Parade of Homes

WiNdoWs High-quality, efficient windows improve the view of your energy bill with significantly lower costs. u-values are the measure of window efficiency. While high r- values are preferable when it comes to insulation, u-values are the opposite — the lower the better. reid says dual-pane windows with low-e (low-emittance) coat- ing have tended to be the window of choice for many urban homeowners. they provide a similar efficiency to tri-pane win- dows. However, condensation and noise issues are reduced with tri-pane windows. "tri-pane windows provide two dead air spaces between the outside and the inside. Lots of rural homeowners already choose tri-pane windows," reid says. "the cost upgrade of tri-pane win- dows is close, and the overall performance is much better." Air space between the glass is often filled with low conductance gases like argon to provide better u-values. Warm edge spac- ers — which position the panes and may be made from vinyl or fiberglass — provide lower u-values than traditional aluminum spacers. Window frames are also a consideration. Wood and vinyl are ef- ficient, but wood is pricy and vinyl is not a sustainable product. Aluminum costs less initially, but comes in last for efficiency. heaTiNG, veNTilaTiNG & air-CoNdiTioNiNG (hvaC) sYsTeMs High-efficiency furnaces, defined as 90% efficiency or better, are now the norm in manitoba. that means that no more than 10% of energy is lost in heating. Furnaces that are side-vented, rather than exhausted through the roof like older standard-efficiency models, prevent heat loss around seals. liGhTiNG As incandescents are phased out, cFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) and LeD (light emitting diode) lights are in. LeD lights are more efficient than cFLs. they last longer — up to 25,000 hours — and they don't contain mercury or lead. LeD interior lights are still relatively new and come with a hefty price tag; however, manitoba Hydro will be offering a buy-one get-one program on energy Star LeD light bulbs this fall to ease the expense. FlooriNG raised basement floors will get you up off the concrete or ground, and allow space for under-floor ductwork and insulation. plus, they provide a softer walking surface for more of a main-level feel. aTTiC veNTiNG Aside from insulating against heat loss, it's important to think about humidity, condensation and necessary heat release in your attic. powered vents can draw a fair bit of energy, but solar-powered at- tic vents can keep attic conditions just right with utmost efficiency. ComFoRt Zones Cont'd from page 8 14 Parade of Homes Fall 2014 www.OlympicBuildingCentre.ca 1783 Dugald Road (204) 661-8600 OlympicBuildingCentre.ca • HOME RENOVATIONS • GARAGES • COTTAGES • SHEDS • FENCES • DECKS • BUILDING MATERIALS • INSIDE AND OUTSIDE . . . Our IDEA CENTRES WILL MOTIVATE YOU. VISIT US TODAY! POH_FallParade_Layout 1 8/14/14 8:37 AM Page 1

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