The Mercury Excelum Blog

The Mercury Excelum Bloghttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/RSS feeds for Mercury Excelum, Inc.60http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/123712/Win-Great-Prizes-With-Therma-Tru#Comments0Win Great Prizes With Therma-Tru!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/00RkVsNj-eQ/Win-Great-Prizes-With-Therma-Truhttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/123712/Win-Great-Prizes-With-Therma-Tru<p><img id="img-1334326579668" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/thermatru-resized-600.jpg" border="0" alt="thermatru resized 600" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />One of our door distributors, Therma-Tru, Is giving away all sorts of gifts in honor of their new website, <a href="http://www.unlocktheopportunities.com/" title="UnlockTheOppertunities.Com" target="_blank">UnlockTheOppertunities.Com</a>. </p> <p>U.T.O. is an interactive sweepstakes that allows industry professionals like you to learn about Therma-Tru's new product lines by customizing an entry system or taking a product feature quiz and win a range of prizes. By taking part, you'll have a chance to win great prizes like:</p> <ul> <li>A weekly $25 gift card drawing</li> <li>A monthly Television/Laptop giveaway for submitting an entry system customization that is the month's secret combination</li> <li>An weekly $50 gift card by taking and submitting a product quiz </li> <li>Or even the Grand Prize, a trip to the 2013 SUPER BOWL!</li> </ul> <p>So dont delay, head over to <a href="http://www.unlocktheopportunities.com/" title="UnlockTheOppertunities.Com" target="_blank">UnlockTheOppertunities.Com</a> today and start winning some great prizes!</p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/123712/Win-Great-Prizes-With-Therma-Tru&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/00RkVsNj-eQ" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonFri, 13 Apr 2012 14:16:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:123712http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/123712/Win-Great-Prizes-With-Therma-Truhttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/120488/Energy-Efficient-Windows-On-The-Up-and-Up#Comments0Energy Efficient Windows On The Up and Uphttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/hJzW0VXHNXE/Energy-Efficient-Windows-On-The-Up-and-Uphttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/120488/Energy-Efficient-Windows-On-The-Up-and-Up<p><img id="img-1331578530956" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/home-with-vinyl-windows.jpg" border="0" alt="Efficient Home" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />I read an interesting article recently regarding the new trends of home buyers. Obviously in<br />times like these, people are looking more towards simplicity and practicality, while at the same time getting the most bang for their buck. Reports are showing that people are buying homes with the intention of staying longer and are more interested in homes made with quality, long lasting materials. Hardwood floors and big yards are nice selling points, but its energy efficient windows that are on the top of most buyers wish lists. </p> <p>To be specific, it's high-efficiency windows with low-E coating and gas filled air spaces, as well as whole-home Energy Star ratings that buyers are looking for, yet only 7 percent of windows in existing homes in the US have low-E. Seem's like we still have a lot of work to do. Many people are choosing the "good enough for now" products that will hold them over for the time being but not in the long run. Now, with the proposed Energy Star updates for 2013, it seems that those bare minimum energy efficient windows will only be good for another year and todays high efficient windows will be the new standard. </p> <p>The fact of the matter is, house hunters are realizing the important role windows play in the overall efficiency of the home and energy efficiency is no longer just the flavor of the week, it's expected. </p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/120488/Energy-Efficient-Windows-On-The-Up-and-Up&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/hJzW0VXHNXE" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonFri, 16 Mar 2012 20:35:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:120488http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/120488/Energy-Efficient-Windows-On-The-Up-and-Uphttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/118742/Basement-Replacement-Windows#Comments0Basement Replacement Windowshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/MRKYfAfLV08/Basement-Replacement-Windowshttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/118742/Basement-Replacement-Windows<p><img id="img-1330026360992" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/imgres2.jpg" border="0" alt="Hopper Window" class="alignRight" style="float: right; " /></p> <p>Most basement windows are usually of the more short and long variety and it takes a specific window style to accommodate most homes. The three most common types of windows used in basements are awning, hopper, and slider windows. Depending on your resources and style, you'll find the window that best suits your needs. </p> <p><b>Slider  </b></p> <p>Just like a double hung turned on its side, sliders are the window we'd normally recommend for basements. Their easy to open to get lots of ventilation and its simple to remove both sashes for quick cleaning, something hopper and awning windows aren’t able to do. </p> <p><b>Hopper  </b></p> <p>Like an awning window but it pulls in from the top. These are typically the most common windows that you'll see in basements because of their ease and their inexpensive price. Hoppers will generally not give you as much ventilation as an awning or a slider.</p> <p><b>Awning  </b></p> <p>The awning window will crank out like a sideways casement window and open from the bottom, like an awning. They're a popular choice A) because during rain storms, you can open your windows for ventilation and not have to worry about water in your basement and B) only using one piece of glass will allow more sunlight in than a slider. Certain people may have problems with these windows though as some basement windows are encased with cement that won’t allow for an awning window to easily open or the house is next to a walkway which the open window could impede. </p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p> </p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/118742/Basement-Replacement-Windows&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/MRKYfAfLV08" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonThu, 23 Feb 2012 19:43:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:118742http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/118742/Basement-Replacement-Windowshttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/117918/When-Should-I-Buy-New-Vinyl-Replacement-Windows#Comments0When Should I Buy New Vinyl Replacement Windows?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/OvCrq52DYoo/When-Should-I-Buy-New-Vinyl-Replacement-Windowshttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/117918/When-Should-I-Buy-New-Vinyl-Replacement-Windows<p><span>What time of year is the best time to replace your windows? We don’t think there's really a<img id="img-1329334494424" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/imgres.jpg" border="0" alt="Snowy House" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" /> wrong answer there but records show that many people will look to the end of fall to </span>replace their windows before those chilly winter months set in.  </p> <p><span>Now, this makes perfect sense; the temperature starts dropping and you want to be absolutely prepared for those chilly winters we've become so accustomed to in the northeast. The new windows insulate your home and keep all the warm air inside where it belongs. </span></p> <p><span>But besides the winter, we also tend to see a higher utility cost in the summer due </span>to air conditioners, dehumidifiers or even just extra fans. The same insulating ideas translate to the warmer months; insulate your home properly to stay comfortable and reduce utility bills year round. Be sure your windows are Energy Star rated for greater savings.</p> <p>There's really never a bad time to buy a custom fit vinyl replacement window.  </p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/117918/When-Should-I-Buy-New-Vinyl-Replacement-Windows&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/OvCrq52DYoo" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonWed, 15 Feb 2012 19:41:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:117918http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/117918/When-Should-I-Buy-New-Vinyl-Replacement-Windowshttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112876/Choosing-The-Right-Replacement-Windows-Where-To-Buy#Comments0Choosing The Right Replacement Windows - Where To Buy?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/pFT9mDwn44I/Choosing-The-Right-Replacement-Windows-Where-To-Buyhttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112876/Choosing-The-Right-Replacement-Windows-Where-To-Buy<p><img id="img-1328640714028" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/stacked-stone-siding-3-resized-212.jpg" border="0" alt="stacked stone siding 3 resized 212" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />Up until recently, if you needed windows made, your contractor went to their local replacement window manufacturer and got your custom windows made within a few weeks of your order. Now, in this age of convenience, you can head over to your closest big box home improvement store and get your windows there the same day. But, is cheap and fast really worth the cost?</p> <h3>Customization</h3> <p>The average family will replace their windows twice in their lifetime so with such a large investment, wouldn’t you want something made to precisely fit your house and specifications? First of all, there is no guarantee the window you pick up off the shelf at any big box store will fit the opening that you have and you will most likely need to spend more time and money sealing the window appropriately. You also don’t have the freedom to choose the additional options that you may want. Be it grid-type or pattern, custom colors, style of window, thickness of glass, number of panes or gas filled, the custom options are practically endless.</p> <h3>Service</h3> <p>An employee at a large home improvement retailer could be working in windows one day, then in power tools the next, and in most cases only have a limited knowledge of each product. Your business with them is also finished as soon as you step outside their doors. The staff of a window manufacturer is specifically trained at answering any and all questions that may come up. In addition, they come equipped with qualified sales people in the field that can assist with ANY questions from code compliance to installation detail. They can even direct you to qualified installation contractors in your area. </p> <h3>Price</h3> <p>Yes, a window off the shelf of a big box store could be less expensive but the odds of that window fitting your existing opening are not in your favor. You may be able to get custom windows from many of these box stores but with a hefty price tag and long wait; they drastically raise the price for custom windows. Not only will the windows be more expensive but you will not receive the kind of care, attention, knowledge, and expertise that you would normally get from your local or regional window manufacturer.</p> <p><strong><em>So which makes more sense to you?</em></strong></p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112876/Choosing-The-Right-Replacement-Windows-Where-To-Buy&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/pFT9mDwn44I" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonThu, 09 Feb 2012 18:37:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:112876http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112876/Choosing-The-Right-Replacement-Windows-Where-To-Buyhttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112899/Why-Retrofitting-Older-Homes-To-Save-Power-Is-A-Bright-Idea#Comments0Why Retrofitting Older Homes To Save Power Is A Bright Ideahttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/RZ6vRXTtprI/Why-Retrofitting-Older-Homes-To-Save-Power-Is-A-Bright-Ideahttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112899/Why-Retrofitting-Older-Homes-To-Save-Power-Is-A-Bright-Idea<p><img src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/composite-decking-composite-railing-resized-212.jpg" border="0" alt="home save money" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recently said that there is a growing market for those who are willing and able to retrofit older buildings to be more energy efficient. Advocating for transparency in performance rating and asset ratings, the WEF predicts an increase in demand for energy efficiency.</p> <p>To read the original article by Paula Melton, <a href="http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/2011/11/29/Existing-Buildings-a-Promising-Investment-Say-Global-Firms/" title="click here" target="_self">click here</a>.</p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112899/Why-Retrofitting-Older-Homes-To-Save-Power-Is-A-Bright-Idea&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/RZ6vRXTtprI" height="1" width="1"/>Mercury ExcelumTue, 07 Feb 2012 16:56:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:112899http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112899/Why-Retrofitting-Older-Homes-To-Save-Power-Is-A-Bright-Ideahttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112877/Storm-Windows-Made-Simple#Comments0Storm Windows Made Simplehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/rpO7FJnZeVc/Storm-Windows-Made-Simplehttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112877/Storm-Windows-Made-Simple<p><em>Sometimes, measuring storm windows can be a tricky endeavor; with many companies and<img id="img-1327958057863" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/DSC_0207-resized-600.JPG" border="0" alt="describe the image" width="330" height="496" class="alignRight" style="height: 496px; width: 330px; float: right;" /> contractors using different terms and techniques, we thought we’d set the record straight and give you our crash course in how we do it with our <a href="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/storm-windows/" title="XL400" target="_self">XL400</a> model.</em></p> <h2>Determining your style</h2> <p>I’ll be talking about the double-hung variety of storm window but the same method is used for both sliding and picture storms. First, you have to determine the type of installation method you’re looking for. Your options are installing against the blindstop of the window known as <b>western</b>, or, overlapping the flange of the storm over the casting, called <b>eastern</b>. Regardless of which style you’re using, you’re going to next need to find the rough opening measurement.  </p> <h2>Measuring</h2> <p>To get your dimension, measure the width <b>in-between</b> the <b>outside casings</b> of the window in three different places; the top middle and bottom. Then, <b>between</b> the <b>top casing</b> and the <b>bottom sill </b>in three places; left center and right, and use the narrowest size for each. Based on these measurements, we will determine the deductions or additions we will manufacture to get <span>these windows fitting properly for you. Once we have the narrowest measurement for both width and height, we’re ready to start manufacturing and you’re only a few weeks away from receiving your brand new aluminum storm windows.</span></p> <div> <h2>Tip to Tip </h2> <p>If you have the exact size of the window you want, that’s called the tip to tip (TTT) dimension. Some storm windows, like deadlites, must be given with the TTT measurement. If you plan on using a TTT dimension a double-hung storm, we must also know if that measurement is including or excluding the one inch sill expander. </p> <p>For more pictures, check our <a href="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/media/measuring-storm-windows/" title="Media" target="_self">Media</a> page. </p> </div><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112877/Storm-Windows-Made-Simple&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/rpO7FJnZeVc" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonMon, 30 Jan 2012 20:54:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:112877http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112877/Storm-Windows-Made-Simplehttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/114553/What-is-The-NFRC-Label#Comments0What is The NFRC Label?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/7aoWFoynMAk/What-is-The-NFRC-Labelhttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/114553/What-is-The-NFRC-Label<p>The purpose of the NFRC Label is to be able to compare all windows on an even playing field. This sticker will show you how the window preforms in several categories relating to the windows energy efficiency. These numbers are taken directly from the laboratory performance tests on the windows frame, glass, and spacers that separate the individual glass panels. <img id="img-1326829660591" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/nfrclabel-resized-600.jpg" border="0" alt="Sample NFRC Label" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" /></p> <p><strong>U-Factor </strong>is the resistance to heat flow. It measures the insulating preperties of the entire window. The lower the U-Factor, the more money you'll save on your energy bill. </p> <p><strong>Visible Light Transmittance (VT) </strong>measures the amount of visible light that is able to come through the glass. A dark, tinted window would have a low visible light transmittance number and the majority of people are looking for a high number to let in the most natural light.</p> <p><strong>Solar Heat Gain Co-Efficient (SHGC)</strong> measures how much infrared light gets through the glass. A single pane window would have a high SHGC and therefore let the suns rays heat up your home. On the other hand, a window with a low solor heat gain would keep the heat of the sun out and your house cool. Usually more important in warmer climate areas. </p> <p><strong>Air Leakage (AL)</strong><span> measures the rate at which air passes through joints in the window. AL is measured in cubic feet of air passing through one square foot of window area per minute. The lower the AL value, the less air leakage. Most industry standards and building codes require an AL of 0.3 cf·m/ft².</span></p> <p><span></span><strong>Condensation Resistance</strong><span> measures how well the window resists water build-up. Condensation Resistance is scored on a scale from 0 to 100. The higher the condensation resistance factor, the less build-up the window allows.</span></p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/114553/What-is-The-NFRC-Label&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/7aoWFoynMAk" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonFri, 27 Jan 2012 19:20:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:114553http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/114553/What-is-The-NFRC-Labelhttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112902/A-predicted-increase-in-demand-for-siding#Comments1A predicted increase in demand for siding http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/w7k5Ilw3jRg/A-predicted-increase-in-demand-for-sidinghttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112902/A-predicted-increase-in-demand-for-siding<p><img src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/polymer-shake-siding-resized-212.jpg" border="0" alt="power save" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />Although demand for siding still trails the 2000 high, it is expected to have a steady rise from now until 2015. There is even a 7% annual growth expected for the industrial side of the building industry.</p> <p>To read the original article by Craig Webb, <a href="http://www.builderonline.com/siding/us-demand-for-siding-to-rebound-through-2015.aspx" title="click here" target="_self">click here</a>.</p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112902/A-predicted-increase-in-demand-for-siding&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/w7k5Ilw3jRg" height="1" width="1"/>Mercury ExcelumWed, 25 Jan 2012 17:29:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:112902http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112902/A-predicted-increase-in-demand-for-sidinghttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112777/What-is-Low-E-and-why-does-it-matter-for-replacement-windows#Comments0What is Low-E and why does it matter for replacement windows?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/7sqJqHgIzH0/What-is-Low-E-and-why-does-it-matter-for-replacement-windowshttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112777/What-is-Low-E-and-why-does-it-matter-for-replacement-windows<p>Window glass was revolutionized in the 1970′s. Insulated glass (two or more pieces of glass with a dead air space between) made its debut in the early 70′s. Low E glass was introduced in 1979. The E stands for emissivity. Low E glass works by reflecting heat back to its source. It does this by utilizing an ultra thin metallic coating on or in the glass.</p> <p><img id="img-1325622731072" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/h00029_02_lg.gif" border="0" alt="h00029 02 lg" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" /></p> <p>Among other things, sunlight contains visible light, UV light, and infrared (IR) light. Visible light enables us to see things. Ultraviolet light damages your skin, wood, fabrics, and causes colors to fade.</p> <p>Infrared light is basically heat. Low E glass has the ability to allow visible light to pass while blocking certain amounts of UV light and IR light.</p> <p>The infrared light in sunlight is powerful. When it strikes an object it heats it up. These objects can be your tile floors, furniture, sidewalks, patio furniture, etc. As these objects cool off, they emit a low powered form of IR light. Low E glass reflects this form of energy. In the summer this helps to keep your house cooler, as the heat from objects outside is kept outside. In the winter, all objects in your home are heated (by either the sun or your furnace). This heat is also bounced back into your house by the low E glass.</p> <p>There are two types of low E glass: hard coat and soft coat. Tin is applied directly to the molten glass to make hard coat low E glass. It is hard to scratch the tin off the glass. The soft coat process commonly involves the application of a thin layer of silver while the glass is in a vacuum. This coating is delicate. Soft coat low E glass is always sandwiched with another piece of glass. It can also oxidize if exposed to air. Argon gas is sometimes used to prevent this oxidation. This gas also acts as an additional insulator.</p> <p>Low E glass helps to reduce condensation on glass. The inside surface temperature of the glass is warmer. The differences can be dramatic. Imagine a cold night with an outside temperature of 0 degrees and a 15 mph wind. The inside temperature of a single pane window would be approximately 26 degrees. Regular double pane glass might register 35 degrees. Hard coat low E glass would be very near 49 degrees. And weighing in at champ would be soft coat low E glass at 62 degrees.</p> <p>Some glass manufacturers have gone even farther. They have suspended thin, low E transparent films in between pieces of glass. This system has excellent performance characteristics. Some of these films can block 99.5 percent of UV light. Some boast an insulating value twice that of soft coat low E glass.</p> <p>Low E glass is worth the price, especially since houses tend to lose 25 percent of their heat through windows. Purchase the highest quality low-E glass you can afford.</p> <p><em>Article by Tim Carter of <a href="http://www.askthebuilder.com/" title="askthebuilder.com" target="_blank">askthebuilder.com</a></em></p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112777/What-is-Low-E-and-why-does-it-matter-for-replacement-windows&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/7sqJqHgIzH0" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonTue, 17 Jan 2012 13:15:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:112777http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112777/What-is-Low-E-and-why-does-it-matter-for-replacement-windowshttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/111423/Changes-to-EPA-RRP-Renovate-Repair-and-Paint-Rule#Comments0Changes to EPA RRP (Renovate, Repair, and Paint) Rulehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/ZGWQORLHtdA/Changes-to-EPA-RRP-Renovate-Repair-and-Paint-Rulehttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/111423/Changes-to-EPA-RRP-Renovate-Repair-and-Paint-Rule<p><img id="img-1324070159335" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/mercury-excelum-logo.png" border="0" alt="replacement windows CT, replacement windows" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />The EPA has improved and updated its search tool for EPA-certified RRP firms, allowing the public to search by firm name, as well as by location. You can find the search tool by <a href="http://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/searchrrp_firm.htm" title="clicking here" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. EPA-certified firms should encourage their potential customers to use this search tool to check the certification status of firms they are considering hiring.<br /><br />In addition, EPA has updated its database of Frequent Question (FQ) about the RRP Rule to reflect recent regulatory changes that took effect on October 5, 2011. The searchable database can be located by <a href="http://toxics.supportportal.com/link/portal/23002/23019/ArticleFolder/615/" title="clicking here" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</p> <p>In addition to the database, you can also find a searchable pdf version of the <a href="http://epa.gov/lead/pubs/rrp-faq.pdf" title="FAQ's" target="_blank">FAQ's</a>.<br /><br />Finally, EPA has issued a fact sheet describing how provisions of the RRP rule apply to repairs and renovations done in response to natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes. It is posted on EPA’s <a href="http://epa.gov/lead/pubs/rrp-disaster-fact-sheet.pdf" title="website" target="_blank">website</a>.</p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/111423/Changes-to-EPA-RRP-Renovate-Repair-and-Paint-Rule&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/ZGWQORLHtdA" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonFri, 06 Jan 2012 14:45:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:111423http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/111423/Changes-to-EPA-RRP-Renovate-Repair-and-Paint-Rulehttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112910/Mercury-Excelum-Now-Part-of-The-Efficient-Windows-Collaborative#Comments2Mercury Excelum Now Part of The Efficient Windows Collaborativehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/JHnCd9xNfL0/Mercury-Excelum-Now-Part-of-The-Efficient-Windows-Collaborativehttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112910/Mercury-Excelum-Now-Part-of-The-Efficient-Windows-Collaborative<p>Here at Mercury, we're proud to be a part of the Efficient Windows Collaborative. The Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC) is a consortium of manufacturers, home performance contractors, research organizations and others dedicated to increasing the market share of <a href="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/replacement-windows-ct/" title="high-efficiency windows" target="_blank">high-efficiency windows</a> in both the residential and commercial sectors.</p> <p>The EWC promotes energy performance rating and labeling among window manufacturers and educates builders, designers, and consumers about the benefits of high efficiency windows and how to select high efficiency windows for various climates.</p> <p>The EWC also supports the development of a market for emerging high efficiency window technologies by providing information about their energy savings potential. It also provides education, research and policy advice to support the use of energy efficient windows and related design decisions.<a href="http://www.efficientwindows.org/index.cfm" target="_blank"><img id="img-1325776594732" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/ewcheader.jpg" border="0" alt="high efficiency windows, ct high efficiency windows, ct replacement windows, ct window manufacturer" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a></p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112910/Mercury-Excelum-Now-Part-of-The-Efficient-Windows-Collaborative&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/JHnCd9xNfL0" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonThu, 05 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:112910http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112910/Mercury-Excelum-Now-Part-of-The-Efficient-Windows-Collaborativehttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112246/Why-Should-I-Use-Vinyl-Windows#Comments0Why Should I Use Vinyl Windows?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/Ui_q6Ht7zig/Why-Should-I-Use-Vinyl-Windowshttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112246/Why-Should-I-Use-Vinyl-Windows<h1><span style="color: #3366ff;"><b>Vinyl Is Final</b></span></h1> <p>While there are many options to choose from when selecting material for your windows, vinyl still reigns supreme.  With its virtually maintenance free exterior to its dependable energy efficiency, these windows will provide you with all that you’re looking for in a quality product, and more!</p> <h3><span style="color: #3366ff;"><b>Energy Efficiency</b></span></h3> <p><b></b>Vinyl is a great insulator and has a very low U-Value (rate of heat lost), especially <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>when paired with triple pane glass as opposed to our standard double-pane. It is also <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>a very poor conductor of energy so you can expect the transfer of energy to be<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>reduced significantly. For you, that means your home will stay warmer in the winter<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and cooler in the summer. </p> <p>A great result of the energy efficiency of your windows will be a reduced energy <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>cost. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For someone replacing their single-pane window for <a href="http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_benefits" title="an energy star rated vinyl window in New England, the savings can be up to $500 annually." target="_self">an energy star rated vinyl <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>window <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>in New England, the savings can be up to $500 annually</a>.</p> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <h3><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong>Easy To Maintain</strong></span></h3> <p>Your windows will never chip, peel, rust, corrode, rot or splinter. In addition, they <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>are extremely weather resistant and virtually waterproof so your windows will never<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>warp, or crack, and will always operate as smoothly as the day they were installed.</p> <p>Vinyl windows require nearly no maintenance; just a gentle washing with any <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>dishwashing soap and water will keep your windows looking as good as new. </p> <h3><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong>Easily Customizable</strong></span></h3> <p>Windows can be made to basically any shape and color, reducing the need for <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expensive <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>construction changes to the already existing window opening. In addition <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>to the solid <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>colors, painted colors offer a wide range to choose from. </p> <p>Other popular options can include a faux-wood grain finish and is just as easy to <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>maintain as painted or non painted. Flat, sculpted, prarie grids, as well as simulated <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>divided light (SDL) grids can enhance the look of your home. Half and full screens are also available for all double-hung and sliding units. </p> <p>Whether you’re looking to save money on energy bills or are just looking for a sleek, hassle free window, we think that with vinyl, you can’t go wrong.</p> <p><img id="img-1325013961935" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/mercury-excelum-logo.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum" /></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112246/Why-Should-I-Use-Vinyl-Windows&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/Ui_q6Ht7zig" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonTue, 27 Dec 2011 16:54:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:112246http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/112246/Why-Should-I-Use-Vinyl-Windowshttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/111726/Mercury-Excelum-s-a-Proud-Supplier-In-BAEC-s-House-of-The-Year#Comments0Mercury Excelum's a Proud Supplier In BAEC's "House of The Year"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/gCfEYajM5-A/Mercury-Excelum-s-a-Proud-Supplier-In-BAEC-s-House-of-The-Yearhttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/111726/Mercury-Excelum-s-a-Proud-Supplier-In-BAEC-s-House-of-The-Year<div class="columnGroup first"> <div class="articleBody"> <p>TURNS out the “House of the Year” is small, inexpensive to heat, and priced at a surprisingly low $220,000.</p> <p>A new 1,600-square-foot split-level on Voluntown Road, it is the Builders Association of Eastern <a class="meta-loc" href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/classifieds/realestate/locations/connecticut/?inline=nyt-geo" title="Find Real Estate listings and community news for Connecticut">Connecticut</a>’s answer to a market in which new construction faces stiff competition from the surplus of houses for resale. The prototype is meant to showcase assets rarely found in older homes: ultra-greenness and affordability.</p> <p>“We wanted to prove that sustainable homes aren’t limited to the high end,” said Andrew J. Gil, the builder, who is with the Mystic River Building Company, in Mystic. “For entry-level housing, it is more than doable.”</p> <p>The problem, said Paul Stone of Lombardi Realty in Oakdale, the listing agent, is that many buyers don’t yet appreciate green technology. “The hardest thing is trying to educate people about what it is,” Mr. Stone explained. Despite years of green hype, “people really don’t understand the energy thing — it’s a foreign language.”</p> <p>Still, as the year is shaping up to be the worst on record for Connecticut’s homebuilding industry, builders are looking for anything that might give them an edge in fighting the “used” home market. Like Mr. Gil, many are using energy-efficiency to distinguish their homes from older oil guzzlers. Others are hustling harder to find favorable land deals and underserved niches.</p> <p>Several years of difficult market conditions have thinned their ranks. Membership in the Homebuilders Association of Connecticut is down by a third, to 1,000 from 1,500.</p> <p>Bill Ethier, the association’s chief executive, predicts that the state will tally fewer than 3,000 building permits by year’s end, making this the slowest construction year since, well, 2009.</p> <p>The Eastern Connecticut builders group hopes to stimulate buyer interest with houses that recognize the new economic realities they face. The “House of the Year” is ideal for municipal workers, like teachers and police officers, said Chad Whitcomb, the group’s president.</p> <p>“People are still buying houses,” Mr. Whitcomb said. “They’re just spending a lot less. And an energy-efficient house can compete against the older, existing homes on the market.”</p> <p>The annual cost for heating and cooling the Griswold house is projected at less than $800. The anticipated savings are largely generated by superinsulated walls and an air source heat pump. Mr. Gil designed a duct system throughout the house to circulate air from the pump efficiently.</p> <p>Situated on 1.4 acres, the three-bedroom house has sustainable features like bamboo flooring in the open living area, cork flooring in the lower-level den, and water-saving toilets in the two baths.</p> <p>Houses with similar “green” features tend to be priced above $400,000, which makes the Griswold house a particularly good value, said Mr. Stone, the listing agent. But people are “skeptical when I say $800 a year to heat and cool.”</p> <p>Roland Skinner, the owner of R. M. Skinner Enterprises, in Orange, has encountered the same hurdle in trying to use energy-efficiency as a selling point for his new homes. He says he has given up on trying to sell the asset as a “bonus” — people tell him they would rather spend the money on a better kitchen. Now he pushes it as a smart investment. But when it came to finding buyers for his three-lot subdivision in Orange, he found that careful market research mattered more.</p> <p>“Everything presold,” he said, “because it’s the right price point.”</p> <p>The three houses are priced in the high $600,000s, which for Orange means a 3,000-square-foot colonial on 1.5 acres. Mr. Skinner settled on that range after his research suggested high demand and not a lot of product.</p> <p>“We hit the number on the head,” he said. “All three sold with backup offers.”</p> <p>Mark Lovley has almost 40 signed contracts for new homes this year in the greater Hartford area. The owner of Lovley Development, in Southington, Mr. Lovley said he had been buying up odd building lots at good prices, which had enabled him to price his houses more competitively.</p> <p>“We price our new homes $5,000 to $10,000 below existing homes in these towns,” he said.</p> <p>At $339,000, a 1,600-square-foot colonial with three bedrooms represents the low end of what Mr. Lovley is building these days in Southington, Farmington, Watertown and Berlin. The upper end is typically a 2,600-square-foot colonial for $500,000.</p> <p>He incorporates energy-saving features like high-efficiency furnaces, tankless hot-water heaters, and foam insulation. But many people are won over instead by the ground-floor office, a feature he says about half of his clients are looking for but may not be able to find in older houses.</p> <p>Mr. Lovley said his company’s reputation had also helped sustain him at a time when newer builders were losing clientele. Referrals are a big part of his business. In fact, in a climate in which few builders are willing or able to dabble in speculative building, Mr. Lovley is succeeding at it. He built four spec houses in time for this year’s spring market, and sold them all.</p> <p>A version of this article appeared in print on November 27, 2011, on page RE4 of the New York edition with the headline: To Sell Green, First Teach Green.</p> <p><img id="img-1324399112643" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/027zone-1_SPAN-articleLarge-resized-600.jpg" border="0" alt="027zone 1 SPAN articleLarge resized 600" /></p> </div> </div><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/111726/Mercury-Excelum-s-a-Proud-Supplier-In-BAEC-s-House-of-The-Year&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/gCfEYajM5-A" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonTue, 20 Dec 2011 19:44:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:111726http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/111726/Mercury-Excelum-s-a-Proud-Supplier-In-BAEC-s-House-of-The-Yearhttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/110299/Tax-Credit-Aims-To-Save-You-Money#Comments0Tax Credit Aims To Save You Moneyhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/0CHNw2f64fo/Tax-Credit-Aims-To-Save-You-Moneyhttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/110299/Tax-Credit-Aims-To-Save-You-Money<p><img src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/mercury-excelum-logo.png" border="0" alt="replacement windows CT, vinyl windows CT" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />A new bill that would provide tax incentives for home performance upgrades has been introduced by U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R‐Maine), Jeff Bingaman (D‐N.M.), and Dianne Feinstein (D‐Calif.).  The <a href="http://www.windowanddoor.com/sites/windowanddoor.com/files/wdfiles_2011/Cut%20Energy%20Bills%20at%20Home%20Act%20%20%20BILLS-112s1914is%20%20%20S1914.pdf" target="_blank">“Cut Energy Bills at Home Act”</a> would provide as much as a 30 percent tax credit–up to $5,000–for upgrades that reduce whole-home energy consumption. </p> <p>The current residential energy efficiency tax credit, set to expire at year end, provides a tax credit for the purchase cost of windows, doors, insulation and boilers, according to <a href="http://www.windowanddoor.com/sites/windowanddoor.com/files/wdfiles_2011/Cut%20Energy%20Bills%20at%20Home%20Act%2011-18-11%20Snowe-Bingaman-Feinstein-Release.pdf" target="_blank">a press release</a> from the the senators.  The new bill "would, for the first time, provide tax credits for actual energy savings," it notes.</p> <p>Under the bill, the value of the credit begins at $2,000 for a 20 percent reduction in the energy consumption of a residential home for heating, cooling, water heating, and permanent lighting. The credit increases by $500 for every additional 5 percentage point increase in energy savings, up to $5,000. The credit is capped at 30 percent of the cost of the improvements and expires at the end of 2014.</p> <p>The bill also defines how to calculate energy savings using computer modeling calibrated to actual energy bills before the improvements, and sets requirements for the contractor, installation process, and the modeling software to ensure work quality.</p> <p>"We’ve been in discussion with Senate staff to gain a better understanding of the new bill,” says David Walker, VP, Window & Door Dealers Alliance. “We support the goal of increasing the energy efficiency of American homes, but we are not clear on the bill’s potential impact on the window and door business.”</p> <p>"At a time of finite federal dollars, we must prioritize tax policies towards the most cost‐effective method to secure our energy future," says Snowe. "Performance-based energy efficiency can transform America’s homes. I commend Senators Bingaman and Feinstein for their longtime leadership on energy efficiency, and look forward to working with our colleagues in Congress to address this vital issue.”</p> <p>“This new tax credit rewards homeowners for reducing the amount of energy they use,” Bingaman states. “It’s an incentive that encourages homeowners to choose the most sensible and inexpensive option for saving energy. And, by helping lower energy use, this tax credit also will help reduce unhealthy air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”</p> <p>“By offering incentives for energy efficient renovations, this bill helps create jobs in California’s ailing construction sector while at the same time decreasing energy use and pollution. This sort of investment—putting Americans back to work while leaving behind lasting improvements—is the type of legislation Congress should be spending more time on,” adds Feinstein.</p> <p>The new bill has attracted the support of the home performance industry. "Efficiency First applauds Senators Snowe, Bingaman, and Feinstein’s introduction of the first home performance tax credit," says Greg Thomas, chairman of industry group and CEO of Performance Systems Development. "This legislation is a monumental step forward for both homeowners and the home performance industry. By providing financial incentives for real energy savings, the 25E tax credit will save energy, save money, and create jobs. This is a real and sustainable growth opportunity for our industry and real savings for the American homeowner. This is a win-win-win for America.”</p> <p>WDDA has yet to take any position on the bill, according to Walker. "What we do know is the likelihood of passage this year is quite slim. Industry, however, can expect backers of the bill to push the bill hard next year."</p> <p>At the moment, WDDA, as well as other industry organizations such as the<a href="http://www.windowanddoor.com/news-item/organizations/aama-seeks-better-tax-incentives-energy-efficient-products" target="_blank"> American Architectural Manufacturers Association</a> and the <a href="http://www.windowanddoor.com/news-item/organizations/wdma-asks-reconsideration-energy-efficient-tax-credits" target="_blank">Window and Door Manufacturers Association</a>, are more focused on the tax credits targeted specifically at windows, doors and skylights, which are set to expire at year end, Walker reports. "As to the current 25c tax credit, the next few weeks will determine whether it is part of of tax extender package. We remain vigilent on that front too, joining other industry groups in the push for higher incentives."</p> <p>For More info: <a href="http://www.efficiencyfirst.org/25E/">http://www.efficiencyfirst.org/25E/</a></p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/110299/Tax-Credit-Aims-To-Save-You-Money&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/0CHNw2f64fo" height="1" width="1"/>Russell MeyersonWed, 14 Dec 2011 13:54:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:110299http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/110299/Tax-Credit-Aims-To-Save-You-Moneyhttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/103331/Announcing-the-Mercury-Excelum-Blog-Launch#Comments1Announcing the Mercury Excelum Blog Launchhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~3/WOfs5KGig50/Announcing-the-Mercury-Excelum-Blog-Launchhttp://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/103331/Announcing-the-Mercury-Excelum-Blog-Launch<p>Mercury Exc<img id="img-1319639915521" src="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/Portals/114567/images/ios-114px.png" border="0" alt="replacement windows, exterior windows" width="150" height="150" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />elum is committed to producing the finest products available and to providing the best contractor team around.  As such we are embarking on a number of new initiatives to communicate with our customers and contractors.</p> <p>In the coming weeks we will be significantly adding to our online tools including expanding our <a href="http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/">website</a>, publishing regularly to this blog, and adding content that you are asking for.<br /><br />Out intent is to be a resource for home improvement ideas and tools that will help the individual homeowner, the commercial builder, and the general contractors understand how best to add value to their project using the best building components available.</p> <p>We want to hear from you - please let us know what questions you have about exterior building components, building technology, and home construction.  We will do our best to provide helpful, timely, and interesting information that will make your exterior building project more productive and profitable.</p> <p>Mercury Excelum is located in Hartford,CT and manufacturers replacement windows and exterior building products. We serve CT, VT, MA, RI, NH.</p><p><a href="/" title="Connect with Mercury Excelum:" target="_self">Connect with Mercury Excelum:</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MercuryExcelum" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432749461" src="/Portals/114567/images/twitter.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Twitter" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercury+Excelum,+Inc./152107291498450" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432748287" src="/Portals/114567/images/facebook.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on Facebook" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-excelum-inc-" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432813406" src="/Portals/114567/images/linkedin.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum on LinkedIn" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMercuryExcelumBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_self"><img id="img-1318432905494" src="/Portals/114567/images/rss.png" border="0" alt="Mercury Excelum RSS" /></a></p> <img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=114567&k=14&bu=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/&r=http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/103331/Announcing-the-Mercury-Excelum-Blog-Launch&bvt=rss"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMercuryExcelumBlog/~4/WOfs5KGig50" height="1" width="1"/>Caleb LadizkiWed, 26 Oct 2011 14:35:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:103331http://www.mercuryexcelum.com/blog/bid/103331/Announcing-the-Mercury-Excelum-Blog-Launch