To improve performance at your home’s entry points, read our blog, Energy Efficient Patio Doors, and learn how upgraded patio doors help reduce drafts and energy loss year round.
It is not that hard to believe that adding new windows, siding, or doors to your home can add a ton of equity back into your house. In fact, it is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get back a return on investment. People who switch to new home exterior products can ask for generally higher prices for their home when it comes time to sell. Â
Window Replacement Return
Window replacement on average gives you about 69% of the cost of the project back. When evaluating the potential rate of return for window replacement, keep in mind that energy-efficient windows (like the ones we sell at Conservation Construction) can lead to reduced heating and cooling costs, which can add to the long-term financial benefits of this home improvement project.
Siding Return Of Investment
The return on investment for siding installation can vary depending on several factors, including the type of siding material used, the local real estate market, and the overall condition of your home. Generally, siding replacement is considered a home improvement project that can offer a relatively high rate of return compared to some other renovations. The average return of investment for siding replacement was around 75.6%. This means that homeowners recouped about 75.6% of the cost of the siding project in terms of increased home value when they sold their property. That is huge when you consider the project on its whole.Â
Front Door Replacement
It's worth noting that a new front door can create a strong first impression, improve curb appeal, and enhance security. These factors can contribute to the overall value of your home and potentially attract more buyers when you decide to sell. The ROI for front door replacement might not be as high as certain other home improvement projects, such as kitchen renovations or bathroom upgrades. However, the relatively lower cost of a front door replacement means that even a moderate increase in home value can still yield a favorable return on investments. Just like windows and siding mentioned above, it is also great at reducing energy costs so that also factors in when you think of lifelong energy bills and comfort.Â
For a focused look at how siding contributes to long term value, read our blog, Build Equity With Siding, and see how the right exterior upgrade strengthens both protection and resale appeal.Â
Final Thoughts
Once again exterior replacement is a great way to add equity back into your house, add beauty, and keep energy costs low. Any one of these projects listed above can add a ton of curb appeal and can get you a higher asking price on your home when it comes time to sell. If you are looking to replace your windows, siding, or doors, please contact us today for your free quote. Thank you for reading and we will see you next week for another article.Â
The quickest way to add equity back into your home and save energy is to get new exterior products like Windows, Siding, and Doors. Why do these products save you so much on your energy costs? Why do they help your A/C to kick on less in the summer? Keep reading to learn how new exterior products could save you a ton of money in the long run.Â
While new windows can be a significant investment upfront, the long-term energy savings they offer can offset the initial costs and lead to substantial financial benefits over time. New windows, especially the ones from Conservation Construction, give you multiple properties that can save you money off your energy costs including;Â
Improved Insulation
Reduce Air Leakage and Infiltration
UV Ray Protection
Energy Efficient Frames
It’s all of these things working together that can reduce the amount of energy that leaks out of your house, and the amount of heat that comes in. On average, people who switch to new windows from Conservation Construction can see a reduction in their energy costs by up to 35%.Â
Front Door Replacement has many of the same quality new windows have in regards to their energy saving properties. New front doors offer enhanced insulation. New front doors are typically designed with better insulation properties, just like new windows. The doors we sell at Conservation Construction have a core that includes insulating materials like polyurethane foam, which helps to reduce heat transfer. This enhanced insulation prevents outside air from seeping into your home and conditioned air from escaping, leading to reduced energy consumption. In addition they include;
Weather Stripping for tight seals
Low-E Coatings
Energy Efficient Materials
Finally, Siding Replacements which we sell at Conservation Construction can save you money as well on your energy costs. Upgrading your siding allows you to choose materials that have better insulation properties like our Cedar Ridge, Vinyl, and James Hardie Siding options. All are known to save the average homeowner huge amounts on their total energy costs year round. Not to mention they can make your home feel more comfortable inside. Other materials that add to the energy saving properties are;Â
Modern House Wrap
Reflective Light Colors
Reduction In Air Leakage
We hope you learned that switching out even one of your old exterior products for new can help improve the overall energy efficiency in your home. If you are in need of windows, siding, or doors please contact us today for your free quote. We can’t wait to hear from you so please comment below. We will see you next week for another article.Â
Do you ever wish that you didn’t have to leave your house to get the thing you really desired? You, and millions of other Americans, agree. With so many people enjoying the luxuries of shopping from home why not add window, siding or door replacement to that list? That’s exactly what we did at Conservation Construction! Keep reading to learn how hassle free we make our process!
When you book an appointment with Conservation Construction we come to your house for a free, in-home estimate. You don’t have to hustle to come to our offices. We meet you at a time that is convenient for you. This means you can sit in your own chairs and enjoy the comfort of your own home while we go over the estimate with you. We measure all the windows on sight and give you a quote based on the size and shape of your windows. This isn’t guess work. You get an accurate estimate the first time that doesn’t change down the line. So you can just sit back and relax as we’ll do all the hard work for you.Â
In addition, we bring all kinds of samples with us to show you just what our windows are all about. You get to see how they operate and function. You even get to see how energy efficient our protective coatings are in person. We’ll walk you through the samples to show you all of their extraordinary properties. This means you can feel and ask questions for yourself right there with us. Our expert team has the knowledge to give you all of the answers you’ve been dying to know about your window, siding or door replacement.Â
You Can Wait To Decide
Once we measure for your replacement windows, siding or door project we give you a no-hassle free quote. This quote is good for 1 solid calendar year. This means you can lock in a price without having to decide right away. Our goal is to help our customers feel comfortable, and that they can decide when they’d like to get the replacement windows done. Â
Another huge advantage to getting our replacement windows is that we provide the best warranty on the market today. We have Lifetime Limited Warranties to ensure that your windows truly function and look beautiful for their entire life. Some other companies on the market today say “lifetime” but they only mean 5-10 years.Â
They’ll go over this in the free quote with you, but our products can save the average homeowner up to 40% off their total energy costs. You’ll be ecstatic when you see your energy bill dropping right before your eyes. Additionally, new windows, siding and doors have been known to quiet down a home too. When I first got my new windows i couldn’t believe the energy savings and how quiet it was!Â
We hope we’ve given you a good idea on how simple it is to get a free in home quote from Conservation Construction. We are delighted to help customers across Colorado get the windows, siding and doors of their dreams. Get your free quote by visiting our website. Remember we come to you and measure everything on sight and make things hassle free. Thanks for reading today’s article and we will see you next time! Please comment below if you have some time on what your favorite part of this article was.Â
Welcome to today’s Valentine’s Day special article where we will be covering windows, siding and doors!Â
Who says you need chocolate and flowers for Valentine’s day? Why not ask your significant other for the gift that keeps on giving a gift of year round comfort with new Windows, Siding or Doors from Conservation Construction! Chocolate and flowers will only keep you company for a week or two at the most, but with new energy saving products you’ll reduce your energy bill all year round. It gets even sweeter . . .Â
For those of us who know Valentine’s day more as “single’s awareness day” let me tell you there is nothing more comforting than having windows that function properly with clear views you can actually see out of. Even if you don’t have someone to cuddle up on the couch with, there is something peaceful about sitting and staring out of the window with a nice cup of coffee knowing that you’re saving 30% more on your energy costs than your neighbors. What a lovely thought indeed! Let me tell you with one look at your new windows you’ll fall in love with your house all over again.Â
What says love better than lifetime limited warranties which come with all of our products. You won’t just get the siding or door of your dreams you’ll get the supreme energy efficiency, beauty, and functionality of these products for life. That means you can sit back and enjoy them every Valentine’s day to come.Â
Nothing says romance more than our solid structural frame and functionality of all our products. Our windows, siding and doors will last as long as your love. If you have no significant other the love for your windows, siding or doors.
Unlike previous past relationships you may regret do to one reason or another, you won’t ever regret upgrading your home’s exterior because it’ll add equity back into your home, and it will be saving you a ton of money in energy costs. These home improvements are sure to come 100% free from regret.Â
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again windows, siding and doors are the perfect Valentine’s gift for couples or singles. Our superior products at Conservation Construction give you phenomenal energy efficiency and beauty for life. Get all year round comfort with one of our amazing products by getting your free quote. Please comment below on what your favorite part of this article was. Have a wonderful Valentine’s day whether you are single or with someone. We love you as a reader and we will see you next time.Â
We say it all the time here at Conservation Construction in articles and on our website. It's easy to overlook things that need to get done. Unless things become urgent like a flat tire or a sink bursting, most of us are fine with just letting that certain thing, whatever it is, go untouched and even broken until it becomes a real issue getting in the way of our lives. I've done it before. I refused to fix my sink until it started leaking worse. This alone forced me to fix it.
But why do we put things on the back burner? In this writer’s opinion is has mostly to do with inconvenience and money reasons. You’re too busy, or you don’t have the funds right now. Sometimes, in the case of me and several others i’ve seen, it’s laziness. I could get it done, but that would interrupt my binging of Stranger Things before the new season premiers. Folding laundry sucks, but we all have to do it. Nobody likes to paint their house, but eventually if we don’t the HOA or a neighbor puts in a complaint.
Why not be a little more proactive about the problem before it becomes a mess? Heck, why not take your initiative and put it to good use instead of letting it just sit there?
What projects are most overlooked? They are siding, windows and doors. That’s because it’s easy to want to fix your kitchen. That’s because you are inside and have to look at it everyday. What we don’t do is fix the outside because, heck, everybody else looks at that. But shouldn’t we be taking a different approach? We want to present our best selves at work and to our friends, why not present the best home to our neighbors we can? If you think about it, this is what most people are looking at, and it can add a ton of equity back into your home if you put the  effort in.
Why is Siding so overlooked? Because it’s massive in that it covers your entire house. Don't underrate siding because of the same reasons. Your siding is a huge part of your home, and it is important to keep it looking fresh and up to date not just for aesthetics, but to ensure your home will stay beautiful and last a lifetime.
Siding is your first line of defense against the elements. If it’s old and wearing down it is essential that you try and update it. There are several reasons for this but they include:
Most people don’t realize that new siding can eliminate most of these problems. Warped or cracked panels could be letting water into the foundation itself. Holes in panels can allow bugs between the cracks, and nobody wants that. Finally, people don’t realize that new siding has special color technologies which means it never has to be painted again. That’s right, most modern siding options whether it be Cedar Ridge Siding, James Hardie, and Vinyl Siding never need to be painted again. That will save you a ton of hassle down the line.
Finally, new siding should not be overlooked because it of its energy efficiency. Old siding can let out 35% of the energy you put into your home whether it be heating or cooling. It can protect your home from energy loss. through insulation. It also protects your home from extreme weather much better than old siding would. More to our point, new siding can reduce noise throughout the entire house by up to 45%. That is amazing indeed.
In Conclusion, new siding should not be overlooked and underrated. There are many great things it can bring to your home if you just gave it a chance. Use your initiative stop putting siding on the back-burner.
We encourage everyone to comment below on what you thought of the article. We hope to have you as a reader next time too.
The very short and sweet answer is Yes. Energy Efficient Siding Does Exist! It’s exciting news too because that didn’t always use to be the case. New sidings have been engineered for longevity and energy efficiency. They are also built and designed for ease.
Now that we’ve covered energy efficient siding does exist, we can now go into grades. This isn’t graded on your average A-F scale that you see in most classrooms. Most builders grade siding gets its energy efficiency based on the R factor. This is not to be confused with the X- Factor (the popular British television program. Nor is it to be confused with the U-factor which we use to rate windows. The R-factor, or r-value, rates how well the material insulates the interior of what it’s covering. Different types of siding all have a different R-value. It’s this number you should consider if you are looking for siding that will reduce your energy expenditure.
When it comes to the number the higher the value the better it is at preventing air leaks. The lower the number it is a clear indication that it’s a poor insulator. Look at the chart below for reference.
Compared to old siding which is on most homes, new siding can keep your home insulated. You’ll get a more stable temperature when you are heating or cooling your house. Energy consumption, heat loss, and air loss are reduced with some sidings by up to 19%. That is a huge factor when you consider your entire house.
As you can see by the chart the top R-Values come from James Hardie, Cedar Ridge, and Insulated Vinyl Siding. It’s not only strides above the energy efficiency of its competitors, it’s factors better. These sidings are the best to consider when you are ready to replace. It’s also important to note that most sidings are insulating. The insulation can also protect the house better from water damage during storms.
A siding Home improvement project can add back 72.8% back of the cost you spend on the siding. That’s not even including the additional energy savings you are getting with a project like this. That 72.8 percent is all added back into the home equity itself. Siding, whether you are selling or not, is boosting you to be able to ask for a higher price when it does come time to sell.
An exclusive we sell here at Conservation Construction is Cedar Ridge Siding. This siding is the most insulating. The engineers who designed Cedar Ridge Siding made it this way on purpose. In addition to saving you money on energy, Cedar Ridge is extremely impact resistant, is able to withstand winds of up to 160mph, is maintenance free in never needing to be painted again, and can reduce noise in the home by up to 40%.
Second is our James Hardie Siding. It is the unique way this siding is installed that makes it so special. Made of a cement and cellulose fibers, once it is placed, it is resistant to hail and strong weather. It too has a very high R-Value which makes it energy efficient as well. It comes in an array of colors too, so you know you’ll be getting the exact look you are going for.
Our Vinyl Siding is upgraded and better than before too. It is insulated and adds energy efficiency to a home. It’s unique in that it too is has an insulating layer placed before the siding is attached. It is installed right over existing siding which makes it the most cost effective on the market as well.
And finally we sell Steel siding for Colorado as well. It too is impact resistant, virtually maintenance free, and can withstand strong hail. Although we’d recommend it for those who are looking for this type of style, it is not as insulating as the aforementioned sidings above.
If you are upgrading multiple exterior features, read our blog, Energy Efficient Patio Doors, to see how improved door performance can further reduce energy loss and increase comfort.
In conclusion, yes, insulating siding does exist. Here at Conservation Construction we sell the top 3 types which insulate the best. Insulating siding is easy to get when you choose a company with free estimates like Conservation Construction. Statistics on these sidings prove they can save you energy loss when it comes to siding. We hope this article was helpful in learning which siding might be best for your next home improvement project. Until next time . . .
Happy Friday to all who have taken time out of their busy day to read this article. As it is Friday and not Monday there are a ton of reasons to celebrate including; the weekend, rest and relaxation, and hassle free living with new siding and doors.
I won’t hassle you with a heavy article today, instead, let’s take a walk down memory lane. Imagine the first time you purchased your home? Got it in your head? Whether it was a fixer upper or it was a new build I’m guessing you had extreme price in yourself, and in that piece of land you just acquired. You should. It’s an extreme accomplishment to have a house (this is coming from someone who lived with her parents most of her life, and is now admitting to that in this article). When I got my first home I felt like an adult for the first time ever. It’s a mix of emotions too. It’s kind of scary knowing that you’re responsible for the longevity of this house. You make the payments, you do the yard work, and for a first time homeowner that is a nerve-wracking place to be.
Still, I didn’t start to notice all the things wrong with the house until after I moved in. Isn’t that how the realtors want it to be, right? Hide and deflect any errors so that all you see is the big picture items in the house--i.e. Sunlight, kitchen, square footage, closet space, etc. That’s exactly what we saw. It wasn’t until after we moved in did we notice the leak under the sink and the faucet in the tub malfunctioning.
There are still items which I want to replace, but priority is put on longevity. We just got all new replacement windows. It’s literally changed the life of my house with how energy efficient they are. We encourage you to put emphasis on longevity of an item as well as its energy efficiency to
Let me tell you that there is no pieces with longer longevity than Siding and Doors. Why is this? You may be asking yourself. Great question! There are several reasons for this, but the most often noted attribute is that new Siding and Doors have advanced paint technology which doesn’t require them to ever be painted again.
That’s right, new siding and doors don’t have to be painted again. This means you can get a door or siding installation, and it really is hassle free for life. Both require very little maintenance or cleaning. Once they are up you can really just forget about them. In addition they are energy efficient and could lower energy costs by up to 30%. They are also safer and more durable than your current siding or doors.
Furthermore, we do all the heavy lifting for you so you can just sit back and enjoy your home. You don’t have to lift a finger. This makes replacement siding and doors hassle free. From start to finish we do all the hard work for you, like getting HOA approval and taking down the old siding. We give free estimates in your own home so you can skip coming to us. If that’s not hassle free, we don’t know what is. Â
Finally, hassle free siding and doors can give you the look and feel of a new home. This hassle free experience is brought to you by low maintenance products. All of our products from siding to windows and doors require little to no effort to maintain over their life. This means you’ll keep curb appeal for years without doing anything. How cool is that?
For a smoother exterior upgrade experience, read our blog, New Siding Replacement, and see how modern siding options make home maintenance easier than ever.
In conclusion, it is easy to keep up the look and feel of a new house with hassle free products. From free quotes to products that are durable and never need to be painted again, you can have it all! Let us know below how you feel about new siding or doors for your home. Thanks for reading. We’ll see you next week. Â
I’ll tell you a story about the other day when I went to a friend’s house. Their windows were so bad that the cold wind was literally making the blinds blow inward even with the windows closed. Yikes.
I mean you could literally feel the cold winter breeze blowing inside. I’m usually not an advocate for spending a lot of money on windows. However, I recently got new windows and I can tell you first hand it’s made a big difference in my own home.
What if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on windows right now, but you can feel the cold air? There are a lot of solutions to this problem that don’t involve you shelling out thousands of dollars.
It is said that a gap or or crack in the window as small as 1/8-inch — or on a 36-inch-wide door will let in as much cold air as a 2.4-inch-diameter hole punched in the wall. It is also said that the average homeowner spends on average of $649 for heating a home with natural gas from October through March. So here is the first tip to stop these annoying gaps from bringing down your energy efficiency.
Firstly, keep your blinds closed. This will not prevent all the cold air from coming in, but it will give the place between the window and your home a place for insulation and stop the cold from coming directly into the rest of the house. Before we got new windows, I would do this all last season and it seemed to help quite a bit.
Secondly, Place towels underneath blinds and doors to prevent drafts from coming into your house. This is extremely useful with the cold weather. The towels won’t stop everything from coming in, but it should stop some of the flow under the door and blinds.
Thirdly, a great solution I used to use in my own home can be found easily at the hardware store in the form of Plastic Insulators. These are large plastic pieces that fit over the window and they prevent the outside air from coming in. You stick them up, blow-dry them until they are taught and let them do the rest. We used to use these when we were watching a relative’s house and you could literally see the plastic stopping the wind from getting in. You just have to install them correctly and they work very well at keeping warm air in. The best part is that you can get these window kits at any Lowe’s or Home Depot. They cost anywhere from $25-$30 dollars a packet--sometimes $40-$50 with bigger windows. They last all winter and will take your energy consumption as well as energy bills down.
Forth, set your Programmable thermostat to just one degree lower and put on a jacket. 1% is the the amount of money you can shave off your heating bill for every degree you turn your thermostat down during the winter, according to the Department of Energy. The DOE estimates turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours can save you 5% to 15% on heating costs.
Lastly, if you don’t want to finagle your house by using towels or plastic sheets to cover the windows, all of this can take some time, you can always consider new windows.  Here at Conservation Construction we take home energy and electricity bills very seriously. That’s why we have the most energy efficient windows and doors on the market. We literally want you to see a difference on your next energy bill. Stop wasting energy and start saving money with our Energy Star rated products.
Our Windows Include:
Our Doors Include:
In fact our Embarq Entry Door is the most energy efficient door on the market even winning Energy Star Partner of the year 2 years running.
This all equates to energy savings you can count on.  If you are interested in our amazing windows or doors give us a call or go online today to set up your free estimate. Our products will give you a more stable room temperature all year round. You’ll get a comfort in your home you haven’t felt in years.
Thanks for reading and remember there are a ton of easy solutions to keep your house more energy efficient . . . towels, plastic covers, lowering the temperature and closing the blinds. See you next time.
Did you get dumped or rejected this past Valentine’s Day? Don’t cry over wasted chocolates and flowers, distract yourself quickly and you may not even feel the sting of that heartbreak. Lucky for you Conservation Construction has the best way to distract you. Use our windows to get over your heartbreak.
Firstly, new windows won’t break your heart like your past relationship did. Also our window are double strength and Low E glass which means they won’t break easily either! So even if your heart is feeling shattered, your windows won’t shatter. With our lifetime warranties (which are transferable) you will always have great windows. Â
You want a kind of transparency you didn’t get in your last relationship? Windows offer that without even trying. They are so transparent and clear you always know where they stand.
Was your last relationship difficult because your significant other was closed off? You don’t have to worry about this with new windows. Talk about being open, our windows are easy to open and even open inward so you can clean them from the inside. Can you believe that? We highly doubt any relationship you have could be this open and easy.
Did you spend a lot of unnecessary money on a person who just broke your heart? That won’t happen with windows for several reason. First, windows will accrue equity for your home. Second, they save you money on energy efficiency. How many times did your last relationship save you money? We’re betting never. You’ll have so much extra money lying around you could even buy yourself a nice new outfit to remind yourself how confident you are after this heartbreak.
Lastly remind yourself you were better off without that person to begin with. You can’t say the same about our windows, can you? New windows will add beauty and a more stable room temperature to your home. You’re really better off investing in yourself and your home.
Windows too are just as beautiful as the last person you were dating. They are shiny and practically clean themselves with our Easy Clean Coating. They stay shiny all year round and they don’t talk back to you.
In Conclusion our windows really the windows are the perfect companion. Hey don’t give lip, they don’t waste your money and they are open. So if you are trying to move on quickly from your last relationship choose real love, choose windows.
It may seem like a surprise with how much snow we’re getting lately, but spring is right around the corner. With that being said there are a ton of things you can do to get prepared for when spring comes.
Here are some easy things to do to transition your house from Winter Season to Spring and Summer.
Clean the Gutters! With so much water being here already it’s essential that your gutters are all cleaned out from last fall’s leaves. You want your water to drain in the correct places--like away from your house. So whether it’s ice melting from the roof or some potential rain in spring, clean gutters will give you peace of mind knowing that your water will not be dripping in places it ought not drip. So grab that ladder from the garage, get some trash bags, and a great pair of gloves, because your gutters await!
Be proactive and check your air conditioning unit and make sure that it comes on. Making sure this is working at optimal levels is essential for when you first start it up in the spring. That way if there is anything wrong you can avoid having to fix it when temperatures are painfully hot.
Check your windows for cracks or leaks in the seal. It may be time fix these parts for spring so bugs don’t get in through the cracks. Heck it may be time to fix the cracks now so that cold air isn’t leaking inside. If your windows are really bad it might be time to consider replacing them. Here at Conservation Construction we provide excellent cost-effective windows.
Another key thing to check is the foundation. Before the weather transitions, shovel any lingering show at least 3-5 feet away from the base of your house. Examine your foundation and fill any cracks with caulk. This way any residual water is redirected away from the home.
Reconnect the outdoor hoses and turn back on the sprinkler system when it’s at a safe temperature. It’s good to make sure the clock on the sprinkler system is working and check the Pressure Vacuum Breaker to make sure there is not leaking from the winter which would prevent you from turning on the system in the spring.
Get your spring curtains and rug out. A lot of times in the winter we choose heavier curtains to block the cold air from getting in and we choose more subdued colors. Spring is the perfect time for bright home decor. It’s great to see people getting out their spring styles. Bright colors can help get your mood up too.
Air out your home from the winter. It’s good to let a few breezes of fresh air come through your house. Colorado has fresh air and can really air out the stagnant air in a house. Let those smells be carried off into the wind.
Lastly it’s time for some spring cleaning. There’s never a bad time to clean really, but it’s really nice to clean after the long winter. Mopping can get a lot of that dirty snow water you’ve trudged in over the past months off the floor. Dirt and debris from the snow get caught on the windows and it’s nice to clean this off as well. Dust can also accumulate on the shelves and window sills. Just clean everything. There is no way around it. Your hard labor will keep your house and things looking nice.
We hope this advice will help transitioning from winter to spring easier. Or at least if it gives you a lot of work that it will keep your home looking great for all seasons to come. Have a great week and we'll see you soon for another article.Â
To truly help give you energy efficient solutions in your home we must first define exactly what “Energy Efficiency” is. There are several definitions on the web but one that sums them all up perfectly is this definition;
A device or building that is energy-efficient uses relatively little energy to provide the power it needs.
This ultimately means that energy efficiency is doing more with less: that is, squeezing as much useful power out of as little energy as possible, and not letting any go to waste. In home applications this begs the question, is your furnace or air conditioner heating and cooling optimally? Are your energy bills skyrocketing due to unseen forces like energy escaping through the cracks?
Think of our house as a complete energy efficient unit. When you first bought the house the windows, doors and siding were all working with the house to help it perform at a top-notch level.  Over time however, each of these same components may wear down. However it is still critical that all of these devices work at this same optimal level to ensure energy efficiency. If one of these components is not functioning properly your ratio of functional home energy efficiency to energy loss will go down over time until it’s basically nonexistent. Â
You want your home as a hole to save energy and money not other way around. So let’s get into the ultimate solution for  more energy efficient home.
Try to do a home energy audit. Either do this audit yourself or hire a professional to do one for you!
Check for air leaks in your house. These may be by windows or doors where the house has settled and caused gaps. To the best of your ability try to seal these leaks so that air from inside is not escaping outward or vice-versa.
Auditors will typically check the insulation in the house too. Heat loss through the ceiling and walls in your home could be very large if the insulation levels are less than the recommended minimum. To prove my point a friend of mine had an exponentially high energy bill. To combat this, he added three layers of insulation to his attic. His energy bill went down so much Xcel Energy changed out his meter three times to make sure the meter wasn’t malfunctioning. That’s so much energy savings the energy company will get mad!
Inspect your heating and cooling equipment to make sure they are performing well and not constantly running for no reason. Another friend of mine has a neighbor who’s air conditioner is running 24/7 365 in the summertime. He even offered to have the air conditioning unit fixed for them and they refused even when it was clear the unit was leaking. Don’t spend extra money running things all the time when they are not performing optimally. Inspect every season to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
I would say don’t worry as much about lighting as the other things in the house. A typical light bulb only uses 13-15 watts of energy. A light bulb running for 5 hours only uses about 14 watts which equates to 10 cents. Whereas a gap as big as a quarter can cause 15% of the energy loss of your entire home. Which one is more important here? We’d say the gap.
After you inspect these things you can make a whole house plan. Change out your windows and doors slowly if you must, or repair gaps as they become more of a problem. Once you work on things slowly, after a while it will add up to way more energy efficiency and a better functioning house as a whole.
We hope these energy saving tips have helped you understand where all your energy is going.
In conclusion, a little bit of work goes a long way in helping your energy savings. And, wink wink, we sell energy efficient windows, siding and doors. If you ever want a free estimate look no further than Conservation Construction.
To improve performance at your home’s entry points, read our blog, Energy Efficient Patio Doors, and learn how upgraded patio doors help reduce drafts and energy loss year round.
If you have ever looked into anything concerning your home, I am SURE you have heard the term "energy efficient." While it sounds catchy and appealing to the consumer, what exactly does it mean for a product to be "Energy Efficient?" Why should you, as a homeowner, concern yourself with the energy efficiency rating of a product?
The technical definition for energy efficiency is simply: a goal to reduce the amount of energy required to provide products and services. It is basically a method of reducing energy consumption by using less energy to achieve the same output.
A big focus for this movement is to reduce the human carbon footprint.
The DoE says, "energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to combat climate change, clean the air we breathe, improve the competitiveness of our businesses and reduce energy costs for customers." By generating less energy, buildings emit fewer greenhouse gases, therefore improving environmental performance. So on a grander scale, "energy efficiency" was a movement beginning with large factories and buildings in mind. As the movement progressed however, and the technology to save energy advanced it became available to the consumer in the homeowner sector.
In terms of adding to or upgrading products of your home, the energy efficiency refers to how much energy your home uses (heating, cooling, electricity, water, etc) and the cost associated. How much does it cost you to heat your home in the winter or cool it during the summer? The more energy efficient the home, the less energy it will use to maintain a comfortable temperature and run your appliances (or whatever else needs energy). By using less energy, you are obviously going to save on the costs associated with it.
For example, with our energy efficient windows and siding, the insulating factors will end up saving you money by holding the hot air in during the winter, and keeping it out during the warmer months. The better insulated your home, the less hot air in the cold months (and cold air during the summer) you are going to need to generate. Creating this heat means using energy, whether it be electricity or oil (however you heat your home). Needing to create less heat means using less energy, which means lower heating/cooling bills.
"Energy Efficiency" is essentially a measurement associated with the need for less energy for your products to operate effectively. An energy efficient dryer might use less electricity. An energy efficient shower head might use less water. Energy efficient windows are going to keep out the drafts requiring you to turn up your heat.
Now that you understand what an energy efficient product is supposed to do, it might be a little easier to know what you want when replacing components (windows, siding, doors) on your home. At Conservation Construction, we have industry leading products in energy efficiency. The goal of our products is not only to look and function exceptionally, but it is also to save you money (and a few greenhouse gases) in the long run.
To see real world examples, read our blogs, Door Energy Efficiency and Window Energy Efficiency, and learn how upgraded doors and windows help reduce energy loss year round.
Natural light can increase the comfort in your home. Its also opens up your living space because it does not need clearance for swinging doors,  unlike a more traditional French doors.  This allows for more space to be utilized, which is a great benefit in smaller or narrow spaces!
Since a Sliding Glass door is a considerably larger than a traditional window, it can allow for more heat or cold if it is installed wrong, or is an older or lower quality model. You want a product that will last years with minimal maintenance and no high cost upkeep. Let our amazing door prices push you toward deciding on this as your next home improvement project. See what patio door options are available.
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Conservation Construction Sliding Glass doors are custom made to fit like a glove in your home. These Sliding Glass doors are made with high quality materials, installed by a professional install team working with a company that has more than 28 years of experience, and backed by a lifetime warranty. If you want a good cost to install sliding glass doors get a free quote today! If you don't want to go through the hassle of learning how to install a sliding glass door yourself give us a call and experience the difference for yourself!
All of our doors come with; interior trim, door installation, screen doors on all storm doors, removal of old door, and highest quality doors to prevent break ins. This means that all project costs are included in one.Â
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Homeowners concerned about maintaining the "classic" look of their own house naturally will reject the idea of installing vinyl windows in favor of wood materials.
But vinyl windows are worth a second glance. Vinyl framing materials inhibit energy loss, don't require sealing or painting, and a much cheaper than wood. Metal windows are often architecturally necessary (to match the style of contemporary homes), but they tend to be the worst for energy savings.
As you might suspect, it's no easy task to enlarge a window opening to accommodate a newer, larger-sized window. But does it require ripping out all of the wallboard and siding?
Thankfully, the answer is...No.
When you enlarge a window opening up to eight inches horizontally, you can keep the same header and sill (the top and bottom parts of the window) and just install one new vertical stud to either side of the window.
Yes, this means ripping out wallboard from floor to ceiling, but width-wise you only need to take out a foot or two, at most. This section of wallboard comes out to accommodate the new stud. And no exterior siding ever has to be removed.
It's always easier to order smaller sized windows than enlarging a window opening. But if you have to enlarge, it's certainly a manageable task.
How much it costs to replace your windows depends on many factors: locale, window materials, type of glazing, installer, and so on. But it is safe to assume that most homeowners will not escape a whole-house window replacement for less than $10,000.
Some homeowners cut costs by hiring a handyman and having him replace the windows. You may save some money. But because the pro window installers have perfected the installation process (and often come in with crews of 10 or more men), the amount of money you save will not be as much as you think, and you certainly will not save time. One nice thing: replacement windows have great resale value when it comes time to sell your house.
Replacement windows are a prime example of why it is sometimes nice to have professionals take on a home improvement project.
Pro window installers do this job day in and day out, and they have the tools and skills needed to knock it out in minutes instead of hours or days. In theory, a homeowner can save money by replacing his or her own windows, but by the time you have mastered your learning curve, you are practically finished with the entire project.
If replacement window companies only installed in "optimal conditions" such as spring and summer, they would go out of business.
Window technicians may be less than happy about it--but you can get your windows replaced in winter, in cold, in snow, in ice--in anything short of a blizzard.
One problem, though, is that you may not get the best installation. If the technician is uncomfortable, he may rush the job through. Caulking may not set well in extreme conditions. Moisture can affect the tight tolerances related to window installation.
Good companies know how to work through these problems.
One downside of scheduling during temperate seasons is that everyone else is doing the same thing. You may find yourself in a long queue for installation, or you may not even be able to get in during that period.
Be sure to check out our blog, 15 Secrets About Siding, to discover even more insider tips about protecting and upgrading your home’s exterior.
Few homeowners who have been through the replacement window installation process will say that they care to repeat it. After all, it is necessary to invite 3-5 companies into your home to give quotes, and then invite one of those companies back to spend 2 or 3 days installing the windows (which necessitates being on the premises the entire time ). It is work, but worthwhile. Your house looks better and feels better.
This can happen when siding is exposed to superfluous amounts of heat or moisture. If they weren't there when the siding was installed, it shouldn’t be there now. Replace affected areas of the siding and work with a reputable siding contractor to identify the cause and prevent it from happening again.
Chipping, denting and cracking are all evidence that your home’s siding has been damaged by hail. Because hail oftentimes limits the ability of siding to properly act as a protective barrier against nature’s elements, it is a good idea to replace your home’s siding once it shows hail damage.
If you can give directions to your home based solely on the siding color, it’s time for a facelift. An obnoxious color can be a source of embarrassment and if it’s bad enough, it can actually hinder your ability to sell your home.
Take back your home from woodpeckers, squirrels and insects by replacing damaged wood siding with a maintenance-free product.
This fungus is fueled by moisture and causes wood to decompose. Besides being unsightly, dry rot weakens siding, preventing it from acting as a shield against mother nature.
Clearly, a new addition requires siding. Consult with a quality contractor to see if your entire home needs to be resided or just the new addition.
Cracked siding is an invitation for water to penetrate the underlayment. Over time, this problem can become more serious. If it’s only a few pieces with this issue, simply replace those. However, if it’s several areas around the entire house, you need consider replacing all of your siding.
There are a lot of reasons that siding may loosen such as shoddy installation, wind damage and the home may be settling. Regardless of the specifics behind it, loose siding cannot properly protect a home and should be addressed.
Take back your own home improvement! Stop continuously having to paint and stain your siding. That can be a real pain. Adding insult to injury is the cost. Why not put your hard earned money towards a more long-term solution?
Exorbitant energy costs can be compelling evidence that your home’s insulation is lacking. Not only is insulation found in your attic, but also in your home’s walls. In fact, there are new house wrap products on the market that now can insulate your home.
If this happens in your home, it can demonstrate that your siding is permitting moisture in. Ignore this problem and experience more widespread issues later.
Not only is it an eyesore, but it also shows that siding is weaker than it should be and that it has reached the end of its lifespan.
In conclusion, Conservation Construction has many options for replacement siding including Vinyl, Fiber Cement Siding, Cedar Ridge, and Steel. We include many color choices for curb appeal. All these have great prices per square foot, are easy to maintain, can look like real wood, and would be an amazing alternative to your current siding if it is having any of the problems listed above.
1. Wash clothes in cold water to save $63 a year .
2. Install a programmable thermostat to save up to 10% on cooling and heating costs.
3. Use your window shades. Close blinds on the sunny side in summer to keep out the hot sun, and open them in winter to bring in warm rays.
4. Turn off all lights, appliances and electronics not in use. A power strip can help turn off multiple items at once. (Sometimes the simplest things are really effective!)
5. Change to new and improved light bulbs. Reduce energy use from about a third to as much as 80% with today’s increasing number of energy-efficient halogen incandescent, CFLs and LEDs.
For a deeper look at how your windows impact efficiency, be sure to read our blog, 5 Replacement Window Basics You Must Know.