Home Improvement Upgrades for a Greener Home

Earth Day is this Friday – the day dedicated to bringing awareness to environmental protection! Many people go out and plant trees on Earth Day, others pick up trash in a local park, but we think a little closer to home.

There are many things you can do to and within your home to go green and stay green year-round. Bonus: not only will you be helping to save the environment, but you’ll save a little cash too!

Going green in your home is all about saving energy. In the US, the most common source of energy is coal, which is also the single largest source of pollution. Each year, coal plants release 4 million tons of CO2 into the air—the equivalent of cutting down 161 million trees! By using energy-efficient products in your home, you can help cut the amount of energy you use every single day.

Here are just some of the home improvement projects that will help your home become a green home:

Energy-Efficient Windows

What contributes the most to your electricity bill? If you’re like most people, the answer is heating and cooling. One of the best things you can do to reduce your heating and cooling costs is to replace old windows with energy-efficient windows. You can save 45% on your heating and cooling just by replacing your old windows!

Energy-efficient windows will help keep the heat out during the summer and, vice versa, won’t let the heat escape during the cold winter months. New windows can do so much for a home! They are one of the first things we recommend updating in any home improvement project.

Green Up Your Entry Door

While a green door would make quite the statement, we’re not talking about colors here. Update your entry door to a stylish and energy-efficient door! Whether you’re searching for wood, glass panel, fiberglass, or steel, there are a variety of energy-efficient entry doors to choose from.

Learn how to choose the perfect entry door for your home today.

Siding That Does Double Duty

Siding is meant to protect the walls of your home, but insulated siding also helps insulate your home to keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer months. Updating to insulated siding can help you save as much a 20% on your energy bill!

Looking for more tips on how to go-green around your home this Earth Day? Check out these tips for an environmentally friendly remodel. Or get started on your way to saving energy (and money!) with a free estimate from one of our home improvement specialists! 

Home Improvement Projects for 2016

Happy 2016! 

The New Year often brings with it the desire to make resolutions; we all want to improve something about our lives in some way. Some people resolve to make healthier choices and others start making plans for home improvement.

If you want to finally give your home that makeover that you have been wanting all last year, here are a few great ideas to kick start your 2016 renovation projects!

1.    Get on top of roof problems. Few homeowner problems are more annoying than a leaky roof. Once the dripping starts, finding the source of the problem can be time-consuming. Stop problems early this year before ice and winter winds turn them from annoyances into disasters.

2.    Check windows for drafts & repair. Leaking air is a common and costly window problem. An easy way to detect drafts is by conducting a smoke test. Inside your home, place a lit incense stick in front of the tiny gap between the frame and pane. Smoke will move inwards if there is air leaking into your home.

3.    Consider insulated window replacements. If your windows are single-pane or worn-out, consider getting double-pane replacements with insulating gas that can help keep the heat out in summer and the regulated temperature inside your home in winter. Insulated windows will help bring about a more comfortable home environment.

4.    Check out the condition of your home’s doors. Replace worn weather stripping around each exterior door and use a rolled blanket, towel, or rug to cover the usually-drafty area at the bottom of the door. You shouldn’t need to replace the door itself unless it is very old or continues to be drafty after installing new weather stripping. Entry doors are usually very well insulated and models newer than 10 years old should not be drafty.

Are you ready to knock some of these items off your personal home improvement list?

No matter what your needs are, let our expert team at Aspen Home Improvements help! Right now, you can schedule a free estimate with one of our home improvement specialists and we’ll discuss what you’re looking for and how we can help you improve your home for less!

5 Common Mistakes in Window Replacement

Replacing your windows with new energy-efficient windows can be a huge money saver, but only if you do it right. Take a look at the 5 most common mistakes homeowners make when they decide to replace their windows.

1. Improperly Installing Windows

Even the most energy-efficient windows you can get your hands on will do no good if they’re not installed properly. This is the most common mistake Aspen Home Improvements’ window specialists see homeowners make when replacing their Pennsylvania and Maryland home’s windows. Not only will energy-efficiency decrease, but the windows will wear more quickly, meaning they’ll need to be replaced again even sooner.

2. Trying to Do It Yourself

If you’re the DIY type, it may be temping to replace the windows on your own, but unless you have experience and training, it might not be the best idea. Remember mistake number 1 we mentioned above? Hiring a local home improvement professional, like our trained team at Aspen, to install your windows is worth the extra cost. You will save money in the long run with a window that will keep drafts out and won’t wear due to improper installation.  

3. Opting for Off-Brand Windows

If you’re looking to save money on your window replacement project, off-brand windows might sound appealing, but it’s always a better idea to go with a well-known name. Brands like our line of Starmark and Insul-Tec 500 windows respected in the industry for their energy-efficiency and functionality. Do your research and then talk to one of our specialists to find the right fit for you!

4. Using Cost as your Main Search Factor

We get that cost is a big factor in any home improvement project, but windows are one of those places that you should look to invest a bit more. Buying based on price alone could leave you with a window that’s worse then the ones you currently have. Yikes! If you are still worried about your budget, we have home financing options that will help feel comfortable staying within your price point!

5. Not Consulting a Professional

Most home improvement professionals offer free consultations. Take advantage of these! Sit down with a window installation specialist and talk about both your budget and what you’re looking for in your new windows. You should feel confident with the company you hire and comfortable enough to ask them any questions you may have along the process.

Schedule a free consultation with a home improvement specialist at Aspen Home Improvements and we’ll discuss what you’re looking for and how we can help you improve your home!

Lock In Your Home’s Heat

Everyone dreads the hike in energy bills once winter hits (and don’t even get us started on the cold drafts), but a few home improvement projects just may be the perfect solution!

We know what you’re thinking: “I’m trying to save money and home improvement projects cost money!” But when you invest in energy-efficiency now, you’ll see the savings add up down the road. Let’s take a look at a new of the things you can do:

Add Insulation

The most obvious way to keep your house warm in the winter (and even cool in the summer) is with insulation. When your home was built, there was some type of insulation installed, but we can add additional insulation to certain areas throughout your home.

For example, our insulated siding helps your walls perform 25% better than they would with regular siding! See this graphic of other ideas for where to insulate in your home.

Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Many people think that if they have double-pane (double-glazed) windows, they have the most energy-efficient windows on the market, but this may not be true. Older double-paned windows are less efficient than today’s! And today, we even offer triple paned windows!

Not only has the glass itself been improved, but so have the frames. Today, window frames are much more energy-efficient with an insulated core to keep the heat in and the cold out! And all of our windows are Energy Star approved, which means and warmer home and possible energy-efficiency tax credits!

Keep Drafts Out

Even with the most energy-efficient windows and doors, drafts can still cause a problem if they’re installed incorrectly.

Not only should you be thinking about drafts coming from exterior doors and windows, but also doors leading to unheated rooms or hallways. Find and fix drafts in your home to keep your house warmer all winter long.

Upgrade Old Entry Doors

Just as windows have improved in recent years, doors have gotten an upgrade as well, and we don’t just mean aesthetically (although our styles are constantly changing).

The same type of insulating technology that has been added to window frames has been incorporated into our doors. Wood and composite entry doors are designed with energy-efficiency as a number 1 priority. No matter which style of door you’re looking for, there is one out there for you that will help keep that cold winter air out of your home! 

Remember, even the most energy efficient doors aren’t going to make a difference if they aren’t installed properly. Keep drafts out with expert door installation. 

Make Your Sunroom Usable in the Winter

A sunroom can be such a great place to relax, but in the winter months these rooms can become unbearably cold — let’s fix that. Energy efficient glass can make a world of difference in any sunroom!

Don’t let the room go to waste for half of the year, let Aspen Home Improvements help get your sunroom in usable condition all year long.

If you’re thinking about replacing any windows in your home, now is the best time! Not only will your windows be in place before winter hits, but you’ll also save money with our fall sale!

Right now when you buy 4 windows you’ll get 1 window free. Contact Aspen today to find out more about our fall sale, and see what we can do to keep your home warm this winter!

5 Ways To Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first impression you make on neighbors, potential homebuyers, and people who you invite over into your house. Yours could currently be one of those “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” situations – meaning you may have a gorgeous interior, but many people won’t be able to see past a worn-down or out-of-date exterior.

This becomes especially crucial if you’re trying to sell your home, as many house hunters will drive past an unattractive home without deciding to tour the inside.

So how can you makeover the exterior of your home to match the inside? Whether you’re in the process of selling your home or you’re just looking to give your home a fresh look, we’ve got 5 tips that will get your home looking in tip-top shape!

5. New Roof

The roof may not be the first thing you see when you look at a home, but it is a significant part of the home-buying process. An old deteriorating roof can definitely detract from all the hard work you’ve put into reviving the curb appeal of your house. Not sure if you need to replace your roof or not? Take a look at the 5 biggest signs that it’s time for a replacement.

4. Build a Walkway

While a walkway is typically thought of as a practical aspect, it can also add a great deal of curb appeal to any home. Try a curved walkway and opt-for stone or brick pavers, such as flagstone, instead of concrete. Another great idea for homes here in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania is a heated walkway – can you say no shoveling in the winter?! Sounds good to us.

3. Porch Upgrade

Now that you have your beautiful walkway take a look at what it’s leading to… how is your porch looking? Repainting or repairing (or adding a porch if you don’t already have one) can add a new level of comfort to your home’s exterior. Imagine sitting out on a nicely refinished porch in the fall evenings with a glass of hot cider. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? It’ll sound great to prospective buyers too.

2. Door Replacement

Doors get used so often that you probably haven’t even noticed the gradual wear that has naturally occurred: scratches, dings, and dents. But anyone walking into your home for the first time will notice. A beautiful door can serve as an eye-catching statement piece for your home. There are many different colors and styles of doors to choose from. New doors also have the added benefit of increased safety and security for your family.

1. New Siding

Covering the largest area of your exterior, siding is the very first thing that people will notice about your house. Sometimes all your siding needs is a good washing, but there are times when replacement is the best option. Siding that is cracked and falling apart will definitely need to be replaced. Even if your siding is in good condition, you still might consider swapping it out for a new color if the current color appears dated. Replacing old siding with new energy-efficientsiding will help you home not only look attractive, but keep energy bills down!

If you’re ready to add some curb appeal to your home, Aspen Home Improvements can help with all of your siding, door, roofing, and window replacement needs! Take the first step and schedule a consultation today!

Easy Ways to Protect Your Home from Long-Term Wear and Tear

Rain. Snow. Wind. Sun. Salt.

It’s a wonder that some things last as long as they do with all the weather variances we face. If you haven’t already done so, now is the perfect time to start an annual maintenance program. The importance is obvious – to extend the life and protection of your home. You want to catch problems early or even before they occur! 

Protect your investment with these tips to add life and value to your home:

1. Invest in Good Roofing

           

The roof of your home is an easy aspect to neglect, but proper roofing and shingles can provide a lifetime of benefits. Aside from adding curb appeal, a sturdy roof can save you money in the long-run by preventing algae growth and providing protection from rain and hail. To learn more about how quality roofing can benefit you, read this bulletin from Aspen Home Improvements.

2. Test Your Water

While most homeowners test their water supply, it’s always a good idea to have your water tested for high mineral content. High concentrations of calcium and magnesium could corrode your plumbing and also be hazardous to your health. Installing a water softener could be a cheap and easy fix compared to replacing your plumbing. 

3. Use Energy-Efficient Windows

Once you install energy-efficient windows, you will never want to settle for less. These sturdy windows will not only last you a lifetime, but they will save you money on energy costs by keeping the heat of the summer from entering your home. An unexpected benefit of energy-efficient windows is that the insulation can also protect your furniture and carpet’s color from fading. Aspen Home Improvement offers a variety of Energy Star windows for your next renovation.

4. Don’t Neglect Your Gutters

No one likes to clean the gutters, but if they’re neglected long enough, your home could be vulnerable to water damage. Unkept gutters can lead to leaky roofs and basements, and repairing water damage could not only be costly, but time consuming as well.

5. Purchase Insulated Siding

Not only does it greatly enhance the outward appearance of a home, but properly insulated siding can be extremely cost effective while providing unparalleled resistance from the elements. The impact from intense storms and debris often shows in a short amount of time, and investing in good siding can provide a lifetime of protection. To learn more, visit the Aspen website to read all of the benefits of siding replacement.

Need help making repairs to your house? Let Aspen HomeImprovements help you! Contact us today to speak with our experts and schedule your free estimate. We serve customers over a large area of central and eastern Pennsylvania, including Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Reading, Chester, and Berks County.

Environmentally Friendly Remodeling

When remodeling your home, it’s important to consider ways in which you can reduce your environmental footprint and create the safest, most energy-efficient space as possible. Aspen Home Improvement is here to provide you with top-quality, sustainable options for your home. Check out these tips for going green while remodeling!

Look for the Energy Star Rating

Since the creation of the Energy Star label and standard, the program has helped home and business owners reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. It’s important to look for the Energy Star certification label when purchasing products for your home – everything from kitchen appliances to windows.

Aspen offers Energy Star windows that can help you preserve energy by keeping your home well insulated throughout the entire year! With energy-efficient windows, you will be able to enjoy a comfortable home environment while also saving money on energy bills.

Invest in Quality Roofing

When roofs have broken or cracked shingles, the effects of the elements on your home could lead to higher energy bills. Make sure that you invest in durable roofing that will last!

Aspen offers roofing from Atlas, a roofing company that is well-known and respected for their top-quality products. Their materials are created to be more durable and last longer than standard shingles, so you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing shingles, which benefits the environment.

Look for Recycled or Re-purposed Materials

 More and more companies are using recycled materials to keep trash out of landfills or oceans. Not only are they good for the planet, but reused materials can add a rustic chic element to a room as well! Search for reclaimed wood products or centerpieces made from recycled glass.

Say “No” to VOCs

Many remodeling materials contain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can be toxic to breathe. High concentrations of VOCs in the environment can essentially cause the air temperature to rise due to their high vapor pressure. Make sure to shop for non or low VOC paint and flooring products!

Be sure to call us at 717-569-3700 or stop by our showroom to talk to one of our home improvement specialists! We are located right in Lancaster, PA, but we serve customers over a large area of central and eastern Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, York, Reading, Chester, and Berks County.

Let us help you create the home of your dreams!

5 Tips to Stay Cool This Summer

Don’t hate the summer heat!

You may not be able to control the heat levels outside, but you can control the temperature levels inside your home. Fortunately, there are a few secrets that will help you stay cool this summer! And, even better, these secrets will also help you save money on your energy bills!

Okay, maybe they aren’t “secrets” because you may have heard some of them before, but you should definitely follow these 5 tips today to stay happy all summer long.

1. Clean Your AC.

Ideally, step #1 should be completed before the hot weather begins. You may not have to clean it thoroughly every year, but professionals suggest that your cooling system should be inspected at least once a year.

If anything is malfunctioning, or your cooling system is out-of-date, you will want to get it replaced. Immediately. And it is recommended that you get something that has an ENERGY STAR rating. You will regret waiting until the middle of summer to fix any problems.

2. Air Conditioning OR Windows open – never both.

You probably got sick of mom and dad scolding you to keep doors and windows shut during the summer. But this is because hot air will follow cold air until the temperature is evened out.

If you have your AC on and you open the window to get the “best of both worlds,” what you are really doing is allowing all that hot air in and allowing the temperature of your house to rise. So make a choice: air conditioning OR windows open. Never do both. It’s a waste of money.

3. Insulate!

If you want to keep something that is cold cold… insulate! If you want to keep something that is it hot hot… insulate! It really is that simple.

Experts suggest starting to insulate from the top and working your way down from there. So, start with the attic and then start sealing everything else that may be letting cold air outside. The biggest culprit guilty of leaking hot air inside during the summer? Windows that are not properly sealed.

4. Use fans.

The great thing about ceiling fans or floor fans is that you can use them with or without your air conditioning running. Fans do not actually cool the temperature of the room. Instead, they keep you comfortable because they evaporate the moisture from your skin.

When you have a fan running, you will be able to feel more comfortable in higher temperatures. However, don’t leave a fan running after you leave the room or your home. This is just wasted electricity.

5. Shade your home.

Putting up barriers between your home and the sun will help keep you cooler and lower energy costs. This can be done many ways: by planting shade trees, adding blinds/curtains to the inside of your home, installing awnings to the outside of your home, etc.

If you want to stay cool this summer, start with your exterior! If you have any questions about energy-efficient roofing, siding, or window options that will properly keep your home sealed from the harsh heat of summer, contact our team!

Roofing Trends in 2015

We know it’s already April, but not all of us can afford home improvement projects at the onset of the New Year – especially since it is right after the holiday season.

We gave you a list of New Year’s Resolutions for your home for 2015, but we found some new trends that are just for roofing! As you know, not all trends last – which, admittedly, is sometimes for the better. We know remodeling your home is a huge investment, so we didn’t want to give you a list of trends we didn’t believe would increase the value of your home.

These 3 roofing trends have been growing over the years and are more popular than ever in 2015!

1. Go Gray

Gray embodies simplicity, elegance, and refinement. Across America, the top choice for roofing color in 2015 is gray!

Your home does not have to be brightly colored to be unique. Get the right kind of attention with a neutral color that will never go out of style. Trust us – you may have a much harder time trying to sell a bright-colored roof in the future.

2. Metal Roofs

Nothing protects your home better than a metal roof! So, it’s not surprising to see that metal roofing is more in demand than ever before. It is predicted that metal roofing will continue to increase over the next few years.

Why metal? They last longer than other roofing materials and require less maintenance. Also, they are more environmentally friendly and offer lower energy costs than popular roofing of the past.

3. Environmentally Conscious

As we see how our choices impact our environment, it’s no surprise that trends are still continuing to progress into the environmentally friendly realm (and we hope that trend is here to stay!).

Environmentally friendly roofs may be more expensive to install initially, but that doesn’t seem to affect homeowners! They know that these environmentally friendly roofs will not only help to preserve the Earth, but that they will also see reduced energy costs as well.

We hope that this list is helpful when you start researching roofing options for your 2015 home improvement project!

If you have any roofing questions, please contact us! We want to help you put the best roof over your head.

Is Your Home Improvement Project Worth the Cost?

The short answer? Absolutely!

You were probably expecting that answer, though. But do you know why bigger home improvement projects will pay off in the end?

If you are planning on staying in your home for a while, you want to make sure you are getting the most out of your home. If your roofing, siding, windows, or doors are broken or not installed properly, then, not only will you be uncomfortable, but you will be paying expensive energy bills.

If you are planning on selling your home in the near future, then these home improvement projects will increase the value of your home.

By spending money now, you will be able to earn back your investment either by remodeling your home’s faulty features for your own benefit or when you eventually put your home up for sale.

So, how can you make the smartest investment?

If you want to maximize the potential of your home, think exterior. This includes roofing, siding, doors, and windows. Not only will these changes enhance the beauty of your room, they will enhance the protection of your home. If you plan to sell your home, you will be able to get up to 80% back on your investment!

So now that you know why bigger home improvement projects will be worth the cost, it’s time to ask where – where to start so that you can start checking off your list of renovations. Easy – start with Aspen HomeImprovements! We offer a wide selection of options in roofing, siding, doors, and windows – and they are all top quality products.

We’re proud of the products and award-winning services we are able to offer you and are only happy when YOU'RE happy. That is why we offer you a Lifetime Warranty on our products as part of our services!

Interested in getting a free estimate for your own home improvement project? Contact a member of our team of home improvement specialists today!

Resources for your Energy-Efficient Home Improvement

The start of a home improvement project can sometimes be daunting.

Where do I start? What information should I know? What exactly am I looking for?

These are all questions homeowners commonly ask themselves when deciding on a home improvement project, and while they’re all important questions, it’s even more important to take a breath and relax.

Fortunately, there are numerous resources out there for homeowners looking for a home improvement project in 2015. Whether you’re looking for new windows, doors, siding, roofing, or any other project, there’s plenty of information out there for you!

U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy not only works with businesses on all energy matters, but it’s also a great resource for homeowners looking to learn more about energy-efficiency.

Energy.gov has an entire section dedicated to homeowners looking to find more information about saving energy – and money – in their home. If you’re looking to find more information about energy-efficient windows and doors, there’s a great Windows, Doors and Skylights section dedicated to providing information, tips, advice and even smaller DIY project ideas for homeowners.

Look for the ENERGY STAR certification
on your home improvement products
and appliances!

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is a program put together by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for consumers to save energy, money, and to protect the environment.

ENERGY STAR certifies only the most energy-efficient products on the market. One of the great things about ENERGY STAR is the program certifies products for all over your home. Not only can you find ENERGY STAR-certified windows and doors, but you can also get information about energy-efficient appliances, electronics, and other products found around your home.

National Fenestration Rating Council

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a non-profit organization responsible for labeling the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights and other related products. The ratings and labels found on the NFRC labels are independent – meaning there is no outside influence, giving you a fair and informed assessment of your energy-efficient products.

Among the ratings found on a NFRC label: U-Value, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Visible Transmittance, Air Leakage, and even Condensation Resistance. The NFRC has even put together its own guide for homeowners looking to purchase energy-efficient windows.

Efficient Windows Collaborative

The Efficient Windows Collaborative, or EWC for short, is a non-profit organization that offers great resources focused on energy-efficient windows. According to their website, the EWC works with manufacturers, research organizations, government agencies, and other groups to provide the best information possible about energy-efficient windows.

No matter where you are in the home improvement process, the EWC can provide you additional information to help you make an informed decision that best suits your home improvement needs. The EWC even offers separate resources those installing new windows or replacing their current windows.

And lastly… the Aspen Home Improvements team!

All of these resources can be great sources of information, no matter what project you might be looking into for your home.

But if you have additional questions, our team is happy to help you! Our home improvement specialists are happy to answer any questions you might have about improving your home and starting – and finishing – your project in 2015!