Green Remodeling/Energy Efficiency

What does Going Green mean in the remodeling and construction field?
Going green refers to a new set of construction practices that take into consideration the efficient use of energy, water and other resources that reduce the overall impact on people and the environment. 

What are the economic benefits of Going Green?
In some cases, green remodeling and construction may cost more up front, but saves you money through lower operating costs over the life of the home.  This is based on the fact that a big part of the process of Going Green is the commitment to Energy Efficiency, through products that reduce energy and other resources being used by your home.  Going green can also increase the overall value of your home and make it more appealing to future buyers.  Even with a tight budget, many green building measures can be incorporated with minimal or zero increased up-front costs and they can yield enormous savings

What are some other benefits of Going Green?
Going Green has positive impacts on the environment, on your health and on your community. It can benefit the environment by enhancing and protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, improving air and water quality, reducing solid waste and conserving natural resources.  Going Green can also benefit you more directly by improving your air quality, making your home more comfortable, enabling healthier living, minimizing the strain on local infrastructure and utilities, and contributing to overall quality of life.

What are some of the steps that you can take to start the process of Going Green?
There are some simple first steps that you can take today, to start the process of Going Green.

§         Replace your windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows

§         Replace your wood and steel entry doors with ENERGY STAR qualified fiberglass doors

§         Add insulation to your walls, ceilings and floors

§         Replace your deck with recycled composite materials

§         Use compact fluorescent light bulbs or light-emitting-diode (LED) bulbs

§         Install occupancy sensors for light switches

§         Convert your thermostat to an ENERGY STAR qualified digital programmable model

§         Inspect, clean or change air filters once or month in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump

§         Replace your shower head and faucets with low flow models

§         Replace your toilets with low flush models

§         Install high efficiency heating and cooling systems

§         Install instant gas water heaters

§         Install solar powered hot water systems

What should you know about windows and doors?
Installing ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors will lower energy bills and save you money.  In New England, upgrading to ENERGY STAR qualified windows from single pane windows will save you $465 per year.  If you are upgrading from double pane windows to ENERGY STAR windows, you will save $91 per year.

In addition to lowering your energy bills ENERGY STAR windows and doors provide more comfort, create less condensation, and protect your valuables from sun damage better than conventional clear-glass double-paned windows and doors.

ENERGY STAR windows and doors offer  protection from winter chills.  The cold, inside surface of an inefficient window or door pulls heat away from your body, so you can feel chilly in a sweater with the thermostat at 70 degrees. With ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors, the interior glass stays warmer, so you can enjoy your window seat even when the temperature outside dips well below freezing.

ENERGY STAR windows and doors help reduce condensation.  On winter mornings, is there fog on the inside or the outside of your windows or glass? If an inefficient window or window frame gets too cold, indoor moisture can condense or even freeze on the interior surface and then pool on the sill. Over time, chronic condensation can damage sills, cause paint to crack, and encourage the growth of mold. Advanced technologies enable ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors to keep the interior of the glass and frame warmer, reducing the potential for condensation and ensuring a clearer view on winter mornings.

ENERGY STAR windows and doors shield you from summer heat.  In summer, do some of your rooms feel like a sauna? A typical double-paned, clear-glass window allows approximately 75 percent of the sun’s heat into your home. Most ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors transfer much less heat, typically without reducing visible light. You get the light you need without the uncomfortable heat.

ENERGY STAR windows and doors help protect your valuables from fading.  Your favorite photograph, your child’s artwork and even your couch can fade or discolor after repeated exposure to direct sunlight. Most Low-E coatings, the same coatings that keep out the summer heat, can reduce fading by up to 75 percent. These coatings act like sunscreen for your house, blocking damaging ultraviolet rays without noticeably reducing visible light.

What windows are available that meet ENERGY STAR qualifications?
For a window to be considered ENERGY STAR qualified, it must have a U-Factor of 0.35 or lower.  Here are several options of windows that we typically install:

What doors are available to meet ENERGY STAR qualifications?
For a door to be considered ENERGY STAR qualified, it must have a U-Factor of 0.35 or lower.  Here are several options of windows that we typically install:

 Please contact us for more info on GOING GREEN.