What Does That Energy Star Label Mean?
May 8th, 2012When it comes to purchasing anything that uses energy, or can help save on the utility bill, many consumers will look for that “Energy Star” label. This label is not a brand but simply displayed on products from various different companies. It’s a sign that expresses you will save money on your utility bill. So, what does it mean to have an Energy Star label on a window?
For starters, they decrease the amount that your heater or air conditioner will have to work in order to fulfill the set temperature on the thermostat. If you have windows that were not energy efficient they could be leaking air whether it may be cold for the summer months or heat for the winter. With air seeping through the non-energy efficient windows this makes your heating and air conditioning unit work harder, therefore increasing your utility bill.
How do products earn that Energy Label star? They need to meet certain requirements set in place by Energy Star. A few examples of qualifications that need to be achieved are that the product must contribute significant energy savings nationwide. Also, if the product in qualification costs more than a traditional window, the consumer has to be able to recover their investment from the increased energy savings within a certain period of time. One requirement that would seem most relevant is that the “Energy Star” labeled product has to be able to be measured with testing. By this we mean the window should be able to show significant results that it are indeed effective. However, these are not the only factors that go into consideration when deciding if the product can be labeled as energy efficient.
Consumers tend to think energy efficient windows or even appliances are more expensive. Having higher quality windows often means a high price, but remember one of the qualifications is if the product costs more than a traditional window, you will recover your investment in energy savings. Having premium quality materials and windowpanes are costly, but in the long run your energy savings can be greater. Not only will you be helping the environment and adding value to your home, but your heating and air conditioning unit will work less. With energy efficient windows you will no longer have to dread your monthly utility bill!
Restoring vs. Replacing Historic Windows
April 10th, 2012When people think of old windows they immediately think they hurt your energy savings. What commercial or residential building owners don’t know is that they can keep the charm and historic architecture in tact without ridding of them. Windows can be a defining feature in a buildings appearance, so restoring them could help achieve this preservation.
There are various energy saving tactics that can be put into place on your existing windows. For example, if you properly weather-strip the windows, energy saving can be achieved. The return on investment from just restoring the historic windows may actually be greater than replacing the building with new ones. Replacing windows on an entire building can be costly and may not be financially worthwhile. A true environmentalist would try to avoid the amount of embedded energy that takes place in order to replace an entire building worth of windows.
On the other hand, how well could the windows be preserved? It all depends on the condition of the original windows. If they are far too gone and the framing is rotting it is not worth saving them. With rotting frames there are greater chances for insects and moisture to get in, along with leaking air, resulting in heat loss. Replacing your windows is also a good choice for those who are looking for more sunlight, which can also help with energy savings. Energy efficiency, lifespan, and price are all major factors when it comes to considering new windows. So, decide whether keeping the old charm of the house is your first priority.
If you can no longer bear the steady cold winter draft and battle with your thermostat, window placement might be a better option than restoring. In some cases, restoring an original window may be more appropriate, while replacement can sometimes offer greater advantages: such as energy efficiency, durability, (especially in storm) and easy maintenance.
While you can debate the pros and cons of each side, it really is a preference, and how serious the condition of the existing windows are.
Providing local quality service, American products, and saving you money!
February 13th, 2012Providing local quality service, American products, and saving you money!
With energy rebates expiring, why bother replacing windows and doors in your home? Is there any benefit now?
Rich Graboyes says yes. Replacing drafty, poorly insulated windows can end up saving you lots of money on your energy bill. By replacing any moderately drafty windows in your home, you could end up saving 20 to 25 percent on your energy bill. Older homes with draftier windows could even see savings of 30 percent or more! Not only are you saving energy and money, but you’re also adding to the beauty of your home – inside and out. Every one of our windows and doors is made in America. When you buy from them, you’re not just saving yourself energy money you’re supporting the economy. It’s a win-win situation!
Graboyes is a business with humble beginnings, started in 1949 when founder Joe Graboyes went door-to-door selling aluminum storm doors. Since then, we have been the longest continually running business in East Norriton Township. Of course, much of our success at Graboyes is due to our standard of fairness and family values that have built our company up over the years. We’re not in it to make a quick dollar, we run slow and steady, doing quality work and making friends all along the way. It’s never just about getting a job done, it’s about getting it done right. That’s what we do here at Graboyes, we make sure every job is a job done well.
We offer quality, local service. Located right here in East Norriton, the vast majority of our work is in the Montgomery County, but we service all of Philadelphia: lower Bucks county, Delaware and Chester counties, and even parts of Berks county.
As a family owned and operated business our values help guide our business. We don’t look at our customers as just customers, but as friends. We make it our responsibility to make sure that every customer receives quality service and excellent treatment. When a customer calls with a problem we listen and then we solve it. That’s what our business is all about: Integrity, Service, and Excellence.
Update Your Window and Save
April 21st, 2010Save on your monthly energy bills with the help of Graboyes Windows and Doors and the $1500 tax credit!
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