Posts Tagged ‘residential windows’

The Many Methods of Improving Window Efficiency

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Many of today’s thermopane windows are more than just simple insulated glass.  There are ever changing methods that window manufacturers use in an effort to make insulated windows more energy efficient.  The problem is that not all of them are designed to last as long as one would expect new insulated windows to last, and some are not as effective as manufacturers can make them out to be.

One common method that is available in modern insulated glass windows is filling the windows with Argon or Krypton gas. The problem with this method is that gases can leak out over time.  But amount of time this takes is hotly debated, some saying it is almost impossible for the gas to leak out, while others state that the gas could be gone before the window is installed.  Since the equipment required to test the level of argon in the window (or if there is any) is very cost prohibitive, few people can tell you if your gas has withstood the test of time. (more…)

Repairing Foggy Residential Windows

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

When a window in your home has a constant foggy appearance it means that the seal has failed.  Once this happens there are three options for the homeowner: replace the entire window unit, replace the glass in the window, or repair the existing window pane.  There are several factors taken into account when deciding which is best for you, and often the first thing to consider is the cost.

Since the foggy window repair process is a fairly new idea, many people facing thermopane seal failure don’t even consider this solution.  At a price of about $90 it is the most cost effective, can be completed in about an hour and since we aren’t disposing of the old glass, it’s also the most environmentally friendly method.   But if you wait too long  after the seal fails, the moisture will permanently stain the inside of the glass giving it an opaque or mottled look – then the foggy appearance cannot be repaired. (more…)

Stimulus Offers Tax Credit for Repairing Fogged Windows

Friday, February 27th, 2009
Before Picture - Foggy Window

Before Picture - Foggy Window

If you are at home, looking out at the world through a fogged or leaky window, you could be gazing through a $1,500 tax credit for 2009.

The new stimulus package signed by the president, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, offers tax credits for making your home more energy efficient.  That generally means buying more high efficiency heating and cooling systems and appliances, or installing new energy efficient windows and doors, any of which is usually a high cost and long running project.  But this credit also applies to replacing the glass panes in your existing fogged or leaky windows. (more…)