Last year I went to the Annual Green Living and Energy Expo at the Roanoke Civic Center, and in addition to lots of great information, I got some cool stuff. I got an indoor water conservation kit, I got a night light and a toilet tank leak detector, a map of hiking and biking trails, and some kid's activity books, among other things.
The 10th annual Green Living and Energy Expo returns to the Roanoke Civic Center on Friday, November 6th from 10am to 6pm, and on Saturday November 7th from 10am to 4pm. The purpose of the Expo is to educate consumers so they can save energy, save money, save natural resources, and save the environment. There will be exhibits, demonstrations, seminars, and a silent auction. Best of all, admission and parking are FREE! For more information, see the following link: www.aecpes.org/expo
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
All About Storm Windows
It's getting to be that time of year again. Time to think about storm windows, from Chapter 4 of "The Energy Savers Handbook":
"Storm windows, if properly installed, can reduce heat loss through single-glazed windows by lowering the Uvalue and reducing air leakage. Storm windows can be mounted either on the inside or outside of the existing window. The choice between interior and exterior storm
windows is largely one of personal preference and cost.
"From an energy standpoint, they perform about the same but an interior storm window, if the existing window is still an effective weather barrier, can reduce condensation more effectively than an exterior storm window. Tight-fitting old-style wooden storm windows perform slightly better than the modern aluminum-framed combination storm/screen storm windows. This is because aluminum is a poor thermal insulator. Your house may have old-style wooden storm windows, either in use or Figure 4-7- Storm windows can be an effective
substitute for purchasing new windows if the existing window is still in good condition.
"Storm windows must be of good quality, installed properly, and have low-E glass.
stored away in the attic or basement. If so, they can provide important energy savings. The problem with these old-style windows (and the reason they're never used in new construction) is that putting them up every fall and taking them down every spring is a lot of work, particularly on a multi-story house.
"When buying new storm windows, look for quality windows with low-E glass and good workmanship. Vinyl storm windows, with lower heat loss through the frame than aluminum, are now available. Be sure to properly install storm windows and seal them effectively where the
storm window frame meets the existing window frame. Be careful not to seal the weep holes.
"It is important to examine the cost-effectiveness of purchasing storm windows. Sometimes their lower cost relative to new energy efficient windows will not justify the reduced convenience, energy savings, and home improvement value.
"Interior storm windows, sometimes referred to as "energy panels," are generally easier to install than exterior storm windows. They may be made of glass or various types of plastic. Shrink-to-fit plastic film for making temporary interior storm windows is available at many
hardware and building supply stores. This last option is the least expensive for one-time use, but generally undesirable for homeowners. The shrink-fit windows are mainly attractive to renters, who want to reduce their energy bills without paying for permanent improvements to their landlord's property.
"Always remember: your home is a system. If you do not correctly adjust and seal your storm windows when the seasons change, they might as well not be there."
From Chapter 4 of The Virginia Energy Savers Handbook 2008: Department of Mechanical Engineering of Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24060
"Storm windows, if properly installed, can reduce heat loss through single-glazed windows by lowering the Uvalue and reducing air leakage. Storm windows can be mounted either on the inside or outside of the existing window. The choice between interior and exterior storm
windows is largely one of personal preference and cost.
"From an energy standpoint, they perform about the same but an interior storm window, if the existing window is still an effective weather barrier, can reduce condensation more effectively than an exterior storm window. Tight-fitting old-style wooden storm windows perform slightly better than the modern aluminum-framed combination storm/screen storm windows. This is because aluminum is a poor thermal insulator. Your house may have old-style wooden storm windows, either in use or Figure 4-7- Storm windows can be an effective
substitute for purchasing new windows if the existing window is still in good condition.
"Storm windows must be of good quality, installed properly, and have low-E glass.
stored away in the attic or basement. If so, they can provide important energy savings. The problem with these old-style windows (and the reason they're never used in new construction) is that putting them up every fall and taking them down every spring is a lot of work, particularly on a multi-story house.
"When buying new storm windows, look for quality windows with low-E glass and good workmanship. Vinyl storm windows, with lower heat loss through the frame than aluminum, are now available. Be sure to properly install storm windows and seal them effectively where the
storm window frame meets the existing window frame. Be careful not to seal the weep holes.
"It is important to examine the cost-effectiveness of purchasing storm windows. Sometimes their lower cost relative to new energy efficient windows will not justify the reduced convenience, energy savings, and home improvement value.
"Interior storm windows, sometimes referred to as "energy panels," are generally easier to install than exterior storm windows. They may be made of glass or various types of plastic. Shrink-to-fit plastic film for making temporary interior storm windows is available at many
hardware and building supply stores. This last option is the least expensive for one-time use, but generally undesirable for homeowners. The shrink-fit windows are mainly attractive to renters, who want to reduce their energy bills without paying for permanent improvements to their landlord's property.
"Always remember: your home is a system. If you do not correctly adjust and seal your storm windows when the seasons change, they might as well not be there."
From Chapter 4 of The Virginia Energy Savers Handbook 2008: Department of Mechanical Engineering of Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24060
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Roanoke Home Search made even Better!
Back in August I told you about the best place to look for Roanoke area homes. Now the site has been made even better. Unlike other sites, all listings are "live", meaning information is always up to date with price, status, and other changes.
Back then I told you it has lots of full-sized photos, the ability to mark your favorite listings, write notes to yourself, and create your own searches. You can also have the system automatically update you by email on new listings for each search.
Best of all, you can share the information with family, friends, and followers on sites like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. You can also use e-mail and Permalink to get feedback on what they think of your favorites!
In addition, you can get driving directions for any listings you select. Maps and aerial imagery is available, too.
Now more has been added to make it even better. The Log In, Contact, and Request Showing features are now prominently visible on the menu bar. The edit search pane has been simplified. In addition, "Spotlight" bubbles have been added to highlight various features of the system.
Here's the site link:
http://www.bestroanokehomes.com/
Save this to your favorites, and let others know of this great new alternative!
Back then I told you it has lots of full-sized photos, the ability to mark your favorite listings, write notes to yourself, and create your own searches. You can also have the system automatically update you by email on new listings for each search.
Best of all, you can share the information with family, friends, and followers on sites like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. You can also use e-mail and Permalink to get feedback on what they think of your favorites!
In addition, you can get driving directions for any listings you select. Maps and aerial imagery is available, too.
Now more has been added to make it even better. The Log In, Contact, and Request Showing features are now prominently visible on the menu bar. The edit search pane has been simplified. In addition, "Spotlight" bubbles have been added to highlight various features of the system.
Here's the site link:
http://www.bestroanokehomes.com/
Save this to your favorites, and let others know of this great new alternative!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Doors and Windows: Energy Tips and Recommendations
Here are 11 great tips for saving energy with doors and windows:
1. "Hire a professional energy auditor to provide input, if you are in doubt, on the cost-effectiveness of purchasing new windows versus repairing and improving existing windows.
2. "If you install storm windows, be sure to buy windows with low-E glass, have them properly installed and sealed, and open/close them in the spring/fall.
3. "If you purchase new windows - be sure to buy Energy Star windows that have an NFRC label, which provides information on the energy properties of the window. Be sure that the Energy Star windows are suited for your climate region.
4. "Make sure that you compare the U-value, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Air Leakage, and Visible Transmittance factors that are displayed on the NFRC label before purchasing new windows.
5. "If you have high levels of condensation on the interior surface of your window glass then consider making them more energy efficient and/or reducing the relative humidity inside your home.
6. "Understand the need to control summer solar heat gain through your windows and to maximize solar heat gain in the winter.
7. "Purchase windows that have good warranties against seal failure, which will allow windows to fog and lowconductivity gas to leak and be lost.
8. "Purchase windows that have wood and vinyl frames. Do not purchase aluminum-framed windows unless they have a thermal break.
9. "Energy inefficient doors can be repaired with new weather stripping, threshold replacement and new door sweeps.
10. "If you purchase a new door, buy an Energy Star certified door that will be well insulated and energy efficient.
11. "It is always a good idea to have all new windows and doors installed by a professional. The installation process can directly impact the energy performance."
From Chapter 4 of The Virginia Energy Savers Handbook 2008: Department of Mechanical Engineering of Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24060
1. "Hire a professional energy auditor to provide input, if you are in doubt, on the cost-effectiveness of purchasing new windows versus repairing and improving existing windows.
2. "If you install storm windows, be sure to buy windows with low-E glass, have them properly installed and sealed, and open/close them in the spring/fall.
3. "If you purchase new windows - be sure to buy Energy Star windows that have an NFRC label, which provides information on the energy properties of the window. Be sure that the Energy Star windows are suited for your climate region.
4. "Make sure that you compare the U-value, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Air Leakage, and Visible Transmittance factors that are displayed on the NFRC label before purchasing new windows.
5. "If you have high levels of condensation on the interior surface of your window glass then consider making them more energy efficient and/or reducing the relative humidity inside your home.
6. "Understand the need to control summer solar heat gain through your windows and to maximize solar heat gain in the winter.
7. "Purchase windows that have good warranties against seal failure, which will allow windows to fog and lowconductivity gas to leak and be lost.
8. "Purchase windows that have wood and vinyl frames. Do not purchase aluminum-framed windows unless they have a thermal break.
9. "Energy inefficient doors can be repaired with new weather stripping, threshold replacement and new door sweeps.
10. "If you purchase a new door, buy an Energy Star certified door that will be well insulated and energy efficient.
11. "It is always a good idea to have all new windows and doors installed by a professional. The installation process can directly impact the energy performance."
From Chapter 4 of The Virginia Energy Savers Handbook 2008: Department of Mechanical Engineering of Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24060
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