When we think of home remodeling, we think initially of interior changes such as updated kitchens or bathrooms. Yet remodeling options extend throughout the home, including the exterior. There are a variety of possible updates, but of them all the one that has the most potential for long-term benefit to your budget is an update to the windows on your house.

There are two main reasons why you should consider replacing the windows on your home. First, new windows can make your home more energy efficient, especially if your current windows are over twenty years old. Energy-efficient window technology has improved by leaps and bounds over the past few decades as engineers have discovered new ways to make sure windows do not leak much heat from the home in the winter or too much cool air in the summer.

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Adding a sunroom onto your home is a great way to make a cheery place for your family to hang out and also provide a place for entertaining guests. The perfect sunroom is spacious and energy efficient, so these things should always be kept in mind when designing a sunroom.

Those who already have a screened-in porch on the back of their homes can often convert it into a sunroom with ease. Should there be no existing porch, a sunroom can be added without too much trouble as well. Home addition contractors should definitely be consulted when it comes time to do the actual construction, for they will be able to help you maximize your space and actually build onto your home if necessary.

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Out of a desire both to protect the environment and help the nation become more energy independent, many homeowners are thinking about installing home solar energy systems. Like most other projects on the market, there are several options to choose from when it comes to solar energy, and the wide variety of options can make a final decision difficult. But there are some helpful things to keep in mind that can make choosing the right solar energy system much easier.

First, it is important to consider how much money a solar energy system will actually save a home in the long run. For example, perhaps you find solar panels that will provide electricity and will cost a total of $1,000 to buy and install. Simultaneously, you find solar panels for heating water that cost $2,000 to buy and install. At first glance it might very well seem that the solar electricity panels are the best buy. But if the water panels will save you $400 in utility costs a year versus $100 a year with the electricity panels, it soon becomes clear that the water panels are a better choice since it will take only five years for a return on your investment versus ten years for the solar electricity system.

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More and more homeowners are looking for ways to become environmentally friendly. As heating and cooling a home present one of the biggest expenses for homeowners, choosing energy efficient options in this area is not only a treat to the environment, it’s one for your pocketbook as well.

If you live in desert-like climates like Arizona, for example, one environmentally friendly home cooling option is the evaporative cooler.

What Is an Evaporative Cooler?

An evaporative cooler differs from traditional cooling systems in that it doesn’t require refrigeration to cool the air. Evaporative coolers cool the air via the evaporation of water.

FYI: You will also hear evaporative coolers referred to as swamp coolers, wet air coolers and desert coolers.

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One of the largest uses of energy in any home comes via the hot water tank. According to home energy experts, the hot water tank accounts for upwards of 25 percent of the energy used in a home. By the time the whole family showers; the dinner dishes are run through the dishwasher; and the family laundry is done – is it any wonder?

There is a cheaper option that is better for the environment – solar energy.

2 Benefits of Using Solar Energy

• Environmentally Friendly: Solar energy causes fewer carbons to be released into the environment. Carbon dioxide is a gas that environmental experts believe is a major cause of global warming. Solar-produced energy produces no carbons, which means a cleaner environment.

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If you’re remodeling your bathroom and are looking for ways to be eco-friendly, an electric shower is one option. Never heard of an electric shower? Following is an overview of the benefits of having one installed in your bathroom.

How Electric Showers Differ from Traditional Showers

In most homes, all the water consumed is heated by one source – a water heater. Electric showers are different in that the water is heated by an electrical device in the shower head. This makes it possible to heat water immediately – and only – upon use.

You can purchase also purchase a shower head with an electrical device that allows you to store various temperature settings. This ensures perfect water temperature with every use.

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The book Why… Buy Replacement Windows? became an instant success when published in 2008. Why?  Windows represent one of the most fragile components of the “envelope” which surrounds the living area of your home.

Ask yourself – why is the government offering up to $1,500 as a tax credit if you replace the windows in your home with energy efficient models which meet specific requirements (less than .30 U factor)?

Immediately, you may ask what is the (U) Factor and why do you have to meet this standard to get a tax credit?  The answer – the (U) factor is the measurement of how much heat is transferred through a window.  A lower (U) Factor represents better insulation and less heat flow.

The book explains how a properly insulated window contains the heat manufactured inside for heating purposes and reflects heat gain when the air conditioner is on.

The book was written for homeowners and contains information on how to understand manufacturer specifications, how to select a contractor and how to protect yourself when contracting for products such as this. The book is simple to read and has explanations for all technical terms created and supported by Federal agencies and industry evaluation groups.

Dayo Yoho, the author, has been kind enough to share an excerpt of his book with the readers of Home Remodeling Ideas. Visit Fix The Home to read the first chapter of Why… Buy Replacement Windows?

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As resources become scarcer, the need for alternative energy sources has become a necessity. One of the most popular options is solar. Progressive homeowners concerned about the environment – and perhaps escalating energy costs – are installing solar roof shingles.

What are Solar Roof Shingles?

Solar roof shingles are a thin film of photovoltaic cells constructed to look like regular roof shingles. They are dark-blue, dark-purple and/or black in color. For pitched roofs, solar panels come as individual tiles or small shingles. For flat roofs, solar roof shingles are constructed as large, continuous sheets.

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If you’re thinking about replacing the windows in your home, double-paned windows are an excellent option. They have superior insulative properties, which saves on energy. Double-paned windows also reduce outside noise and protect your home from sun damage. Add to all of this the fact that they are pretty easy to clean, and it’s clear why they add value to any home.

What Exactly Are Double-Paned Windows?

Double-paned windows are so named because they are constructed by using two, glass-facing panels. Each piece of glass is a solid panel which is set in a frame and separated by a small space.

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