Inspiration for Your Home Office Remodel

For workers in varying industries around the Pacific Northwest, the pandemic changed the ‘traditional’ work environment. With routines upended and working from home becoming the new norm for many, employees of all kinds have found themselves working from their home office more often. Ensuring that it’s comfortable and functional is key to making it work for the long term. If you have decided that it’s time to revamp your home office, here are some ideas to consider.

#1: Natural light inspires creativity.
Winter in the Northwest has plenty of dark, rainy days. Bringing in as much light as possible to your office will not only inspire creativity, but it can also lighten your mood. Consider adding a skylight to your office space to enhance the light in the room. Or, if your office has only a small window, consider replacing it with a larger window or a bay window that allows you to sit with your laptop to work. New windows not only bring in light, but they help new windows save energy, which helps cut costs on your utility bill.

#2: De-clutter the space.
The less clutter you have in your office, the lighter and brighter the space will feel.  Disorganized work environments can add to your stress and make you feel overwhelmed. So, set aside time every month to clean and de-clutter your office area. Doing so will also free up brain space to complete your job duties with accuracy and attention to detail.

#3: Add access to the outside.
Depending on where your office is at home, consider how you can add access to the outside. If you have a ground-floor office, think about adding a new door that gives you immediate access to the exterior living space. Whether it’s a sliding patio door, a French door, or a moving glass wall system, we can help provide options for a customized solution that fits perfectly for your space.

For more than two decades, our experts at Lifetime Windows and Doors have helped homeowners of all kinds execute their home remodeling visions. So, whether you need windows replaced around your home, or new front and back doors, we can get you high quality products that fit within your budget. Contact us today for a free estimate on your project!

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!

 

Tips on Reducing Winter Energy Bills

December is here and the official start of winter is right around the corner. It’s likely that you’re already seeing a steady increase in your utility bills, because the weather is already colder, and the days are already shorter. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your winter energy bills, here are some helpful ideas.

#1: Replace your windows and doors.
Tired of feeling drafts every time you walk by or sit near your windows and doors? These drafts are not only chilly, but they’re allowing warm air outside and cool air in. That means you’re wasting energy and causing your heating system to work harder than it needs to. New, energy efficient doors and windows will keep you comfortable all year long, because they’ll also keep air-conditioned air inside during the summer! New doors and windows also keep outside noise down, so you’ll be able to relax in a quiet home! We are proud carriers of a variety of quality window and door products, including 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.

#2: Don’t waste electricity.
The simple unplugging of unused small appliances or electronics can help reduce your energy bill this winter. It might sound small, but it can mean big savings in the long run. Microwaves, toasters, battery chargers, DVD players, and gaming consoles are just some of the items that can be unplugged when not in use.

#3: Stay on top of furnace maintenance.
Regular heating system maintenance not only helps prolong the life of your system, but it helps with energy efficiency. Professional HVAC maintenance will ensure that internal components of the system are working at peak efficiency and that no issues could cause a potential breakdown. Another simple way you can save energy is by changing or cleaning your air filters, so they don’t cause your system to work harder and use more energy.

We love helping homeowners beautify their home and make it more energy efficient at the same time! Make energy conservation a priority by contacting us to talk about new window or door replacement options. You’ll notice a significant difference!

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.

Spring Patio Design Tips

We’ve set the clocks forward and the springtime season officially begins this week. Spring is a great time to get outside and your home ready to enjoy the longer days and the sunnier weather. Here are some of our spring patio design tips that will get everything looking great, so you can enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest months ahead.

Tip #1: Install a new sliding glass door.
Want to enjoy the outdoors while staying cozy inside? A beautiful new sliding glass door is the perfect answer. A quality sliding glass door allows for natural sunlight to enter your home and it also allows the convenience of going in and out. In addition, new doors are energy efficient and won’t leak cool air in or warm air out. We install a variety of different sliding doors, including French in-swing or out-swing doors, stacking glass doors, or bi-folding glass doors that open in an accordion fashion. Contact us today for information on which style would be right for your space.

Tip #2: Update old exterior siding.
New siding can work wonders for your curb appeal, add value to your home, and it will be great to look at when you sit on your patio and enjoy the weather with your family or guests. If your exterior siding has areas of damage or dry rot, it’s important to replace it right away so it doesn’t cause damage to the inside. Our team at Lifetime Windows & Doors works with customers in replacing exterior siding and we’re proud to carry outstanding products from James Hardie Siding. New siding adds a new layer of energy efficiency to your home and can help you with heating and cooling bills over time.

Tip #3: Replace windows.
The windows in your home allow you to see the beauty of springtime. But if your windows are old, leaky, or noisy, it may inhibit your enjoyment. Replacement windows can reduce noise, help reduce utility bill costs, and will also keep you more comfortable!  Lifetime Windows & Doors carries a variety of window styles and brands that will fit well into your specific home’s style and most importantly, the budget you have set.

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’s exterior 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.