With rising heating and cooling costs for our homes and with no sign of relief in the future, it’s no wonder why many homeowners are always continuously looking for cost effective ways to reduce the energy efficiency of their homes. Now, having this in mind, one of the most cost effective and long-lasting ways to do this is by replacing your old drafty worn out windows, with new vinyl replacement windows. Having vinyl replacement windows installed in your home, will help considerably in producing the maximum benefit of reducing your homes heating and cooling bills. To

I know replacing your windows may sound costly, but it really isn’t! In fact, one of the biggest advantages to having vinyl replacement windows installed in your home is their low cost. A typical window installation here in Massachusetts, can run you between 300-550.00 installed, plus the cost of the window itself. Most of these windows can save you up to 40% in your homes heating and cooling bills. So for example, the average cost to replace windows for a typical home is roughly 7,000 to 8,500 including the cost of the windows with window installation. With these numbers in mind, let’s do some math..

8,500 x .40 =3,400.00 right? 3,400 dollars will be your savings in your heating and cooling bills over a period of time.  So how long will it take to recoup the cost of replacing your windows? Let’s see, here in New England where we can have some crazy cold weather, our heating and cooling costs can range from 300 – 500 monthly, depending on the size of your home. So let’s take the amount of replacement windows savings and calculate the time it would take to recoup the replacement windows cost..

500.00 x .40 =200.00 right? 200.00 x12 =2,400 per year in savings, not too shabby huh? But, we want to know when we will recoup the final cost? So let’s take the 2,400 number in annual replacement windows savings and see what we come up with.

2,400 x 3.5 = 8,400 ! So you see, you can recoup the cost of replacing your windows in roughly three and half years. That doesn’t seem to long to wait! And in the mean time, you’ll see savings of 2,400 dollars per year! I know what I could do with an extra 2,400 bucks…

But how do you know that it’s time to replace your windows?

As a replacement window contractor in Massachusetts, I know many ways I can determine when it’s time to replace your windows, and what will give your home the best looking, and highest performance for a replacement window. There are many tell tale signs that are visible from the interior and exterior view of your windows frame. Many of which are:

• Failed seals around your windows, creating a steamed look to your window, or a foggy look;
• Lack of insulation around the window;
• Caulking around the windows interior and exterior cracking and pulling apart;
• Single pane glass, having single pane glass is a dead give away. If you have single pane glass windows, it’s time to replace them –enough said!

I realize that it can be hard trying to choose what type of replacement window to choose from, I’ll do my best to make your vinyl replacement choice an easy one. Replacement windows do come in a wide variety of colors and styles, as well as pricing, so take into consideration the style and decor of your home. Having a replacement window contractor install these windows for you can take away the daunting task of shopping around for a window. In most cases, your windows can be installed in a single day, in return you won’t have window installers at your home for weeks.
Below are a few top rated replacement window manufactures, because of their energy efficiency and ease of maintenance and durability. More and more homeowners are choosing these vinyl windows brands when it comes to comparing replacement windows in their homes. Vinyl replacement windows are proving to be the top choice in the window replacement market today – for clearly obvious reasons.

We will start off with Harvey replacement windows

Harvey Vinyl Replacement Windows

Harvey vinyl replacement windows are known for their high unsurpassed performance. Having Harvey windows installed in your home and like many that I’ve done in the past as a window contractor, have offered reliability, energy efficiency and beauty. Harvey’s windows feature quality window craftsmanship, multi-chamber construction, 100% virgin vinyl that will offer a true through and though everlasting white color, that if scratched, wouldn’t be visible. Harvey replacement windows also offers the top of the line block and tackle balances, that never need adjustment and the convenience of tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Classic Vinyl Double Hung Windows

The Harvey classic double hung windows offers the homeowner with a wide variety of colors, styles, options, and performance to choose from. The classic double hung window is what you see in many homes across New England, whether it’s a ranch, cottage, or a historical victorian home, a double hung window from Harvey is a great choice.

The classic double hung window comes with a sleek clean look with welded seems for superior window frame performance, with an unmatched air tight seal to keep wind and water where it belongs –outside!

• Factory calibrated block & tackle sash balances never need adjustment or lubrication
• Locking half screen with non-glare charcoal aluminum wire
• Insulated double hung windows with 7/8″ PPG Intercept® warm edge spacer system provides 10% warmer indoor glass temperature
• Interlock at meeting rail and double weather stripping for a triple seal
• Ventilation limit latches keep top or bottom sash partially open
• ENERGY STAR® qualified with optional Low-E/Argon glazing
• Available in an acoustical double hung window to reduce unwanted noise

Marvin Replacement Windows
Marvin replacement windows makes an aluminum clad and wood interior window, that offers low-maintenance and high quality frame materials. Marvin replacement windows are made with strong and secure side rails and frames. They offer fair prices for their window lines in my opinion. They also carry the “ultimate double hung window” which is their new product line, and one of my favorites as well.
At (MBM) Construction, we recommend Marvin wood interiors for the following reasons:

• Marvin windows are solid. Marvin windows are more stable and heavy duty than most other window manufactures. Their frames are built well to exceed most expectations and uses.
• Marvin windows are sleek and attractive, They come with a sleek decorative bead molding that surrounds the glass, giving their profile a smooth and clean appearance.
• The snap in grid system has a spring loaded pin that seats itself in the bead molding of the sashes. The snap in grids are reasonably priced and gives a sleek look to your window. Other options are divided lite mullins ( grids that give the appearance of divided panes of glass) they are available in many styles and variations to your liking.
• The exterior of  Marvin replacement windows also come in a unique variety of colors, 19 aluminum colors to be exact. The interior wood of the window, comes in a generous variety of wood species: Mahogany, Douglas fir, pine – primed or not primed.
• Marvin now offers a hidden tilt feature that enhances usability from their previous model — I like this feature a lot. It comes available in half or full screen models.

Andersen 200 Series Replacement Windows
Andersen Windows Double Hung Windows are a great way to add value and visual appeal to your home. Andersen Windows Double Hung Windows are functional with great design to give you the best of both worlds. Andersen Windows Double Hung Windows are a great investment. You’ll want to make sure you are choosing the right replacement windows for your home and your budget.
Narroline Double Hung Window
Andersen Windows Narroline Double Hung Windows are a great way to add value and visual appeal to your home. We have provided you with a list of some of the benefits of Andersen Windows 200 Series Narroline Double Hung Windows.

• Neat and trim line design.
• Larger glass area lets in more light.
• Andersen Windows Narroline Double Hung Windows feature natural wood interiors.
• Attractive low maintenance Perma-Shield® exteriors.
• Low-E or dual-pane insulating glass for optimum temperature control.
• High-tech weather-stripping.
• Wide range of sizes.
• Variety of grilles & insect screen options.
• Andersen Windows come with a renowned limited warranty.
• One of the largest service networks in the industry.

Tilt Wash Double Hung Windows
Andersen Windows Tilt-Wash Double Hung Windows are functional with great design to give you the best of both worlds. We have provided you with a list of some of the benefits of Andersen Windows 200 Series Tilt-Wash Double Hung Windows.

• Solid, dependable and efficient. Convenient tilt-in cleaning.
• Andersen Windows Tilt-Wash Double Hung Windows feature natural wood interiors.
• Attractive low maintenance Perma-Shield® exteriors.
• Andersen Windows Tilt-Wash Double Hung Windows come with either low-e or dual-pane insulating glass for optimum temperature control.
• High-tech weatherstripping.
• Wide range of sizes.
• Variety of grilles & insect screen options.
• Andersen Windows come with a renowned limited warranty.
• One of the largest service networks in the industry.

The federal tax credit of up to 1,500 in energy efficiency

All of these window manufacture’s listed above sell windows that meet and exceed the requirements to receive your federal tax credit rebate of up to 1,500.
To get your $1,500 tax credit, you need to shop smart. Many windows and doors out there don’t meet the new requirements—even some high-end brands you’ve heard of. A lot of companies haven’t processed or don’t even know about the new tax credit. There’s a lot of confusion about this right now—you don’t want to be left empty-handed.
Here’s what you need to do: Make sure that any replacement window or door you buy has a U-Factor and SHGC of .30 or less. If the window company won’t show you the NFRC sticker certifying the ratings, walk away. If you’re unsure or suspicious, visit the NFRC at www.nfrc.org. You can verify ratings in the product directory or contact them directly.

If you are looking for a professional Massachusetts replacement windows company, then please call us today at 781-856-2001 or complete our “>online request form.

For a professional Walpole replacement window contractor, please call us at 781-856-2001 and schedule an estimate with us today!

www.mbmcarpentry.com

In these times of rising energy costs, many Walpole homeowners are looking at ways to save money on heating and cooling bills.  If you’re looking to cut back on energy costs and usage, replacing your older, leaky windows is actually one of the most efficient solutions! With the new federal tax credit rebate of up to 1,500 – makes this an even better time to upgrade your windows.

If your home currently still has old single pane windows, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that they’re inefficient. Why? Because they are not insulated and typically aren’t treated with heat-reflecting or low-E coatings, this will allow a great deal of heat transfer in and out. Meaning whether you’re cooling or heating your home, some of your energy is escaping through the thin glass of your windows. Also, if your windows are broken or damaged, they’re probably leaking, regardless of whether they’re single or double paned.

To make your home more energy efficient, you need replacement windows. In fact, according to a Consumer Reports October 2007 article, double pane replacement windows can save you between 20% and 30% on energy costs annually (vs. single pane windows). You’ll want to select new windows with insulating features for the greatest energy savings; options include heat-reflecting film, double panes, low-E coatings, and argon gas filled windows. Many windows include more than one of these elements for superior energy retention. More than 50% of replacement windows in the U.S. are vinyl: these windows are relatively inexpensive and low-maintenance as well as frequently including energy efficient features.


Replacement windows are available in practically every size and style, from double-hung windows to picture windows, so no matter what type of windows you have in your home, a replacement is likely available. Custom sizes do tend to have higher price tags, but don’t forget that energy savings will eventually offset the cost of window replacement.

Ideally, you’ll want to replace all of the older windows in your home, but you’ll also see impressive energy savings by simply replacing damaged windows or even doors. You’d be amazed at how much warm air a cracked window or a door with crumbling weather stripping can let in or out!

Your windows and doors are more than just aesthetic elements of your home: they also protect you and your family from wind, precipitation, and storms. Quality, energy-efficient replacement windows are the best way to safeguard your family and decrease your energy costs at the same time. Contact us for a window replacement estimate  today to learn more about replacement window installation in your home!

For a professional Walpole replacement window contractor, please call us at 781-856-2001 and schedule an estimate with us today!

http://www.mbmcarpentry.com/contact-us

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Exterior doors are the main focal point to your home when entering and existing your home. Therefore, purchasing a energy efficient door is a perfect place to start when trying to reduce your home heating/cooling costs. Down below I have some tips & tricks of the trades to give you more insight from a contractors point of view, and to better help you understand what to buy to recieve the 1,500 tax incentive.

Look For The Energy Star Label

Always, when buying a door, window, insulation, roofing and appliances, look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star is collaborative program between the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S Department of Energy, and their goal is to provide families and businesses across America with more energy efficient buildings. The doors and windows and other building supplies are put through a rigorous test to ensure their energy use, and only energy efficient doors and windows receive the label. So when your out looking for a new replacement windows and doors, look for the blue label.

What makes a door more energy efficient?

To receive the new tax rebate your door must meet certain requirments

In order to receive the newly updated tax rebate, your door or window must have a U-Factor of .30 or less to qualify. What is a U-Factor? U-Factor is a measure of the door or window’s overall energy-efficiency, many door and windows have U-Factors of .31 or .32 – those don’t qualify!

Furthermore, your energy-efficient door or window must also have a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) OF .30 or less. Having a low SHGC will block the blistering heat that comes through the windows in the summer, reducing your the load on your air conditioning considerably- reducing cooling bills. Once again, .31 or .32 don’t qaulify! It has to be .30 or less!

Let’s look at other ways we can reduce our heating bills without buying a new door


With heating/cooling bill only on the rise, these helpful and cheaper tips will go a long-way in saving you $$$.

1. Test your existing door for air-leaks by inserting a dollar bill inbetween your door and close it. Next, try to see how easily it can be removed from the door. If the dollar bill removes easily, then you need to replace the weatherstripping around the inside of your door-jam.

Applying weatherstripping to your doors and windows, can reduce your heating/cooling bills by up to 10% – just with that home repair!

2. Check to see whether or not your door-sweep is working properly with the same dollar bill trick. If not, I think you already have the solution to that problem.. The door-sweep is located at the bottom of your door right above the threshold as you step in to your home.

3. Check your mail-slots to verify whether or not you need to apply weatherstripping to the back side of the mail-slot.

4. Look at the glazing on your windows, check to see if the sealant has worn out or not – if so, then repair it.

5. Step outside and have a look around your windows or door trim to see if there are any voids, holes, cracks, if there are any, seal them up with exterior caulking.

My final thoughts:

I hope these tips have been helpful in your goals to saving $$$ this year in energy efficiency savings. However, as a fully licensed & Insured contractor here in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, I can give you in home consultation and estimate for any of these home improvements described here – hassel free!

For energy efficient windows or energy efficient doors – click on any of the highlighted links provided free of charge!

MBM Construction