Improving the Basics

Improving the Basics

Screening Options for Your Home

Window screens are such a basic part of our homes, we don’t give them much thought. We like fresh air and we want to keep out insects–and the benefits end there. Or do they? Here are a few more:

Pest Control: Already mentioned above, this is the most obvious reason for screening our windows and doors.  We are accustomed to standard window screens made of mesh woven into a grid pattern, in a variety of colors. Did you know that there are a variety of mesh grid sizes available as well (referring to size of the holes)? It is possible to screen out the tiniest of pests based on the choices you make.

Security: Security window screens, made of coated steel or heavy gauge aluminum, provide great protection over the usual fiberglass or aluminum material. They cannot easily be cut or forced for entry. They also protect against flying objects such as rocks and golf balls. For extra security, these screens can be ordered (through a security company) with detection wires interwoven into the mesh, and tied into your home alarm system. If an intruder tries to cut through the screen or pry it out, an alarm is set off.

Lighting Control: Window screens offer differing levels of light control, depending upon the tightness of the weave and material used. You have options for the degree of lighting you want and need for each room in your house (e.g. more light in the kitchen and less in an entertainment room).

Energy Efficiency: Solar screens for the outside of your windows and solar shades for the inside are specially designed to help keep out excessive solar heat. Reducing the temperature within your house can reduce your use of air conditioning and fans, which can reduce your energy bill. Solar screens are also called sunscreens, and are widely used in the warmer western regions of the US. They reduce heat transfer by blocking 80-90% of the sun’s harmful rays from entering your home.

Other uses for screens:

• Window screens are also appropriate for patios and porches, another place you’ll want to enjoy fresh air without annoying bugs. While these screens can be a permanent fixture, investigate patio roll-up screens as another option.
• Retractable screens are a wonderful option over traditional screen doors for your entry/exit doors and sliding glass doors.
• To keep out debris, consider building a frame and mesh pool cage over your pool.
• Framed window screens are also good for a greenhouse, allowing your plants to receive sunlight while protecting them from harmful bugs.

Making sure your home is properly screened takes you “back to the basics,” but now your options are greater than they’ve ever been, with colors to match your home and differing mesh grid sizes.  Customize your home to meet your own personal needs and tastes!

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Is Your Window Ready for Something New?

Top 10 Window Treatment Trends

Have your window treatments seen better days? Is it time to replace those worn out cornices, tired-looking valances, faded curtains or old-fashioned blinds?

How about replacing them with one of the latest trends?
(according to HGTV)

Trend #1 Organic Materials – literally bring nature indoors

Trend #2 Color – One of the quickest ways to update your look is with color.

Trend #3 Luxe Fabrics are exactly as they sound – opulent and showy with bold colors and textures that beg to be touched.

Trend #4 Zen-chic Bamboo in Roman shades and decorative hardware will continue to be a popular trend

Trend #5 Velvet and Grosgrain are a luxury trend taking cues from the fashion industry.

Trend #6 Sleek Lines – Window treatments don’t have to be fussy, and this trend is anything but.

Trend #7 Bold Prints – Bolder and bigger prints with texture are top choices for window treatment fabric.

Trend #8 Silk Panels – Silk has exploded onto the scene and is still going strong.

Trend #9 Luxury Tech –  As society increases its obsession with gotta-have-it-gadgets, people counterbalance with organic and natural products in their homes, and window treatments are no exception.

Trend #10 Green Design – Green design is characterized as both economically and environmentally safe treatments now offered as affordable options for window treatments.

No matter what the trend, it is important that you love what you put into your home or office. Take your time deciding and pick what suits your personality, color palette and comfort level.
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Need help hanging your window treatments? Not up to doing it yourself? Check out our Special Offer by clicking HERE for this month and have The Fix-It Professionals take care of it for you in one visit! If you would like help, just ask The Fix-It Professionals.

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Beat the Heat Part 2

Attic and Whole House Fans

In Part 2 of our Beat the Heat series, we will share information on how attic fans and whole house fans can keep your house cool and reduce your energy costs.

Attic Fan: Ever wonder just how hot it can get in your attic?  During
the hottest summer days, it can reach 150 degrees. If you own a multi-level home, you know that it’s hard to cool the upstairs, and your air-conditioning / electric bills are high. Your air conditioner has to work overtime because of the attic heat that backs up into your rooms. Removing the hot attic air allows your air conditioner to work only at cooling your home, keeping your energy costs down. But don’t misunderstand – an attic fan is good for both single
and multi-level homes.

This waterproof fan is placed on your roof where all the heat collects.  It works by drawing in cooler outside air from attic vents and pushing hot air to the outside. It contains a thermostat that turns off and on automatically. The key is to be sure that your attic doesn’t have any blocked vents and is well-sealed from the rest of the house.  Otherwise, the attic fan will draw cool conditioned air up out of the house and into the attic, increasing your summer utility bill.

Whole House Fan: If you live in a temperate climate, a whole house fan will cool your house nicely, and you can reserve your air conditioner for the hottest hours.  This fan is often confused with the attic fan. The difference is that the whole house fan works as an exhaust system by pulling cool air in through open windows to cool your home, forcing the hot air into the attic space and out your attic vents, simultaneously cooling your attic. It is best to run it in the mornings or evenings, when the outside air is the coolest and freshest.

A whole house fan is typically installed in your attic between your ceiling and your living space (there is also a ducted model).  It can lower the temperature in your home significantly and quickly, and is much less expensive to operate than air conditioning.  Noise is a common complaint with a whole house fan, so opt for a newer model.  Besides being smaller and quieter than older fans, they can be environmentally friendly and energy efficient additions to home cooling systems.

Either or both of these fans will provide energy efficiency while allowing you and your family to be cool and comfortable all summer.

Did you miss Part 1 of ‘Beat the Heat?’ If so, click here to read it!

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