Month: January 2021

Lower heating costs improve any bottom line, whether you own a single-family home or a business. The good news is that you can lower these costs with a few behavior changes. But, if you find your home is still leaking heat, your local Burbank windows and doors installers are here to help.

Below are just a few ways you can lower heating costs in your home or business. To discuss more heat-saving options, give us a call today. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about Milgard doors, which Milgard windows Burbank residents prefer, and other available sun control systems.

Turn Down the Heat When You Leave

One of the easiest ways to save energy is by not using it. When you leave for work in the morning, click that thermostat down a few degrees. As long as you stay above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, your home should have no problem staying warm enough to operate.

When you return home, it’s easy to turn the thermostat back up and warm up the house while you’re there. Sure, it might be chilly at first, but those few extra dollars in your monthly budget should help you feel better about those lower heating costs.

Wrap Yourself in Blankets or Warm Clothing

Most people park themselves on the couch after dinner. After all, you’ve worked all day and want to relax, right? Curl up with a fluffy, soft blanket and get away from it all for a couple hours before bedtime.

Putting on a comfy sweater and long pants should help keep you warm as well. Soft, warm materials will help your body to relax and soon you may find all the stresses of your day melting away. Lower heating costs can feel good!

Wear Socks and/or Slippers

Add a pair or two of wool socks to your wardrobe for those chilly nights around the house. Cozy slippers keep all your toes warm, even if you aren’t a blanket person. Don’t let all your body heat escape through your feet.

Cook a Meal or Bake a Tasty Dessert

Many people use fireplaces to heat their homes, but sometimes the best heaters are in the kitchen. Cook a hot meal in the oven or on the stovetop to lower heating costs. You can also bake a scrumptious dessert and leave the oven door open afterward.

Ensure Windows and Doors Are Sealed

Did you know that over a quarter of your home’s heat is lost through the windows? Sliding patio doors can let a lot of heat escape, too. The tighter you can seal your doors and windows, the lower heating costs will be at your business or personal residence.

If you find your home windows and doors aren’t sealing properly, it could be time for some new additions. Replacement windows lower heating costs dramatically. Professional installers can have your new window and door installation done right to put more money back into your wallet.

Heat Efficiently with a Ceiling Fan

Besides around windows and doors, heat also likes to hang out in high places. Installing ceiling fans in your home or place of business can help distribute heat evenly throughout the entire building. Plus, they come in handy during summer months to keep the cold air circulating as well.

Install Insulating Window Treatments

Traditional shutters and old-style patio doors are just a few places in your home where heat can escape. Even if your patio door doesn’t leak heat, it’s still a good idea to invest in window treatments that will keep the heat in, too. Plus, they add a bit of style to your home.

Window treatment materials typically include various types of fabric. Choose those fabrics that weigh a bit more and are dyed a darker color. These window dressings should soak up the heat during the warm part of the day and insulate your home throughout the evening hours.

Windows and doors are your biggest culprits for letting out the heat. Protect your bottom line with professional window and door installation from a Milgard-certified dealer. We’ll be happy to show you how Milgard custom windows can improve your home so you can focus on the important things in life.

We often think about the way our homes look within. After all, the interior design industry is estimated to generate about $10 billion in revenue every year. But there is far more to what makes up a home than the way that it looks on the inside or the structural integrity of its exterior. Exterior design certainly matters as well, and in some ways, it is even more important than interior design.

Exterior design is at times more expensive than interior design and may not need to be updated quite as often. But it’s important that you don’t attempt to handle exterior design issues, like replacement doors and windows, on your own. Rather, you should wait until you can work with professional installers. If you attempt to handle exterior design on your own, you may very well find yourself saddled with expensive repairs. In the long term, these could cost more than working with professionals in the first place.

With that in mind, your goal should be to add value to your home. Let’s look into some of the best ways to update the exterior of your home and ensure that your house is putting its best foot forward. The more updated and aesthetically pleasing your home is, the more valuable it will be.

1. Replace Your Windows

There are a lot of reasons why you may want to contact professional installers about changing your home’s windows. Windows do generally need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years, depending on the window types involved and what the window frames are made of. For example, vinyl windows may actually last longer than wood windows, as they are more resistant to the elements and rot. Windows that have been damaged following weather events would obviously need to be replaced prematurely.

But in general, you may also want to explore changing your home’s windows in order to alter the appearance of your house. Windows are often referred to as a home’s “eyes”, and changing your windows can actually change the appearance of your home’s exterior in a big way. You’ll need to look into your development rights and what they permit, but you may very well be allowed to alter the shape and size of your windows. Typically speaking, you should think about budgeting around $200-$500 per window, though your budget may need to extend depending on how many windows you want to replace and what you would like to replace them with.

2. Install New Entry Doors

Much like windows, your doors can actually make your entire house look different. Over time, entry doors can be exposed to a great deal of water, and depending on what material the doors are made of, you may have to replace them sooner rather than later. Wood doors are highly valued due to their classic appearance, but wood is porous. This means that it can absorb liquid, and therefore experience rot. Additionally, wood doors can expand or warp over time, ultimately looking very different over the years.

Entry doors can be replaced and updated, often without necessarily changing the appearance of the doors overly much if you’d rather not do that and simply want an update. Steel doors are favored by some due to their durability but are prone to rust. Like vinyl windows, vinyl doors often last much longer and are relatively cost-efficient.

3. Add Sliding Doors

Sliding patio doors can actually expand the overall sense of space in your home. Technically, you can add sliding glass doors to your home whether or not you have a patio. These doors can let in natural light while making it easier for you to spend time outside.

Even during the winter months, sliding glass doors allow you to have a visual connection with your exterior property. Although it’s important to have professional installers control the installation of these doors, as they can easily be installed incorrectly, they’re ultimately worth the investment.

Don’t hesitate to contact professional installers about updating the exterior of your home. Ultimately, you’ll be glad that you took this step and gave your house a whole new look.