4CORE
Facebook TwitterDonate  LinkedIn Energy to Evolve Blog
Energy News You Can Use
Issue Sponsors
by Barka Fabianova
Have you ever sent out an email and the links didn't work? We have, and we apologize! Here is take #2:

It is getting cooler out there, and that means you might be thinking about how to keep your home warmer this winter. 

Has this happened to you? You are sitting down to a nice warm beverage by your windows to get a better view of the autumn colors. You go to take your first sip and you feel a cold breeze or draft raining down on you, ruining your cozy fall reverie and giving you the chills.

We can help!

Take the first step: Call 4CORE to get a low-cost Window Test (valued at $250), $100 this month only. Our certified assessor will perform a test to see how you can reduce drafts and save on heating expenses. Call 970-259-1916 or email us to set up an assessment today. 


Don't let those cold window drafts make your home uncomfortable - read on to find out how to to upgrade the performance of your windows for little cost, and save on heating expenses.
CO Fenestra
Visit website

Qlty Hs Intrs
Visit website
HBASC

SSTI

Video: How to Seal Window Interiors
Do it Yourself!
Air sealing is one of the most cost-effective things you can do to upgrade the efficiency of your home. Here is a demo for caulking windows INSIDE. 
Home Help  : How to Caulk Around Doors and Windows
Home Help : How to Caulk Around Doors and Windows
Work with your Windows
Checklist
  • Exchange Storm Windows for Screens: Before it gets too cold outside, you'll want to remove screens from your windows, wash them down and re-install them. This can improve your views and lets the sun shine in to improve your solar gain.
  • Cleaning Helps: Cleaning helps improve solar gain in the cold season- keep windows clean on the inside and out; pull shades at night to keep heat in and open them during the day to let the sun shine in!
  • Replace loose or missing glazing. The glazing putty that seals window panes can crack and fall out with time. Remove the old putty (see video above for how to!)
Which Way to Warmer Windows?
Ways to gussy up your windows that cost a little, or a lot
The U.S. Dept. of Energy estimates that during the summer up to 60% of a home's cooling energy is lost through its windows and during the winter up to 25% of a home's heating energy is lost through its windows. Here are a few ways to reduce that energy loss:
 
Seal and caulk
Pros - This is the most cost-effective way to reduce air leaking through windows. Foam stripping or caulk can be purchased for little money.  
Cons - Applying foam stripping or caulk can be messy, and sometimes tricky (see our previous newsletters for videos on "how to"). Also, caulking and sealing doesn't always prevent drafts that are caused by air cooling, condensing, and sinking down along the window pane and walls.
 
Plastic
Pros - This is a quick, inexpensive way to reduce air flow and downdrafts from windows.
Cons - Thin plastic material can easily be damaged, and needs to be removed in summer months if you want any fresh air coming into your house. The adhesive can also rip off paint when removed if it is applied on a painted surface.

Insulating film
Pros - Applying film can help retain heat as well as block glare and ultraviolet rays to reduce fading of interior furnishings. It can be kept on windows year-round to reduce heat gain in the summer months.  
Cons - Must be cut and applied correctly and can be more costly than the methods mentioned above.

Window coverings
Pros - Thick drapes and honey comb or insulative blinds help keep warm air in and reduce drafts from windows. They are also more aesthetically pleasing than using plastic and can compliment to the room's decor.
Cons - Drapes and blinds must be pulled to let in light or heat during the day time. They can also be more costly than methods mentioned above.

Storm Windows
Pros - Storm windows are a good solution if double-pane replacement windows are too expensive. They provide an additional layer of insulation to existing single-pane windows.
Con - These windows are usually removed each summer and replaced with screens and then installed again in cold months, which creates additional maintenance in fall and spring.

Window Replacement
Pros - Window technology has come a long way in the last few years, and their insulative value has been increased by the use of materials such as vinyl and argon gas between the panes. Often times if a home is insulated and air sealed well, replacing windows is the best way to reduce energy loss.
Con - This is probably the most expensive way to improve your windows, but if they are in bad shape, this can be the only way to go!

Commercial Windows
Finally, don't forget about your windows at work! All of the above treatments may save your work place building energy and money. In an extreme example, the Empire State Building is saving $400,000 per year.

Do U-value your Windows?
Quick Factoid on How Windows are Rated
A window's U-value is how well it insulates the home, or how heat is transferred through it. The lower the U-values, the better it insulates, and numbers range from 0.25 to 1.25. Units are in British Thermal Units per hour times square foot times degrees Farenheit (Btu/h·ft²·°F).
Solarize La Plata is Launching!
Have you always wanted to generate your own electricity but didn't think you could afford it? Now is your chance!

Join us for an introduction to Solarize La Plata, including time for any questions you may have. Food and drinks will be available.
 October 22nd 
5:00 to 7:00 PM
Durango Discovery Museum

RSVP and find more info here         
Thank you to our partner City of Durango
Newsletter Sponsors
CO Fenestra
Colorado Fenestra is a locally owned and operated supplier of windows, doors, skylights and hardware. We are experienced in providing expert consultation from our knowledgeable sales staff and efficient service and delivery from our team. As a local company we are committed to our hometown and surrounding areas and are active members of the Homebuilders Association of Southwest Colorado.
Quality House Interiors offer a large selection of window coverings from honeycomb shades to shutters. They are locally owned and operated, are licensed, insured and certified, and have been in business for twenty-one years. They take pride in their products and services, accommodating every type of budget. Visit them at 710 S. Camino Del Rio  in Durango, or call  970-247-7955.
The Home Builders Association of Southwest Colorado HBASC is a non-profit professional association of 100 member companies, all local businesses, whose diverse services include building homes, remodeling, architecture and design, real estate sales, banking and mortgage refinancing, insurance, subcontracting and material suppliers. They are affiliated with the Colorado Association of Home Builders which has more than 3,200 member companies and the National Association of Home Builders which has 216,000 member companies. All three organizations have extensive social, political and educational programs. Members employ many of the people working in our community, several thousand here locally in La Plata County. These employees provide a significant contribution to the local community. 
SSTI Southwest Solar Transformation Initiative (SSTI) represents a regional team of public and private partners committed to advancing solar power adoption across participating municipalities within the Southwest region. SSTI is targeting communities in the Southwest because the solar resource is abundant, but its enormous potential has been largely untapped. The focus of this program is to drive solar market maturity via significant improvements in five key areas: Permitting, Planning and Zoning, Interconnection, Net Metering and Financing. 
Thank you Local Funding Partners!
   La Plata CountyBPAmericaDurango       LPEA