluctuation in temperature change means that we are susceptible to a considerable reliance on our heating and air conditioning units. While it’s worth the price to keep your home comfortable, it can be shocking when you get that energy bill at the end of the month.

One of the easiest ways to regulate your home’s energy usage during these extreme weather months is to reduce your home’s draft. Don’t let the well-conditioned air in your home seep out! There are a lot of ways to do this, some less expensive than others. However, the main problem comes from your windows and doors. There could be some serious dough seeping out from under your older doors or single-pane windows.

Single pane windows are very easily subjected and changed by their outside environment because there is only the one glass pane between the outside world and the inside of your home. In some parts of the U.S., anywhere from 15 to 35 percent of heat loss can be attributed to the poor insulation of single pane windows.
Your best bet in this case to install triple pane windows. Yes, they are more expensive, but their benefits will save you on energy bills. By having an extra window pane between the outdoors and the inside of your house, window draft is greatly reduced.

In fact, in the last ten years, building codes have been substantially raised to demand more efficient windows. Most now require at least double pane windows. These demands will only continue to grow until eventually the only way to meet the standards will be by installing three or even four panes of glass. So, by installing triple pane windows, you’ll find yourself ahead of the curve when the bar is raised on energy efficient windows.
Draft between the cracks of your doors can also be a huge problem. One way to temporarily reduce draft at the bottom of your door is by filling a large tube sock with uncooked rice or beans and placing at the base of the door. However, these are extremely unattractive, wear down the finish on your floors quickly and do not permanently resolve the problem.

Replacing your doors and windows with newer ones that have better technology and insulation is an excellent investment. Not only will you get better insulation and a lower energy bill, but you will also vamp up your home’s curbside appeal with a new look.

With the fall chill in the air, there are several things you should consider doing to properly prepare your home for winter, even in you live in the Phoenix area. By having well-functioning windows, you can help conserve energy while minimizing your chances of experiencing leaks. A great deal of energy can be wasted through windows that are ready for an upgrade, so we recommend you consider these clues that your windows are ready to replace before winter.

Clue #1: Cracked Window
Many people notice cracks in their windows but decide not to fix them. If this is you, and you’ve been putting off replacing a cracked window, fall is the time to take that step to replace the window. Even if you just replace the individual window without upgrading, at least the new window will be more energy efficient than the cracked one.

Clue #2: Whistling
If you hear whistling through your windows when the wind blows, your windows are almost certainly leaking. Even if you aren’t willing to upgrade your windows now, we recommend that you at least find the leak and seal it with caulking or weather stripping to reduce energy loss and prevent water from entering your home.

Clue #3: You Don’t Have Storm Windows
One of the best ways to conserve energy during the winter is to replace your window screens with storm windows. If you don’t have storm windows, it’s important to upgrade them by purchasing these windows. This will give you an extra layer of protection to keep the cold outside and the heat inside.

Clue #4: Moisture Getting into Your Home
If you see moisture on your windowsills, on the flooring near windows or on furniture after it rains, this is an indication that your windows are ready to be upgraded. Adding weather stripping and caulking can be a temporary fix, but these clues of moisture tells you that it’s time to start looking into upgrading your windows.

Clue #5: Condensation Building Up Between Window Panes
Are you noticing condensation building up between your windowpanes? If so, this is a clue that one or both of your window panes is leaking. These leaks reduce the efficiency of your windows in addition to making it difficult to see out of the windows clearly.

If you’re seeing any of these clues that it’s time to replace the windows in your home, please contact us to request a quote on upgrading your windows.

When remodeling your home, replacing your windows can be the perfect way to give a room a new look.  Here at Republic West Home, we provide you plenty of choices for your new windows, but we know that the decision can be hard to make. Not to worry, because below is a description of each window we offer.

To make the right choice, it helps to understand the basics of window movement. In each window, the moveable section of glass is called the sash. Each option below comprises of sashes that move different ways to provide different amounts of air into the room.

1. A Double Hung Window is a window with two sashes that overlap each other and slide up and down in the frame. They are supported by spring balances to keep the sash in place at any point within the frame and since only half can open at one time, this window is great for letting only a little bit of air into the room.
2. A Slider Window is a horizontal window with two panes, one fixed and one moveable. This is a great window for above the kitchen sink and an inexpensive way to allow some light and air in without taking up too much space.
3. A Casement Window is one with a hinged sash that opens in or out like a door. Similar is the Awning Window that is hung horizontally with a sash that opens outward like an awning. Both of these options let in plenty of air and light and have lower air leakage since the sash closes by pressing against the frame.

If reading this has given you inspiration to replace your windows and let more fresh air into your home, please contact us.

In part 1 of this blog post we discussed the fact that Scottsdale window replacement services can save you a lot of money on your energy bill as well as provided information to help you determine if your home is need of new windows. This blog post will discusses features of high quality energy-efficient windows as well as discuss the benefits of these windows.

Recently, there have been numerous advances in window technology. Double- and triple-paned glass can keep your inside climate from seeping out windows. A gas, such as argon, can be sandwiched between panes to provide insulation, which slows heat transference and low-E film on glass directs heat back to its source, which keeps heat out on warm days and in on cold ones. Low-E film also reduces UV ray transmission, which prevents your furniture, carpets and drapes from fading.

Replacing your old and worn windows with new energy-efficient Scottsdale replacement windows will save you money on fuel costs and at the same time make your home more comfortable and enhance its appearance and value. Lower fuel consumption not only benefits you the homeowner but is also a great way to protect our environment by preserving our non-replenishable resources.

Also, you can now get a tax credit of up to $1500 for replacing your current windows with energy efficient Scottsdale replacement windows. Windows and skylights that are replaced with Energy Star certified replacements can have 30% of the purchase price written off. This is a great incentive for replacing your windows. Given both the rising costs of energy, combined with the always high summer temperatures of Scottsdale, window replacement brings continued savings each year, and for years to come.

For more information about Scottsdale window replacement services, contact Republic West.

It’s no secret that Phoenix window replacement saves money. The summer-long battle with the Arizona heat to keep your home cooler and more comfortable can become a costly one. Every time you reduce the temperature your thermostat to make your living rooms actually livable, you are spending more money to counter the effects of what is coming into your home through your windows. If you live in Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, or anywhere in the metro-region of Phoenix, window replacement can save you a lot of money.

There are several things you should consider when determining whether or not you need to replace your windows. One of the major considerations is security. Can your existing window be easily locked? As windows get older, they can become difficult to lock and can be easily opened from the outside.  Another consideration is safety. Can your bedroom windows be easily opened? Older windows can be difficult to open and in an emergency this can be an extreme safety hazard.

Perhaps the most common Phoenix window replacement consideration nowadays is energy costs. Inefficient windows can lead to 25 to 40% of the cool air in your house flying out the windows. Phoenix window replacement is a simple but very effective solution to the problem. A Phoenix window replacement expert can guide you through any of the options available, determining the best one for your specific home.

The following are factors that indicate inefficient windows are increasing your energy bill:

• Windows are 20 years or older
• Windows are single pane
• Windows are difficult to open or will not stay open
• There is condensation on the windows or sills
• Windows do not correctly lock or shut
• Windows are warped
• The wood around the window is peeling or rotting

For more information about Phoenix window replacement services, contact Republic West.

Heating Season Savings

In climates, such as Boston, with a significant heating season, home windows represent a major source of heat loss, condensation and discomfort problems. In the past few decades, windows have undergone numerous technological improvements and it is now possible to lower unwanted heat loss, air leakage and provide warmer window services that minimize condensation and improve comfort with energy efficient windows in Tempe or Boston.

Cooling Season Savings

In climates, such as Phoenix, that mainly require cooling, windows represent a major source of heat gain. In the past few years, low-E coatings, which reject solar heat without darkening the tint of the glass have undergone serious technological advancements. It is now possible to drastically reduce solar heat gain as well as improve the comfort of your home while providing daylight and clear views with energy efficient windows in Tempe.

For more information about energy efficient windows in Tempe, contact Republic West.

Winter Thermal Comfort

Older windows with a lower glass temperature feel colder because more heat is radiated or transmitted from the human’s body to the window. Cold glass also creates unpleasant drafts as the air near the window is cooled and drops to the floor. This creates an air movement pattern, which feels drafty and ultimately accelerates heat loss. High quality energy efficient windows in Arizona with lower U-factors result in higher interior window temperature and thus greater comfort.

Summer Thermal Comfort

During the summer, strong sunlight strikes people as well as interior surfaces, creating overheating and discomfort. High quality energy efficient windows in Arizona with low solar heat gain coefficients reduce the solar radiation that comes through the glass as well as the associated discomfort. Low solar heat gain or low-E glass reduces your homes heat gain while providing your family with sufficient light and view.

For more information about energy efficient windows in Arizona, contact Republic West.

A recent story on SmallHolder.co.uk provided ten tips for “Greening” your home including installing Arizona energy efficient windows like those sold at Republic West. Feel free to read the entire article.

Windows are the gateway to your home. They bring you light and openness. They create comfort and security for your home. At Republic West we know that you want the best window replacement services in Scottsdale and the Phoenix Metro area for windows that not only look beautiful, but also windows that are low maintenance and custom crafted to fit your openings. And because windows are 80% glass, we always design windows for your home with specific energy saving, heat resistant PROtec^TM glass developed especially for our Arizona climate.

Only Republic West’s Arizona energy efficient window replacement services in Scottsdale and the Phoenix Metro area include “Solar Tuning” your home with one of 4 unique high-performance window options. Solar Tuning ensures that each window provides maximum efficiency, comfort, optimum light transmission and the highest long-term energy savings. No single glass system can provide maximum comfort, long-term energy savings and optimum light transmission. That’s why we offer a customized approach to designing your home.

For more information about Arizona energy efficient windows, contact Republic West.

Installing French doors and windows in Tempe can be a breeze, with the help of a home improvement specialist. They start by offering the finest in French doors and windows built by the most reputable brands. These manufacturers make lines of French doors with fiberglass, a tough and durable material that can withstand the wear and tear, as well as the extremes of Arizona temperatures. These doors will not ding or dent like wood doors, and will not corrode or rust like steel doors.

Living in Tempe means you have ample opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors. It’s only reasonable that you want the right doors and windows that create outdoor living space with easy access to your home. French doors and windows in Tempe are the perfect solution.

These doors are elegant and simple in design. They allow easy access to your patio from your indoor living areas, with sophisticated security features that keep intruders out. And you have the assurance that these doors and windows are made with the latest energy-efficient technology specially designed for Tempe living.

For more information about windows in Tempe, contact Republic West.