Can what’s implied with a “Zero Energy” home actually be achieved? The Zero Energy Lab Home program run by the Best Practices Research Alliance in Pittsburgh is doing the research to find out. The Alliance is in the midst of a multi-year research initiative to design and construct homes that use only the energy they tap on-site from natural sources.

Construction of a Zero Energy home – to be evaluated in “cold-climate conditions” – was begun in March near Pittsburgh and now is only months from completion. Then, the research component begins as the Alliance teams simulate habitation in the uninhabited house over a three-year period. Criteria include performance, ease of construction and cost effectiveness.

This is truly an exciting project, as it speaks to the future of energy, our country and even the world – and we salute all those organizations and companies involved in all aspects of the project. Gorell is proud to be an active participant in the project, as Gorell ENERGY STAR qualified windows were selected for the Zero Energy home. For more about the project, visit the Alliance’s web site -- http://www.theresearchalliance.org/pittsburgh-lab-home.aspx. The Best Practices Research Alliance is also providing photo updates of the construction on flickr. Visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/labhomepittsburgh/ to see the home being built.

Many of us have heard about the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 (or "Cash for Caulkers") program that was passed by the House of Representatives last month and is currently waiting to clear the Senate. It sounds as if this bill could be a win/win situation for homeowners and contractors--homeowners will get excellent rebates on "green" products which, in turn, should kick-start the construction industry and create jobs.

However, the bill itself is VERY comprehensive. There are 13 types of retrofit projects eligible for rebates, and each product has unique eligibility requirements and set rebate amounts--so it can be quite confusing for consumers. I recently read an excellent blog article that does a nice job of breaking down the eligible projects by type and giving a concise description of the requirements and rebates available for each. (http://tinyurl.com/2f3bhs8) Whether you’re a consumer or a contractor, this easy-to-understand chart will make it easier to clearly see what types of rebates the Home Star bill will provide.

And although I believe Home Star will be great--both for homeowners who want to make their homes "greener" and save money on energy costs, and for contractor still feeling the effects of the economic downturn--it’s important to remember that this bill could take weeks, or even months, to become a law. For homeowners who want to replace their windows or doors, add insulation, or make other energy-efficient improvements to their homes RIGHT NOW, there are still excellent federal tax credits available for 30% of the cost of qualified products--up to $1,500. For more information on the existing tax credits, visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index.

Replacement Windows are one of the best ways to lower your energy bills and significantly improve the comfort of your home. Another terrific product available is reflective insulation. Reflective insulation typically is Energy Star rated and qualifies for the tax credit.

Reflective insulation can be installed in the rafters of your attic to stop the heat from coming in on those hot summer days. This will reduce the amount of stress put on your air conditioning unit, and it will lower your energy bills. You may also want to consider putting a reflective insulation attic blanket on the floor of your attic. This type of product works great in the winter months, keeping your home protected against the winter elements.

Of course, you could always add more fiberglass insulation. But if there is a product that will be a compliment to fiberglass insulation, enhance the overall energy performance, and give you a much better ROI, reflective insulation is the product. Click here for a 60 second video on the comparison.

Whether it be for the rafters of your attic, the attic floor, house wrap or a hot water heater, make sure you look for a product that is a reflective insulation specific for your application. There are many products out there called radiant barriers. These products have a ‘one size fits all’ mentality. And although you might experience a temporary gain in comfort, over the medium and long term life of your house, reflective insulation is a much better performer. For more information on reflective insulation, go to www.radiaflect.com.

As Congress debates the details of the Home Star bill many people have asked the question of which federal program is better for them – Home Star or the Tax Credit program. Many consumers have delayed their buying decision until they learn whether Home Star will ever be passed and if so, what the final language will mean to them. As with most decisions like this, there isn’t a clear-cut answer. It really depends on your situation.

The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) created a tax credit for homeowners who replaced their old windows with new energy efficient replacement windows. The tax credit allowed the homeowner to receive a credit of 30% of the window cost (excluding installation), with a maximum of $1,500. The money would come in the form of a tax credit on your tax returns. As with most tax credits, it reduces your tax liability. If you have no taxable income or tax liability that can be reduced, you wouldn’t receive a benefit. For the average working class person, this tax credit is a significant incentive and would increase their tax rebate or reduce their tax payment in April.

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 is a bill that is being debated in Congress now. It isn’t clear whether this will ever become a law or not. So, there is a risk is waiting to see if it gets passed because the tax credit program expires on 12/31/10. You don’t want to miss out on both of these programs. The draft language of Home Star proposes upfront refunds on energy efficiency upgrades to your home. This could include windows, insulation, water heaters, HVAC, etc. Replacing windows would potentially offer a rebate of $1,000 if 8+ windows were replaced (or 75% of the windows in the home). This $1,000 would be taken off of the contract price from the home improvement company who sells you the windows. They would then apply for a refund from the government. This is similar to the Cash for Clunkers program that car dealerships offered.

The program that is best for you depends on your individual situation. The pros for the tax credit are that it exists today and the rebate amount for windows is higher. Home Star, if passed, would provide a lesser amount for windows, but it would be upfront money. Home Star would also have the benefit of allowing you to do multiple efficiency upgrades at one time to allow for an even higher rebate. e.g. – You could replace your windows, add insulation to your attic and add a solar hot water heater. This might result in several thousand dollars in discounts, but you’d have a much higher investment cost to get those returns.

Regardless of which program you feel best suits your needs; you don’t want to pass up these opportunities because they won’t be around for long.

We’re hearing all the time in the media how green materials, Energy Star qualified products, and home renovations will save us money and energy. The “green movement” has exploded, and green products are advertised everywhere TV, newspapers and the Internet. Every company says their products are energy efficient and good for the environment and this makes it difficult to choose, as consumers, when purchasing major home-improvement items, such as windows. So what’s the best way to decide which products really are the best value for your money?

Do your research. See what different groups and organizations such as Energy Star, the DOE, or various research facilities or universities have to say. What savings or benefits do they estimate you will receive from window replacement or another home improvement? Do be cautious, however. The old axiom still applies. Don’t believe everything you read. That’s why it’s important to get positions or opinions from several organizations or knowledgeable individuals and to be sure the data you’re studying applies to your climate area.

The bottom line? Most everyone agrees that any renovation such as windows, doors, insulation, etc. that makes your home more energy efficient WILL save you dollars on energy bills. It remains simply a question of how much will you save in your specific case? Just do your homework and decide which type of improvement and which specific product will provide the best savings for your home. Keep your expectations real, and buy smart and you’ll be a happy customer!

There has been lots of talk about the energy tax credits available for improving the energy efficiency of our homes. Now Congress has another program that they have been debating named the HOMESTAR program.

This proposed program as it is written currently has tax credit ranging from $3000 to $8000 depending on how much you spend on your energy efficient projects. It also is based on the total scope of your overall projects.

The current tax credit in place today allows homeowners to deduct 30% (up to $1500) off the materials of an approved Energy Star home improvement upgrade. This program is scheduled to expire at the end of 2010.

So as homeowners, should we wait to see if the HOMESTAR program passes, take advantage of the current tax credit program, or just do nothing? If we as homeowners choose to do nothing, we are already paying for bad windows, insulation etc. We just accept the fact that our energy bills are what they are, and seem to increase every year. We just pay the bill, no matter how painful it is.

But if we improve our homes with energy efficient windows or reflective insulation for example, we not only invest in our homes, but we also save money on our heating and cooling bills. On top of this, we make our homes more comfortable to be in during the year. Going this route, not only do we get the benefit of lower energy bills and comfort, but we also add to the value of our homes. Google the Cost vs. Value report to see what I mean.

My viewpoint is obvious, I believe it is better to do something than keep the status quo. I compare it to making a difficult decision, the worst thing you can do is nothing. This being said, what should we do as homeowners when it comes to taking advantage of these tax credit programs?

Right now, the decision is easy. There is only one program in place and this is the energy tax credit of up to $1500. There is no guarantee the HOMESTAR program will pass, so it is better to take advantage of the program already in place before it expires.

With the HOMESTAR program, even if it does pass, it is my OPINION, that we will be able to somehow take advantage of both programs. But no one will really know for sure until the bill actually passes, if in fact, it does.

Window and door screens have evolved in remarkable ways over the years. From aluminum mesh to fiberglass. From large, hard-to-see-through yarns to micro-diameter threads that provide a clearer, better view.

Modern technology has given us screens that are made of much better materials than “old-school” aluminum mesh. Today we have durable, fire-retardant fiberglass yarns that are coated with a protective vinyl to make them hold up better for many years. Unlike aluminum, fiberglass mesh won’t rust, corrode or stain.

Mesh size is another important factor in window and door screens. Yarns that are smaller in diameter actually provide a better view of the outdoors and even allow more airflow through the screen. And the tighter the mesh, the more effective these screens are at keeping out insects—even the tiniest gnats.

The newest technology now allows screens to provide antimicrobial protection as well. This means that screens can protect against the growth of stain-causing bacteria and mold and mildew that can degrade the fabric. This, in turn helps make homes safer and healthier for families—because those bacteria and mold can cause illness or allergies. Screens that incorporate antimicrobial technology also stay cleaner for longer in between cleanings—an important benefit for busy homeowners and working parents who have less time to devote to cleaning!

One last thing to consider in regard to window and door screens is how “Green” they are—how good are they for the environment? Some screen manufacturers have had their new products tested to see if they meet strict chemical emissions limits, which contribute to the creation of healthier homes. BetterVue screens—offered on Gorell products—have achieved the prestigious GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification.

This past winter produced record snowfalls and cold temperatures for many parts of the U.S. The gradual thawing of built-up snow and ice may have exposed your home’s exterior, particularly your windows and doors, to damp conditions for a prolonged period of time. You may have also experienced cold drafts from some of your windows. This can be a sign of worn weather-stripping or deteriorated exterior caulking. Spring is a great time to inspect your existing windows and doors to ensure proper operation and resistance to air and moisture infiltration. Below is a quick checklist of things to look for:

1. Inspect the caulking around the exterior of your windows/doors for cracks, breaks or separation. If sections are damaged or missing, it’s advisable to replace all  the  caulking in that area.  Remove the old caulking, clean the surface area and apply  a new bead of silicone caulking to create a good seal between the your windows (or doors) and your home’s exterior.
2. If you have wood windows or patio doors, make sure the exterior wood is free of rot and is protected with paint or stain meant for exterior usage. Paint that’s chipping or peeling should be cleaned off and the surface repainted to prevent moisture penetration.
3. Ensure your windows and doors are free of mold and mildew, which can be caused by prolonged exposure to damp conditions. Use cleaning products that won’t stain, scar or damage the materials used in the construction of your existing windows and doors.
4. Clean the sills of windows and patio doors to remove built-up dirt and debris. This is particularly important for sliding patio doors to ensure problem-free operation.
5. Check that window screens fit properly and are free of holes or tears. If you have a damaged screen, your local hardware store can help with replacing the existing screen with new screen material.
6. Check that existing weather-stripping is plush and undamaged to minimize air infiltration. Replacement weather-stripping can be purchased at most hardware stores and is easy to install.
7. If you have double-hung windows, make sure you can easily lift the sash and that it remains in place once opened. If the sash starts to drift back down or requires significant force to lift, a problem with the existing balance system may need to be addressed.
8. Check that window/door hardware—like handles, cranks and locks—are operating properly and are not loose. If necessary, the manufacturer of your windows/doors should be able to provide replacement parts or instruct you on where to get them.

There is a new lead/EPA law coming to your home April 22, 2010, whether you want it or not. For homeowners that own pre 1978 homes, all remodelers whether they are replacing windows, siding, kitches, soffit, facia, etc. may be using lead safe practices in your home. The way the new law reads today is this. If there are children under 6 or pregnant women in the house, lead safe practices need to be recognized and used. This last statement is only a brief section of the law so you will want to look further into the details - for example if a child visits a home twice a week for 3 hours or more - lead safe practices also need to be used. As a father of two little children, I can get behind protecting children from lead poisoning if this was all there was to it.

However, things are much more complicated.  There is an opt out clause currently in the law. There is a likelihood that this opt out will be removed. If this happens, any person owning a pre 1978 home will be required to have their remodeler use lead safe practices. You will not have the choice, the EPA will have decided for you. Why pre 1978 homes? This is when lead paint was 'banned.' So if you own a pre 78 home, there is a good chance your home contains some amount of lead.

But how does this effect us as homeowners. First, the costs of doing remodeling projects are going to skyrocket. Using lead safe practices is not inexpensive both from a labor and materials perspective.  Also, less and less remodelers will be willing to do work on pre 1978 homes because of the added hassle and expense. If there are less contractors willing to do this work, there will be less competition for people wanting to do work on my home. This will lead to costs increasing even further.

Because as homeowners, we have had to work with smaller budgets, the smaller jobs we have been doing over the past couple of years are going to be economically prohibitive because of the new costs associated with lead safe practices. Because our pre 1978 homes will be tested for lead, when we go to sell our home, we will have to note this on our disclosures. So if we do remodeling work, we are penalized for this compared to our neighbor who also owns a pre 1978 home and doesn't have remodeling work done - or did the work before April 22, 2010. They don't or didn't have to disclose it because lead testing wasn't required.

With the added costs associated with remodeling, we are in essence taxed for it. We want to be rewarded for making our older homes more energy efficient, not penalized for it. I have been writing my lawmakers about this and if you agree, I encourage you to do the same.

This time of year is a good time for homeowners living in areas of the country prone to severe weather to consider addressing their preparedness for the "next big one." Especially in the event of hurricanes (but not limited to them).

To help in this area, we've prepared a document called "Protecting your family and home from violent weather with Hurricane Windows and Doors."  Obviously, being a manufacturer that makes "impact" windows and doors, we designed this piece to stress the importance of installing hurricane-strength windows and doors that can withstand the tremendous dangers of strong winds and flying debris.

This document addresses much more, however. For example, it includes a checklist of actions to take and items to have in place as part of a plan to be better prepared. It also includes ASCE wind zone maps that show the areas most affected by hurricanes and the level of protection required for that area by the International Building Code.  And, it addresses different types of protection -- from plywood to impact windows -- to keep wind and debris from entering homes and causing serious injury or death and damaging or destroying homes.

To view or download a PDF of this literature, visit http://www.gorell.com/pages/hurricane_windows.htm