Let's Talk Real Estate

The Energy Star label is good, but the NFRC label tells you even more. With the high cost of replacement windows and doors, it's wise to know exactly what you're getting for your money.    Here's what all those scientific terms and numbers about energy savings mean:   The 2 Most Important Window and Door Labels The two labels you should look for: The white National Fenestration Rating Council label. Nonprofit NFRC is the industry-recognized certifying body for windows and doors.  The Energy Star label, which means the appliance has met strict energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S. government, in addition to the NFRC ratings. What the NFRC Label Terms Mean The NFRC label typically lists five measurements. The other three are somewhat less important to energy performance, according to Energy Star, but can help you judge how well a window or door will perform in a particular application — for example, whether it'll let in enough light. 1. U-Fac

Garage door insulation cuts energy bills and street noise. Here's how to insulate your garage door yourself. Garage door insulation can make your life warmer, cooler, and quieter. It lowers energy bills, acts as a barrier between you and street noise, and brightens an otherwise dreary space.   Garage door insulation is an easy DIY project; it’ll cost you about $200 to insulate two 9-foot-wide doors.   Types of Insulation Any insulation type will increase the energy efficiency of your garage door. Here are the most popular types to apply to the back of garage doors: Batt insulation. This flexible insulation, often found stuffed into exterior walls, is commonly made of fiberglass. It’s usually backed by paper or foil, which act as vapor and air barriers. Insulating values are R-3 to R-4 per inch of thickness. Cost is about 30 cents per square foot. Foam board insulation. These rigid panels, typically made from polystyrene, provide a high insulating value for rela

Buying stuff for your home can be stressful. Cheap out, and you could regret it. Overspend, and you'll cut into your budget. Knowing the best time of year to buy appliances and other household items can lessen the anxiety.   Here's a list of the best time of year to keep your eye out for sales... Furniture: January & July You could save 30% to 60% buying furniture in January and July, as stores try to clear out inventory and make way for new pieces, which manufacturers introduce in February and August.  Floor samples especially often sell for a song, so don't hesitate to ask. Storage Essentials: January & August In August, retailers slash prices and offer free shipping on shelving, organizing systems, baskets, and storage bins, baiting parents who are packing kids off to college or getting organized for a new school year. (No offspring? No problem. Proof of parenthood is not required to qualify for deals.)   It happens again in January, when sto