Moonworks Home Improvement Blog

Australia Makes a Leap to Be GREEN!

Image provided by ABC Australia's Bob Watson.

Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources, like sunlight, wind, and rain, which are naturally replenished. With global warming and different oil crises through the years, different sources of energy are becoming more and more important, so naturally (no pun intended) we are turning to sources that are abundant to help!

Over the past decade or so, Australia has been researching and implementing different renewable energy sources to try and help cut the carbon pollution. This week, the government has proposed a new plan to produce 20 percent of energy from renewable sources by 2020, unlocking about $22 billion USD in projects. The renewable target works by forcing electricity companies to buy a portion of their power source from a renewable one! The law will also be responsible for the creation of about 28,000 jobs in industries such as wind and solar power. The carbon reduction plan would see Australia reduce greenhouse gases by between as much as 15 percent from 2000 levels in the next decade.

As of today, August 19th, Australia's main political parties developed an agreement and passed the plan to produce 20 percent of the energy from renewable sources. This plan is more than twice the current level! Currently, 8 percent of the continent's electricity comes from renewable sources, such as hydroelectric generators.

So what are you waiting for? Look at how much good renewable energy sources are going to do for Australia - imagine the amount of good it could do for your home! Solar thermal energy systems are always an option, and luckily for you, Moonworks can help with our Repower Systems! Check them out today.

Choosing replacement windows? Let us help!

Did you know that the average home uses significantly more energy and is responsible for more carbon emissions than the average automobile? Windows play a large role in the home, so you can only imagine that choosing replacement windows is a big deal. But do you really know what to look for when picking the right windows? I know that I hadn't the slightest idea, but after researching, all breezes are blowing towards Renewal by Andersen!

Because heating and cooling costs are on the rise, if your windows are outdated, your money could be being wasted on a daily basis! If your old windows are drafty and outdated, consider replacement windows. Not only will you add to the value of your home, you're saving money on these heating and cooling costs, AND your house is going to look better!

Although there are many styles and types to consider, and they all have their own special attributes, there are advantages and disadvantages to every type of replacement window. Replacement windows are a major investment in your home, so take the time to consider everything.

Important things to consider when choosing windows are the framing material, glass type, and a proper installation. When it comes to frames, you have to consider things such as thermal conductivity and thermal expansion. While aluminum is the highest conductor of heat, vinyl expands greatly.

Glass is also extremely important. One of the first things to consider is the U-Factor, which measures the amount of heat lost. The lower the number, the less heat loss through the window! When comparing windows, a lower U-Factor means better insulating quality. The range is usually from 0.20, most energy efficient, to 1.20, least energy efficient. You also want to take into consideration how well a product reduces heat gain, and the amount of light that is transmitted.

Lastly, a window must fit well in the opening to provide long-term performance and energy efficiency. This is where the installation comes in! Improper installation can easily occur in instances where an installer uses the wrong sealant or doesn't insulate between the window and rough opening. Rough handling during the transportation or installation can also compromise the seal of the glass to the frame. Installation is extremely important when it comes to a window's performance!

Renewal by Andersen makes it easy when choosing replacement windows. First of all, they meet and even exceed the requirements determined by ENERGY STAR and Green Seal. Homeowners may also have the opportunity to receive a tax credit of up to $1,500 for energy efficient windows purchased in 2009 and 2010! With a certified staff and warranties to protect your windows, what better time than now to make an appointment!

 

 

 

Hot Summer? Stay Cool with New Windows!

In the summer we want to keep our house as cool as possible, and whether it's the windows open or cranking up the air conditioner, our windows play a crucial role. We want to be able to keep in that cool A/C or let the nice breeze flow in. But what happens if your current windows are actually causing you to lose money?

Windows are not only a decorative feature in most homes, they also provide views and ventilation, offer a natural light source and act as solar heaters in the cooler months. However, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill! During the summer, your air conditioner needs to keep that hot air coming in cool, and therefore has to work even harder! So what better time than now to replace your windows with ENERGY STAR approved windows?

Installing high-performance windows will improve your home's energy performance. While it may take many years for new windows to pay off in energy savings, the benefits of added comfort and improved functionality may make the investment completely worth it.

What qualifies a window as "efficient"? Efficient windows may have two or more panes of glass, warm-edge spacers between the window panes, improved framing materials, and low-e coatings, which are microscopically thin coatings that help keep heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer.

Luckily, Renewal by Andersen windows ARE approved to help you move towards a more energy efficient household. Andersen Corporation has been committed to making environmentally responsible products and conducting "green" manufacturing methods, and was the first window manufacturer to receive Green Seal Certification for Environmental Stewardship.

On top of helping you save money, a new set of windows throughout your house can qualify you for as much as a $1,500 tax credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. By making the choice to switch the windows in your house to energy efficient windows, you are adding value to your property while receiving money to do so!

So why wait? Go green by making your house aesthetically pleasing and saving yourself a little green!

Uptick in Remodeling from Consumers Staying Put

I came across an interesting article: As More Homeowners Stay Put, Remodeling Starts to Pick Up on CNBC a little while back that relates to home improvement and the current economy. The article analyzes the changing attitudes of the typical homeowner in a down economy.

"My wife and I had thought of this as more of an in-between house," says one Cincinnati homeowner. "Now we have decided to concentrate on making our current home exactly like we want it."

People are coming to the realization that they will need to stay put for longer than earlier planned and they might as well make their current residence as attractive and enjoyable as possible through renovations. The typical homeowner can easily complete many of these home improvements, however it is important to recognize one’s limits. Be sure to hire professionals for larger more specialized jobs like installation of roofing, siding, and windows.