Ecoconsumer

Energy wants to move.

Heat will escape from your house any way that it can. And with cooler weather just a couple of months away, its time to consider ways to make our homes more energy efficient.

Open up your home energy conservation efforts to include your windows. Most homes have lots of them, and heat loves to go out the window.

Addressing heat loss from windows has often meant replacing them, which is usually an expensive proposition. Lets look at two less-costly alternatives among the new wave of home energy efficiency strategies: window inserts and insulating blinds.

Window inserts

Sometimes called interior storm windows, window inserts are a great fit for older homes.

Typically made of clear acrylic plastic, they are lighter and easier to handle than traditional storm windows and usually are custom-sized to fit snugly.

Most companies that sell window inserts have developed their own frame system. Inserts blend right in with the existing window, making them perfect for vintage windows.

In effect, inserts create an energy-efficient double-pane window. The layer of air in the middle provides insulation. Window inserts also keep noise out while they keep heat in.

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How to keep heat from escaping out the window | EcoConsumer

As we head toward the cooler days of autumn, many homeowners may suddenly be having flashbacks of this past winter, when their older, original windows had them dealing with drafts, condensation between the glass panes, arthritic sashes that no longer go up and down and casements that have become too cranky to crank open.

This is when the thoughts of many home-owners turn to installing either "replacement" or "new" windows.

Replacement windows are designed to fit the existing opening when you want to remove your old windows without disturbing the surrounding trim or frame. Replacement windows come in standard sizes that fit the most common-size openings, or they can be custom-ordered to fit your unique dimensions.

New windows are needed if you wish to change the dimensions of the openings to accommodate completely new window styles and shapes.

Replacement windows are a great option if your existing frame is in good condition, or when the trim is special to the design and decor of your home. Replacement windows cost roughly the same as new windows, but installation is cheaper.

The appeal of new windows is that you can transform the appearance of your home both inside and out. But you will need to hire a skilled carpenter for proper installation.

After deciding between new and replacement windows, the next decision is the style or type.

The four most popular types are:

These are the most commonly installed replacement windows.

Composed of two separate frames, called "sashes," each frame contains a glass pane. If both sashes can move up and down, the window is considered "double-hung." With "single-hung" windows, only the bottom sash can be moved.

More:
House Calls: Replacement vs. new windows

When replacing basement windows, most people now consider glass block. It's a good insulator, secure, and waterproof. It lets light in, but obscures visibility from the outside, and can incorporate small ventsto allow air flow. It is durable, long-lasting, and virtually maintenance-free. These features make glass block a good choice for basement window replacement. In many communities, installing glass block windows requires a permit, and code requirements will usually specify the number of vents that must be included.

You will first need to determine the size of the window opening. For most basement windows, you will be removing the existing metal or wood frame and installing the glass block paneldirectly against the masonry wall. Take the dimensions of the openingto your glass block supplier and choose the blocksyou want to use for the panel. Glass block comes in many different looks and in two standard thicknesses.The blocks are sold in several heights and widths, so blocks of different sizes can be combined to create a panel of the required dimensions.The panel is made using amortar specially designed for glass block. There are several installation options:

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Glass block a good choice for basement windows: The Weekly Fix

The first part of a $2.6 million window replacement project at New Canaan's South Elementary School has been "successfully completed," Nancy Harris, the district's interim director of finance and operations, told the Board of Education Monday.

Split into two phases, the project will repair or replace some of the windows, replace a failing glass block structure in the upper level of the school and repair the building expansion joint. The glass block structure will be replaced with frosted glass, according to Harris.

Phase one, which lasted about a month and cost $411,700, included the removal of the glass block and abatement of hazardous materials from non-teaching spaces.

The area is now sealed up with weatherproof boards until the second phase, which includes more abatement and the replacement of the windows, begins in summer 2015.

At Monday's meeting, Harris praised the work of Niram, the New Jersey construction company in charge of phase one.

"They were on time, they were neat, they were thorough," she told the board.

Harris said environmental experts and engineers visited the construction site every day "to make sure all containment remained intact" and "that all materials were removed properly."

The finance director said the building committee overseeing the project plans to launch the bidding process for phase two in the fall.

The committee's next meeting is Thursday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m. in room 102 at South.

noliveira@bcnnew.com, 203-330-6582, @olivnelson

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First phase of South Elementary School's project completed

SARANAC LAKE - A replacement has been selected for Saranac Lake Central School District Assistant Superintendent Dan Bower. Bower attended his last school board meeting Wednesday night, before starting a new job in Tupper Lake.

Cynthia Moody, of Saranac Lake, was chosen as the new business executive for the district. She is currently a business manager for Franklin-Essex-Hamilton Board of Cooperative Education Services, working with the Elizabethtown and Willsboro school districts, according to Superintendent Diane Fox. Before that she was the village of Saranac Lake's treasurer from 2003 to 2008.

Four candidates were interviewed for the position over a period of two days at the end of last week. Moody was picked last Thursday. She will start working for the district on Sept. 22. Her starting salary will be $76,000.

What made Moody stand out as the best choice for the school district?

"She had two pieces that really moved her to the top of the list," Fox said. "She has experience doing this, and people knew her. Sometimes that's a double-edged sword when people know you, but Cynthia's reputation preceded her and no matter who you spoke to they had things to say about her work ethic, her ability to work with groups, her dedication to her job."

There will be some internal movements inside the administrative office by the beginning of the school year. The current treasurer will retire at the end of the month. An employee who has been handling payroll duties for the district will take over the treasurer position, and payroll will be picked up by BOCES.

Because Bower was an assistant superintendent, he could be assigned more responsibilities. In his absence, some supervision responsibilities will be tweaked in the administrative office, Fox said.

"We had some support staff, supervisors who were working closely with Dan on the day to day," Fox said. "I still did their formal supervision, but they did a lot of their day-to-day stuff with Dan. That will come over into my office."

Bower resigned in June. He decided to take an offer to replace Garry Lanthier, business manager for Tupper Lake Central School District, who is retiring. Bower has lived in Tupper Lake for 16 years.

His official last day is at the end of the month, but he will likely return to help train his replacement in September.

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School hires new business manager

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) August 21, 2014

Bulls Glass and Screen Center, a San Jose, California company that specializes in windows, doors and more, has just announced that they have hired additional qualified staff and upgraded their inventory. These exciting changes were in response to a recent increase in Bay Area commercial property clients contacting Bulls Glass for help with replacing their windows and other related services.

As a company spokesperson for Bulls Glass and Screen Center explained, during the recent economic downturn, many owners of commercial properties waited to make much-needed upgrades like switching from single pane to double pane windows.

Now, thanks to the red hot Bay Area economy, the rental market is on fire once again, and we are seeing a soaring demand in window upgrade orders as renters expect amenities like double pane windows that reduce energy costs, noise, lower moisture, and increase security, the spokesperson noted, adding that this increase in business is especially centered on the South Bay area.

We are seeing an economic boom with commercial property ownersmainly apartment buildings and multi-family housing units, townhouses and more.

In addition to providing top notch window repair and window replacement services, a Bulls Glass Representative stated, We also offer the following install and repair services on doors, window screens, shower doors, shower tub enclosures, and more!

During the 45-plus years that Bulls Glass and Screen Center has been in business, they have acquired a great deal of knowledge and expertise in retrofitting older style windows to more modern and energy-efficient styles.

Retrofit window and patio door replacements are a no-hassle way of upgrading your home or residential units, the spokesperson said, adding that each can be installed in just a few hours with absolutely no mess or additional work required.

About Bulls Glass and Screen Center:

Bull's Glass and Screen Center has been serving the Saratoga, Cupertino, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and West San Jose communities for over 40 years. The company's technicians are highly trained and professional, each with over 20 years experience in the industry. For more information, please visit http://bullsglass.com/.

Originally posted here:
Bay Area Commercial Property Servicer Bulls Glass and Screen Center Hires Additional Staff

The products of Royal Window Coverings can be adjusted for privacy and personal preferences. Matching window coverings tie-in decor and add panache and polish for a sophisticated interior. (Courtesy Photo)

As homeowners are becoming more concerned about their budgets, energy efficient window treatments are one easy way to conserve energy and reduce utility bills. In response to this rising demand, Royal Window Coverings in San Diego has created its innovative Energy Savings Division.

Traditionally, adding solar, window replacement/glazing and energy efficient HVAC systems were the only ways to effectively modify a home for energy conservation. Today, there are a variety of attractive window treatments available. These range from shutters and drapery to hybrid honeycomb roller shades that create a pocket of air and help to insulate the windows.

We can show homeowners the best way to treat their windows to provide the maximum energy savings, said Bruce Robert Fischer, energy savings consultant at Royal Window Coverings. Protecting your windows, your floors, your furnishing and your family, thats our goal.

Royal Window Coverings was established in 1998 by Bernard El Dib to provide professional drapery services to his clients.

Shutters and blinds were later added to complete the full line of window coverings. We love to help our clients find the best window solutions. Everything we do is customized to meet homeowners specific goals, said Bernard, who is writing a book showcasing energy-saving window coverings.

La Jolla homeowners are eligible for a free visit from a representative of the Energy Savings Divisions of Royal Window Coverings and can apply at royalwindowcoveringsinc.com

Royal Window Coverings, 8145 Ronson Road, Suite A, San Diego Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment (858) 901-3466 royalwindowcoveringsinc.com

The Business Spotlight features commercial enterprises that support the La Jolla Light.

Royal Window Coverings can be a one-stop source for interior design and home dcor needs, including custom window shades, shutters, draperies, curtains and more. (Courtesy Photo)

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Royal Window Coverings help San Diego County homeowners save energy in style for interior design and home dcor needs

Window & door project nearly done at local school

WILMINGTONDriving by the North Intermediate School these days may make a parent nervous, with windows and entries covered and under construction. The North Intermediate School window and door replacement project will be finished by the end of the month.

George Hooper, the Superintendent of Public Buildings, said that most of the window project will be complete by August 27, and theyll start installing the doors on the 29th.

Everything seems to be progressing really nicely, he said.

Theyve also replaced the Norths septic tank. In addition, they switched the heating system over from oil to gas. The boilers at the North Intermediate were original to the building.

They did roofing work, toothe replacement of 9,170 square feet of roof, approved at Town Meeting.

The North was built in 1962, and it is 54,569 square feet.

Hooper said that this is his third windows project. An example of a previous one: the replacement of the Shawsheen Schools windows. This, as the Crier reported previously, revitalized the faade of the building and greatly increased energy efficiency.

Its no different from the North.

Hooper said that the new windows are a big improvement for the buildingand you can tell when you look through them.

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Just in time

Marshall County Engineer Paul Geilenfeldt has plans so replace a concrete box culvert bridge on Marble Road (E18) with and expected price tag of $225,000.

The culvert is more than 20 feet long, so technically it's known as a bridge, he said.

It is located less than a mile west of Highway 14 toward Liscomb.

T-R PHOTO BY ANDREW POTTER This concrete box culvert on E18 (Marble Road) west of Highway 14 and east of Liscomb is in line to be replaced next year.

Geilenfeldt said there are problems with the sidewalls of the current culvert.

"The structure is not sufficient to carry overweight loads that are often permitted to use county routes," Geilenfeldt said. "Any further deterioration of this structure would cause us to place weight restrictions on the culvert."

The current concrete box culvert was built in 1958. The county expects to let the project out to bid in December with construction planned for 2015.

The board of supervisors recently approved temporary easements with landowners in the area including Dean Sharp and William Elliott to allow construction crews to utilize their property for the work.

This will be the first of two box culverts to be replaced on E18 as another at Oxford Avenue is planned for next year due to the same set of concerns, Geilenfeldt said.

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County plans $225,000 culvert replacement

Another 'ghostly' sighting of creepy face in window at Ye Olde Man and Scythe pub

Updated 6:41pm Wednesday 13th August 2014 in News By Jeremy Culley, reporter

The ghostly apparition at Ye Olde Man and Scythe's window.

THERE has been yet another "ghostly" sighting at Boltons spookiest pub.

A strange figure appeared at one of the pubs back windows upstairs while the live-in manager was on holiday and his replacement was downstairs.

The haunting, unexplained picture was taken by a neighbour of Ye Olde Man and Scythe in Churchgate.

It appears to show a face, with a beard and mouth, at the window, which is above a sink.

It is the third time Ye Olde Man and Scythe has reported a supernatural occurrence in the last eight months and underlines its international tag of Britains most haunted pub.

The pub first hit the headlines in February when a CCTV video released on YouTube seemed to show a ghost appear at the end of the bar in the middle of the night.

Then last month, a Portuguese tourist one of many intrigued visitors to the haunted pub since it shot to fame caught a mysterious flash of light on film which appeared at an upstairs window.

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Who is the creepy face in the window? Another 'ghostly' sighting at pub