News and Updates

An article on the Daily News-Miner website published last November 28, 2013 discusses the problem of excess condensation occurring on window panes during winter. Water drops can form on windows whenever the level of humidity inside a home is too high, in contrast to the dry cold of the outdoors. If left unattended, the droplets can freeze, causing a mess for homeowners. There are several solutions to reduce condensation, as the article suggests:

“Three things: make sure your home is properly ventilated, aim for less than 40 percent relative humidity to keep both you and your home healthy, and consider replacing your windows or adding external removable window insulation during cold months.
. . .
Older, poorer performing windows can create problems no matter what you do to your interior air. Bad seals around operable windows, metal spacers between the panes, and inadequate insulating value can cause the window surface to get cold enough for condensation to occur. If you’re not ready to invest in new windows, consider some type of moveable window insulation like foam board (on the outside) or well-sealed plastic film (on the inside).”

Better insulation can prevent windows from getting too cold, thus preventing condensation from forming on their surface. However, merely changing the insulation on clearly dilapidated and old windows will do little to change anything. If the budget permits it, householders shouldn’t hesitate to purchase replacement windows in West Chester, PA.

For cold climates, homeowners will need windows that serve as very good insulators. Certain window frames are more suited to freezing conditions compared to others, such as fiberglass, composite wood, and insulated vinyl. Not only will these superior materials reduce condensation, they can also improve the energy efficiency of a home by preventing warm indoor air from escaping.

With the right windows in Newark, DE, locals can live comfortably despite harsh winter conditions outdoors. A window replacement with a sturdy, insulated frame and treated glass panes can reliably keep out the cold and even reduce energy usage by as much as 25%. Consumers should enlist professional contractors such as Homecraft® to provide such quality products.

(Article Excerpt and Image from Balance the moisture in your home to avoid window condensation, newsminer.com, November 28, 2013)

In an article on The Buffalo News website, Angie Hicks discusses how householders can further improve their homes to be more efficient in energy usage. Switching to energy efficient products can reduce the amount of power a household uses drastically in the long run. The article lists a number of home products that the government is willing to subsidize partially so that homeowners can improve energy usage:

To qualify for the tax credits – which reimburse homeowners 10 percent of the cost of an Energy Star-qualifying home-improvement project, up to $500 – the improvement must have been made in 2012 or 2013. Here’s a list of products and appliances that may qualify for a tax credit, but keep in mind that the total credit can’t exceed $500:

• Insulation or insulating material, 10 percent of cost.
• Exterior window or skylight, 10 percent of cost, up to $200.
• Exterior door, 10 percent of cost.
• Metal roof with pigmented coating, or asphalt roof with cooling granules, 10 percent of the cost.
• Advanced main air-circulating fan, $50.
• Natural gas, propane, or oil furnace or hot water boiler, $150.
• Electric heat pump water heater, $300.
• Electric heat pump, $300.
• Central air conditioner, $300.
• Natural gas, propane, or oil water heater, $300.
• Biomass stove, $300.
Metal and asphalt roofing, accordingly, can improve energy efficiency in the home. Due to their excellent insulation properties, metal and asphalt roofs can prevent excessive amounts of heat or cold from entering the home, as well as in keeping indoor temperature from draining out.

While metal is the more durable of the two, asphalt roofing is generally more affordable. Metal is also highly resistant to fire and asphalt is immune to the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. Quality metal and asphalt roofing in Delaware can be installed by skilled contractors like Homecraft® Inc.

Since the federal government is offering a tax credit on home improvements centered on energy efficiency, householders should take the opportunity to install quality roofing in PA, whether it’s asphalt or metal. Look up the list of appliances and products approved by the government for 2013 deductions.

From The Buffalo News, Get tax credit for adding energy efficiency, October 20, 2013

Since the housing crash in 2008, more than a million homes nationwide were lost to foreclosure. Fortunately, in 2013, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has reported more encouraging numbers. Home sales are at 454,000, a significant jump from 2010’s 276,000. Listing prices are also up at $271,600, a 33% increase compared to two years ago. Houses are also staying on the market for a shorter time—just 4.1 months on average.
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