Home Winterization Tips

The official start of winter is right around the corner and cold weather is already here. Now is the time to start winterizing your home, so you can be prepared for the drop in temperatures.

#1: Add insulation.
Having enough insulation in your home is a critical part of keeping your home warm during the winter. This is also one of the best ways to winterize the space. The right amount of insulation will additionally help you save money and energy. Add insulation to your attic floor, basement ceiling, walls, or any other areas where insulation is lacking or missing.

#2: Don’t ignore drafty windows or doors.
Drafts from old, inefficient doors and windows will waste energy. Caulking windows or doors can help in the short term to keep cold air from getting in, but this isn’t something that will help in the long run. It might be time to consider replacing your windows and doors instead. New Energy Star ® certified windows and doors are an investment that will not only keep you more comfortable for years to come, but they will save you money and add value to your home, too.

#3: Check the gutters.
Winter is wet and rainy in the Northwest. Make sure your gutters are cleaned out, so you don’t end up having standing water around the roof line. Clean gutters allow melting snow and rainfall to drain properly. Standing water that is left unattended could cause damage to your roof over time.

#4: Hire a trusted contractor.
Take the time to read online reviews of home improvement companies in the area. Ask them for pictures of jobs that they have recently completed and take note of any red flags that come up during your reading or discussions. Some home improvement projects need to be left only to the professionals. Whether it’s replacing your windows or doors, doing a complete roof replacement, or talking to us about new siding for your home, our experienced team at Lifetime Windows & Doors has the expertise you can trust. For over two decades, we have served the Pacific Northwest and have the reputation for quality workmanship to prove it.

Ready to work through your home winterization task list? We provide free quotes on replacing worn windows or doors with new ones that are energy efficient and insulated. We also replace roofs and siding. We proudly serve Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. Don’t delay and contact us today for information on how to get your appointment on the books!

Spring Energy Savings Tips

Springtime is here! With the current health crisis around the world, most of us are homebound more often and many of us are trying to find ways to cut energy costs. Saving money is important and that means you will need to look for ways to curb your energy usage. Here are some tips.

Tip #1: Keep your heating and cooling system maintained.
This is an important homeowner to-do. However, keeping your system tuned up will help you save significant energy through the year. Regular maintenance by a team of heating and cooling specialists will ensure that all the internal components are working correctly. In addition, they will look at the energy consumption of the machine and make sure it’s working at peak efficiency. Old heating systems, or those that have not been tuned up regularly, tend to work a lot harder than they have to. This causes the system to work harder, which puts unnecessary strain on the machine. And, it also drives your utility bills up.

Tip #2: Replace your doors and windows.
Does your home have drafty doors or windows? Chilly air can make its way through them, which wastes energy and causes your heating system to work harder. If your home’s windows or doors are decades old, chances are, they are not energy efficient. Consider replacing them with new, EnergyStar® rated products! This is a great choice that will help keep you comfortable year-round and help reduce energy costs. We carry a variety of quality window and door products from Milgard, Simonton, ThermaTru, Simpson, and more! We will work with you on which product fits your space best and most importantly, we’ll work within your budget.

Tip #3: Unplug products that you’re not using.
If you are not using certain electronics or appliances, there is no need to keep them plugged in. This is a small thing to remember that can translate to saved money at the end of the year. Battery chargers, microwaves, toasters, and video game consoles are just some of the things you can unplug. So, walk around your house and determine which things you can unplug when not in use.

Conserving energy is not only great for your checking account, but it’s also great for the environment. As you head into the rest of springtime, let us help with those home improvement projects that can help reduce energy waste while keeping you comfortable all year long. We are open as an essential business helping homeowners around the Northwest get their home improvement projects completed. We are taking every precaution to stay safe and healthy. So, contact our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors for information on getting new windows and doors installed in your home. You’ll notice a big difference right away!

 

How to Prepare Your Home for Fall Weather

Fall in the Pacific Northwest is one of the best times of year! The leaves are changing beautifully. The weather is crisp and cool and the sun is out! Now that autumn is here, there are a couple of important tips to help get your home ready for season.

Tip #1: Don’t ignore energy inefficiency.
Are your windows damaged or cracked? Or maybe they are simply so old that they leak cold air inside? It’s a fact that old, single-pane windows are not energy efficient. They will bring cold air inside and let heated air escape. Your heating system will work harder to keep your living space comfortable. That translates to increased energy bills. New windows will keep warm air in this autumn. That will in turn, save you significant money each year. If you install new windows, you will notice right away the energy savings! And, you won’t feel drafts as much, either.

Tip #2: Check your roof.
It’s no secret that fall and winter in the Pacific Northwest is cold and windy. Your roof plays an important role in keeping you protected from the elements. Need a roof replacement? Fall is a great time to do that. The weather is usually dry enough, allowing roofing teams to finish the job before it gets cold, wet and slippery out there. Replacing your roof will not only look nice and help utilize less energy, but it will add resale value to your home. If your roof is 15 to 20 years old, then it’s time to talk about replacement with one of our roofing professionals. And, we use only Malarkey Roof and Hardie Siding products in our roof replacements, which is the best of the best.

We proudly serve the greater Portland area, Southwest Washington, and Central Oregon. Ready to get your fall preparation checklist for your home complete? We can help you get the information you need on window or roof replacement, in addition to doors and siding! So, whatever your home project entails, we’ll help get it weatherized just in time for autumn season. Call us today to get started.

How Natural Light Impacts Your Mood

We’ve all heard that poor lighting could cause eye damage or give you a headache from eye strain over time. But did you know that absence of natural light will also impact your mood and overall physical health? The lack of natural light has been found to contribute to depression as well as vitamin D deficiency, but it can also impact how energetic you feel. Bright natural light is good to help wake you up in the morning, whereas dim lights will help with your body’s natural rhythm, helping you sleep.

In the office, poor lighting can negatively impact productivity and can even make employees feel drowsy. That translates to a lack of motivation and focus! Light truly impacts your health, affecting behavior, mood, and hormone balances.

Have you noticed that your home lacks clean, energy efficient windows and doors that can bring in this beautiful natural light?  Don’t delay in starting your window replacement project. We are proud dealers of Milgard and Simonton window and door products. Our team of professionals can help get your new windows installed just in time for the change to autumn, so you can enjoy the light and see the changing leaves. New, energy efficient windows will not only boost your health and well being, but they will add curb appeal and value to your home. That means you’ll get a good return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home later down the road. In the meantime, you can enjoy the quietness, lower utility bills, and natural light that comes from having new windows.

Ready to talk to us about what window options are available within your budget? Your home deserves a facelift and your health will thank you for it. Contact us today for more information!

What’s Your Window’s Story?

Every day we work with customers of all kinds looking to replace their windows that are new and energy efficient. Whether it’s a historic home that needs new windows or a contemporary home that is being completely remodeled, we love the variety of windows that are out there and enjoy what part the windows play in the home’s story.  Your windows have a story. Here’s how:

Windows that love to maximize light:
Some windows are placed strategically to maximize the outside view and the daylight that enters a space. Whether it’s a big picture window in the front living room of a home, or a small window in a bedroom that needs more sunlight, windows are all about bringing the outside in.

Windows that allow ventilation:
Whether it’s a window in a bathroom or a kitchen, we can find the right window that provides the ventilation you need for the space. There are windows that slide from up to down or side to side, in addition to those that turn in or out.

Windows that mute sound:
New windows will keep the inside of your home quieter than you ever dreamed! We have a variety of window options that will help keep pounding rain and wind at bay, in addition to keeping outside noisy traffic quieter, too! Not to mention, new windows are insulated well and provide the thermal control that you need to keep the temperature in your home the way you want it.

Windows that need to meet code:
Maybe you’re updating your basement and putting an egress window is a necessary addition. We understand the variety of codes and what complexities come with them, so if you have a window that needs to meet a specific code requirement, we can help!

The windows in your home tell a story and play a big role in your overall comfort!   Springtime and early summer are great times to consider getting your windows replaced with new, energy efficient options from Milgard or Simonton. Our experienced team of window installation professionals can help get your windows replaced quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to enjoying the spring weather! New, energy efficient windows not only add curb appeal to your home, but they will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Ready to get your window installation project started? Contact us today for a free estimate!

Why You Should Consider Installing Vinyl Windows

If you are remodeling your home and you’re doing research on window replacement for your home, it’s likely that you are seeing a lot of different options out there and it can be confusing. Vinyl windows are very popular options for homeowners today, but why? Here, we will talk about some of the details about vinyl windows and you can determine if they’re right for your home.

Vinyl windows were originally created many decades ago as an alternative to wood windows. They are created with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are available in different grades. There are several advantages of having vinyl windows in your home.

  1. Energy efficiency.
    If the windows in your home are decades old, they simply are not as energy efficient as the windows on the market today. Old windows are drafty and can leak precious warm air outside during the fall and winter months, which can not only make it feel cooler inside, but it can also increase your energy bill. Vinyl windows that come with Energy Star® ratings and that are manufactured with Low-E glass or filled with argon gas, are the most energy efficient windows out there. They will reflect heat in the summer and keep warm air inside during the cold winter months. That means you’ll save money on your utility bill AND stay more comfortable!
  2. Affordability.
    Vinyl windows are a cost-effective window option, costing less than wood windows or fiberglass windows. We recognize that replacing the windows in your home is a big investment, so we will be sure to help provide vinyl window options that are within your price range. We carry a variety of window styles from brands such as Milgard and Simonton, which means you are getting high quality options at a reasonable price.
  3. Easy to maintain.
    Once your windows are professionally installed, there is nothing else you need to do except for keep the windows cleaned. Use a soft cloth to clean the inside and outside of the windows, rather than using high-pressured hoses. Vinyl windows are easy to clean, and they won’t rot, peel, or chip, even during the yuckiest of Pacific Northwest weather.

Ready to get your window replacement project started? We’re happy to provide free quotes on replacing your worn windows with new ones that are energy efficient and insulated. We are proud to serve Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our professional team can help you get your home updated and beautifully contemporary. Visit our specials page to see what our current specials are, then contact us today for information on how to get your appointment on the books with us.

 

What is the Energy Star Rating?

Energy Star is a government-backed symbol used to note energy efficiency. Energy Star products help protect the environment through energy conservation and at the same time, help save money. The purpose of the Energy Star label was to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants in the environment that are caused by inefficient energy use. In addition, the label helps people know which energy efficient products are available, allowing them to purchase the product knowing that it will save them money without sacrificing performance or quality.

In order to have a product meet the energy efficiency requirements, the Environmental Protection Agency has created some specifications based on several important standards. The product must be able to offer significant energy savings nationwide and the energy consumption and performance must be able to be measured and verified through tests. If the Energy Star product costs more than another product that is less efficient, the consumer should be able to recover the investment cost through decreased utility bills. There are several rankings on the label, including those from A to G. A is the most energy efficient and G is the least efficient. Energy Star scores are also used, numbered 1 to 100. A score of 75 or above means the product is a top performer.

Many appliances nowadays are certified as Energy Star certified products, but so are many of the windows and doors that we sell at Lifetime Windows and Doors. We proudly carry many different window styles and brands that will work with your home’s specific style.  We also have hundreds of different energy efficient door choices and can work on customizing them with different glass or window options. We carry doors from many different brands, including Therma Tru, Buffelen, Simonton, Masonite, Milgard, Codel Entry Systems, and Simpson!

We love serving the Pacific Northwest and are committed to energy conservation. We work with customers in Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. Whether you’re looking for new siding, new doors, or new windows to help make your home more beautiful while getting it more energy efficient at the same time, our experienced team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help. Visit our specials page to see what our current specials are and contact us today for more information on our Energy Star products and we will answer your questions and help get an appointment set up!

Two Ways to Save Money This Spring

The Pacific Northwest is beautiful this time of year and it’s a great time to get outside and explore. And now with the warmer weather here, there are opportunities to save money and conserve energy, too. Here are two helpful ways that can save money this spring.

#1: Let the outdoors in.
Once the weather hits the 70s and 80s, it’s the perfect time to turn off your HVAC system and open up your windows. Not only will you save money on your utility bill, you’ll help your home feel fresh and aired out! If your windows are difficult to open or they’re so old and inefficient that you can’t stand the sight of them any longer, we can help upgrade your windows, so you can enjoy the rest of the spring and the upcoming summer season. We carry a variety of top quality window brands including Milgard and Simonton. New windows are quiet and will save significant amounts of energy because they won’t leak air in or out! This saves a lot of money over time!  In addition, we offer 12 months 0% interest and can help with financing options that can help you save money, too.

#2: Check for leaks.
Once the temperatures really start creeping up, you’ll likely turn for the air conditioner remote and turn it on. Before you do that, be sure the ductwork is clear of debris and that there are no leaking ducts. In addition, check your window seals and doors as well to make sure there are no gaps that could cause leakage. Leaking air is not only bad for the environment because of the waste, but it will also cause your energy bill to be higher, which translates to lost money. Save money by checking for leaks around the house!

Saving money will reduce your stress level and allow you to better enjoy the beauty of each spring day in the Northwest. We love this part of the country and are proud to serve Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. Whether it’s new windows or doors, new siding, or a roof replacement, our professional team can help you get your home updated and beautiful. Ready to get started? Visit our specials page to see what our current specials are, then contact us today for information on how to get your appointment on the books with us.