Rescom Blog

Why Replace Your Windows?

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Do you find yourself turning up the thermostat in the winter and broiling inside in the summer? It may be time to consider replacing your home's old, drafty windows with new energy efficient windows. Replacing your home's windows will save you money, protect your valuables and make you more comfortable in your home.

Save Money
The most obvious reason to replace old windows is to save money. Energy Star, the partnership between the United States Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, estimates that installing Energy Star rated windows, doors and skylights could save a family as much as 30 percent on their home heating and cooling costs each year. That means your savings could be as much as $500 on your monthly utility bill when you replace old single pane windows with newer, more energy efficient windows. Those significant savings add up over time and quickly make the investment in new windows worth the expense.

In addition to saving money on your monthly utility bill, you also help reduce your impact on the environment. When you use less energy to heat and cool your home, you help put fewer greenhouse gasses and other pollutants into the climate. Energy efficiency is an investment in your future as well as your checkbook.

Protect Your Valuables
Have you ever seen the damage sun can do to hardwood floors, photographs, drapes and other valuables? Prolonged exposure to sunlight will visibly fade these organic materials reducing not only their monetary value but their sentimental value as well. Older, clear glass windows don't protect against the damaging effects of the sun's UV rays streaming into your home.

Rescom�s windows come with a protective coating that acts like sunscreen for your house. These coatings reduce the amount of harmful ultraviolet light entering your windows without reducing the visible light. Your valuables will be protected for years to come.

Home Comfort
We all want to be comfortable in our homes. No one wants to freeze in the winter or swelter in the summer. But older windows leak outside air into your home around the frames and right through the glass. Put your hand up to the window frame on a cool day. If the glass is cold or you can feel a breeze, your windows leak. Energy efficient windows keep warm air in your house in the winter and block heat from getting in during the summer. That way, your thermostat doesn't have to work against the windows and you won't find yourself pulling on a sweater and putting on another pair of socks in the winter and sweating in the summer.

There are so many great reasons to switch to newer energy efficient windows that keeping older windows just doesn't make sense. Get cozy in your house and add money to your wallet by upgrading your windows this season.

Beat the Average: Save on Heating Costs with New Windows

Fri, 8 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The cost of heating your home in winter is like the weather here in New England: Everybody talks about it but nobody does anything about it.

While almost every homeowner complains about high heating costs, do you know just how �high� is high? According to the Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development, the typical homeowner in the state spends $600-$740 per month to heat their home, or about $3,600-$4,440 during a six month heating season. And if the winter starts early or lasts longer, it can add another $1,000 or more to the bill!

You do not have to continue breaking the bank in order to keep your home comfortable during the harsh New England winter. There are affordable steps you can take that can significantly reduce energy use in your home. And using less energy means spending less on energy.

Many of the changes you can make are just what you would expect: more attic insulation, turn down the thermostat, insulate exterior walls. But the one home improvement you can make that impacts energy costs the most is replacing your old windows with new, energy-efficient models.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that almost one-third of a home�s energy is lost through inefficient windows and doors. If you have old windows in your home, the energy you may be losing is like keeping a window wide open all winter long!

New windows with advanced features like �low-e� glass and insulated frames, that are custom sized to fit snugly into your home, will greatly reduce the flow of warm air out of your home, while keeping the cold air out. Your furnace will kick on less often, and you�ll pay less for oil or gas every month. Simple.

Energy efficient replacement windows from Rescom can save you up to 33% on your heating costs this winter. And those savings continue, month after month, year after year.

Are you unwilling to overpay to heat your home this winter? A switch to energy efficient replacement windows may be the perfect solution. To find out more about the cost saving benefits of energy efficient windows, call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

Don�t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard!

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Summer is upon us! The weather is warm, the Stanley Cup is back in Boston, and you don�t have to worry about hearing your furnace kick on every few minutes � for now.

However, just as the Bruins will return to the ice in a few months, we know the cold and snow will soon return to New England. How will you keep your home and family warm without spending an arm and a leg?

The best solution is to replace your old, drafty windows with new, energy-efficient Bristol Windows from Rescom. With an estimated 30 percent or more of your home�s energy draining away through inefficient windows (according to the U.S. Department of Energy) it makes good sense to stop the flow and reduce the amount of money you spend on oil, gas, electricity, wood, coal � whichever fuel you use to heat your home.

Bristol Windows are manufactured using the newest in energy efficiency technology, including insulated frames and low-emissivity glass. Our crews can replace your windows quickly and professionally during the summer months, giving you a head start on the blustery winds and icy storms that frequent our area during winter.

Don�t wait until your family is shivering and you are reaching to turn up the thermostat. The time to take action is now, while the sun is still shining. Rescom can replace your old windows with custom-fit, high efficiency windows that will keep the warmth and the cold out from the very first chilly day. Why wait?

To find out more about the cost saving benefits of energy efficient windows, call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit www.iwantnewwindows.com.

Why You Want �Low-E� Glass in Your Windows

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you have been researching replacement windows for your home, you have probably read something about windows that are made with something called �low-e glass.� Many window manufacturers toss around the term low-e pretty casually. But it is actually a very important factor in making your new windows energy efficient.

The �e� in low-e glass stands for emissivity, which is the relative ability of a surface to emit energy. Believe it or not, low-e glass is actually coated with an ultra-thin metal layer. The metal is so thin that you can see through it, but it still performs the role of reflecting or absorbing energy. The thickness of the coating and the position of chemicals in the window glass itself also contribute to how well low-e glass does its job of reflecting energy.

The energy that is reflected by low-e glass is both heat and light energy. In addition to visible light and UV light, sunlight contains infrared (IR) light. Infrared light is what you feel as heat. Low-e glass has the ability to block certain levels of IR light, as well as harmful UV rays.

Now you are asking how a window coated with metal can help reduce your home energy bills. Here�s how.

When IR light enters your home, it raises the temperature whatever it touches. Low-e glass reflects this energy, keeping your home cooler in the hot summer months. The reverse occurs during the cold winter months. The low-e glass keeps heat from escaping to the outside by reflecting the heat energy back into your home. So your home heating system has to work less often to keep your home warm, using less fuel (oil, gas, electricity) and cutting your monthly bills.

The heat reflecting properties of low-e glass will help keep your energy costs down all year long. Which is why investing in replacement windows with low-e glass is a smart move. Rescom replacement windows feature low-e glass, and installing them in your home can help you start saving money immediately.

Find out more by calling Rescom at (866) 410-5884 or visit our website (http://www.iwantnewwindows.com/ ) to schedule a FREE in-home consultation on replacement windows Worcester.

Can New Windows Help You Beat the Heat This Summer?

Wed, 8 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As homeowners you know that your energy costs can skyrocket during a hot summer due to the large amount of energy used by cooling systems like air conditioners and central air. Your energy bills are likely to make you sweat just as much as the summer sun, maybe more!

Part of the reason your costs are so high could be your inefficient windows. Older windows let cool air escape and hot, steamy air in, causing your home�s cooling systems to work harder and use more energy than is necessary to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Instead of cranking up the air conditioners and taking the consequences straight out of your wallet, a switch to energy efficient windows can drop your energy costs significantly. Newer windows have �improved glass performance,� which makes them far more energy efficient and durable. This leads to less of the hot summer air getting into your home as well as less of the cool air you are paying for getting out.

If you are someone whose summer plans are weighed down by the cost of cooling your home year after year, a switch to a more energy efficient window will finally let you enjoy your summer without the constant pressure of your high energy costs.

To find out more about the cost saving benefits of energy efficient windows, call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

Yes, New Windows Can Make a Difference

Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I was speaking to a fellow parent at a baseball game last week. He is a successful physician with a large income, living in beautiful home in a nice neighborhood. Yet he voiced concern about how much money he was spending to heat his home during the long, cold winter months. That was something everybody in the crowd agreed on!

Then the good doctor surprised me when he told me that he had replaced the windows in the upstairs part of his home with newer, more energy-efficient windows. He was initially skeptical about whether or not replacing his old windows would be worth the investment. But he was amazed by the immediate results! His heating bill dropped the very first month, and his family was able to once again make use of rooms that had been �off limits� because they were too cold.

This is a great example of a �doubting Thomas� who was convinced of the value of upgrading old, drafty windows with new, thermally efficient windows. The doctor can now see that the money he spent on his new windows will come back to him in the form of less money spent every month on heating and cooling bills. Plus there is the bonus of getting back space in his home that had been �lost� to the extreme temperatures.

Are you a �doubting Thomas�? Do you still wonder if the investment you make in new windows will be money well spent? Let the doctor�s situation be an example to you. He overcame his doubt and is now a true believer in the power of new, energy-efficient windows!

For more information call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

Don�t Overlook Convenience in Your New Windows

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

When shopping for new windows for your home, it is very easy to get caught up in the technical aspects of glass packages, frame construction and energy-saving design elements. All are very important, of course. But be sure you don�t miss one very important factor in choosing your new windows: how they work.

If you have been frustrated by windows that are difficult to open, jam tight in humid weather or refuse to stay open, you are going to be thrilled when you see how smoothly and effortlessly our Bristol Windows operate. Perfect balance, friction-free materials and precision tolerances make opening and closing our windows a breeze!

Now let�s talk cleaning. I can remember my father spending Saturday mornings climbing a stepladder with a bucket and sponge to clean the outside of our home�s windows; while Mom was inside wiping down the interior panes. Great teamwork, but a lot of effort!

The most popular Bristol Window model � the double hung � has top and bottom sashes that tilt in for easy cleaning from inside your home. No more balancing on ladders or stretching up on tip-toes to reach that last corner. You�ll be able to keep your windows clean and enjoy a clear view of the world with very little work.

Simple considerations, perhaps. But these little things can make a world of difference on a day-to-day basis. So make sure your new windows are �user friendly� and make your life a little easier.

For more information call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

Window Frame Materials Contribute to Energy Efficiency

Thu, 6 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

While many replacement window manufacturers tout their glass packages, you need to look at the overall window before deciding which will give you the most energy efficiency for your home. More than just a �holder� for the glass, how your window frame is constructed and the material with which it is made will have a big impact on window efficiency. In fact, the frame can contribute from 10% to 30% toward the overall insulation value. Some materials commonly used in window frames insulate better than others. Here is an overview of the most popular frame materials.

Aluminum frames
Aluminum frames are light and durable. However aluminum frames are poor insulators because they absorb and transfer both heat and cold. In cold temperatures aluminum can also cause condensation, which results in moisture buildup within the window surface.

Wood frames
Wood frames are popular for cosmetic reasons, and because older homes traditionally used wood window frames. But from an energy efficiency perspective wood insulates only marginally well. Wooden frames are more energy efficient than aluminum, but are less effective than more modern materials.

Wood clad frames
Essentially a double-sided frame using wood for one side, and aluminum or vinyl for the other side. Improving window energy efficiency is not the reason for using two different materials � reducing maintenance and lowering initial cost is the goal. The maintenance free aluminum or vinyl is used on the exposed exterior, while the attractive wood is used on the inside.

Vinyl frames
Vinyl is a very durable multipurpose plastic that requires no painting or maintenance. Vinyl frames are very good at insulating and resisting moisture. Insulated vinyl frames have recently been introduced that contain other materials within the frame to provide further insulation and even less condensation.

Composite and Hybrid frames
Composite frames are made up of different compressed wood particles. Hybrid frames consist of two or more materials, which are used throughout the entire window frame. Composite and hybrid window frames are more energy efficient than aluminum or wood, but are generally less effective at reducing energy loss than vinyl or insulated vinyl frames.

Fiberglass frames
Fiberglass frames are as maintenance free as vinyl frames. But fiberglass is considerably stronger, making these frames considerably more durable. From a window energy efficiency standpoint, fiberglass frames are superior to wood, aluminum and most hybrid frames; but are matched for insulating properties by vinyl frames, which are less expensive to buy and install.

At Rescom Exteriors, we can help guide you through the decision making process so that you choose the best replacement window for your home and budget.

For more information about upgrading your home with energy efficient replacement windows call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

How a Colorless, Odorless Gas Can Save You Money

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

You probably know that you can reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home by replacing the �regular� windows in your home with windows that have been engineered to be more energy efficient. But did you know that one of the most important �parts� that makes a window energy efficient is a colorless, odorless gas?

Older windows were usually made with a single layer of glass. But today�s high performance replacement windows are designed with at least two, and sometimes three panes in a glass �sandwich.� It is this sandwich effect that helps to significantly slow down heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

But the glass alone can�t do the job. The narrow spaces between the panes of glass do their part, too. If these slim pockets were filled with regular air they would not help to slow down heat transfer. So window designers fill the gaps between glass panes with inert gas, usually either krypton or argon.

Inert gases like argon and krypton are used because they are non-toxic, clear, odorless and chemically non-reactive. These gases have a higher density than air. This gives them insulation properties that, added to the additional pane or panes of glass, greatly enhance the thermal performance of a window.

There is one more important component to consider. The glass panels are kept separated by a �spacer� that is traditionally made of metal, such as aluminum. But metal spacers defeat the purpose of window insulation by serving as a conductor of heat. So the best replacement windows now use �warm spacers� made of materials that do not conduct heat like a metal spacer.

While this may all seem like weird science, these are the specific features you should look for in order to ensure that the replacement windows you purchase will do the best job of keeping your home and family safe and warm this winter.

For more information about upgrading your windows with energy efficient replacement windows call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

$1,500 Tax Rebate expires next month!

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you�ve been putting off that home improvement project, now might be a good time to get it done. Or else you�ll lose out on a very generous �discount� from Uncle Sam.

For nearly two years, thousands of homeowners have enjoyed an �extra bonus� when they received a 30% (up to $1,500) Energy Tax Rebate from the federal government when they made certain improvements to their homes. The goal is to help make your home more energy efficient, thus reducing the impact on the environment and using fewer natural resources.

Of course, making your home more energy efficient also has the wonderful consequence of cutting your monthly energy bills! So it the Energy Tax Credit has proven to be a real �win-win-win� for everybody.

The types of home improvements that qualify for the 30% credit include installing replacement windows that meet federal standards; as well as installing new entry doors that provide enhanced thermal performance. All windows and doors installed by Rescom meet these strict standards and are eligible for the Energy Tax Credit.

However, this �extra bonus� ends on December 31 of this year, when the Energy Tax Credit expires. Unless you have your project completed by that day you will not be able to earn the $1,500 tax credit when you file your taxes.

Here at Rescom we are very busy scheduling window and door replacement projects that meet the energy-saving requirements of the Energy Tax Credit program. If you are even considering making improvements to your home we urge you to call and make an appointment right away, so that we can fit you into our production and installation schedule.

For more information about upgrading your windows with energy efficient replacements that meet the federal Energy Tax Credit standards, call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

Cold Winter Forecast

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cold Winter Forecast

"Across New England, where relatively balmy temperatures prevailed during the winter of 2009-2010, the upcoming winter will be the equivalent of a cold slap in the face, as we forecast much colder-than-normal temperatures." -- The Farmer�s Almanac

Are you ready for a �much colder-than-normal� winter? Brrrrrr! The best way to stay warm amid our New England winter is to make sure your home is buttoned-up against the cold. Otherwise it is going to be months of wearing extra sweaters and listening to the furnace kick on again� and again. And again!

Did you know that almost half of the warm air your home�s heating system produces is lost through leaky, draft windows and doors? The windows in most homes that are 10 years old or older almost universally fall far below the current standards for energy efficiency, allowing the easy transfer of heat energy from your home to the outside; and cold temperatures from the outside in.

Rescom Exteriors installs Bristol Replacement Windows that are engineered to put a virtual stop to this heat loss. Using high-tech materials and design, including multiple glass panes with inert gas fill and warm-edge spacers, our windows can significantly cut energy loss.

That translates two ways. First, it means you will be warmer inside your home and can put your sweaters away! Equally as important, installing energy-efficient Bristol Windows means that you can significantly reduce energy use, which results in a �quieter� heating system and lower monthly heating bills, all winter long.

For more information about upgrading your windows with energy efficient replacements call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

Getting the Lead Out

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Back in 1978 the federal government banned the use of lead-based paint in homes, hospitals and schools. This decision was based on research that showed that exposure to lead was not safe for children and could lead to developmental disabilities.

Since 1978, lead paint removal has been an important and ongoing task in all areas of the country. This lead paint removal has been done by specially trained technicians from certified environmental companies.

However, it was not until this Spring that the Environmental Protection Agency took steps to ensure that other businesses who might come into contact with lead paint would be similarly trained and certified. New regulations require contractors � even window installers like Rescom � who may �disturb� existing lead paint to undergo an 8-hour training program leading to certification. The contractor must also provide documentation of any lead exposure and displacement.

We applaud this important step toward protection our homes, family and environment. Rescom Exteriors has already taken steps to meet the certification requirements, and will be able to continue replacing worn, tire windows in homes older than 32 years.

So if your home was built prior to 1978, give us a call! We are ready, willing and government-certified to help you make your home more energy efficient, safely and securely.

For more information the new lead paint handling requirements, or about upgrading your windows with energy efficient replacements, call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

What is the U-factor and Why is it Important in Your New Windows?

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Every replacement window comes with an energy rating label from the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC), an independent testing laboratory that measure the performance of windows and doors. (�Fenestration� means �opening.�) In fact, the state of Massachusetts requires that it be visible on any window presented for sale.

Among the most important measurements when it comes to energy efficiency is the U-factor of a window. In order to make an informed decision when buying replacement windows for your home, you should have an understanding of this rating.

You may be familiar with a measurement called �R-factor� for insulation. This is a rating given to insulation in walls and ceilings. The biggest difference between U-factor and R-value is that U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer (or loss) while R-value measures the resistance to heat loss.

R-value is a measure of conductivity. A product with high conductivity will transfer heat quickly, like a hot pan on the stove or a single pane of glass on a cold day.

U-factor, on the other hand, takes into account more than conductivity. It also is affected by the airflow around the window and the emissivity of the glass. Emissivity is the ability of a product to absorb certain types of energy (specifically infrared) and radiate that energy through itself and out of a room.

A product with high emissivity, such as one pane of clear glass, will transfer over 84 percent of the infrared energy from a warm room outside to the cold air. The lower the conductivity and emissivity of the glass, the lower the rate of heat loss and the lower the U-factor.

There have been significant technological developments over the last 10 years involving low emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass. There are now many glass products available with these low-e coatings, which are typically used in dual pane windows and insulating glass units.

The key, then, is to look for a window with a low U-factor rating, showing that the window has low emissivity.

Look for the NFRC label on all of our replacement windows. It shows that the Bristol replacement windows we install have among the lowest "U-Factor" of all windows tested by the NFRC. The lower the U-value, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. That means Rescom�s windows are among the best for energy efficiency, keeping you warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

For more information about upgrading your windows with energy efficient replacement windows from Rescom, call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

Problems with Wood Windows

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thousands of homes here in New England were built using low-cost wood frame windows. If your home is more than 20 years old, chances are the window frames are made of wood. And that can spell trouble for you.

Aside from the lack of insulating properties and high maintenance requirements, wood windows can present many problems for a homeowner.

A wood window is subject to wood rot or insect infestation if not properly maintained. The design of some wood windows allow for moisture to be trapped. This combined with poor quality seals that break down can spell trouble. Unless meticulously maintained (painted and caulked regularly), wood windows may last less than 10 years when exposed to the harsh New England climate.

Look at the spacer bar in each of your windows. This is the narrow metal strip that separates the two panes of glass in your double pane window. If there are gaps between the window panes and the spacer bar, or the seals on the window are worn or cracked, you will almost certainly experience trapped moisture. The first sign of this fogging and condensation between the panes. This moisture is also hard at work rotting the frame from the inside.

Do your wood windows stick? Perhaps they are even �frozen� shut! This is another sign that moisture has penetrated the wood and swollen the frame.

From the outside look for rot spots at all the joints. Use a screwdriver to poke around for soft wood. Look for "depressions" in the surfaces. When it comes to wood rot, you need to act before the window frame fails and your home is open to wind and water infiltration.

Call Rescom. We will provide a free inspection and assessment of your windows, along with recommendations on repair or replacement.

For more information about upgrading your windows with energy efficient replacements, call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

Energy Tax Credit Still in Effect

Sun, 4 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Much of the hoopla surrounding the Energy Tax Credit section of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has died down over the past year. But the tax credits remain in effect and available right through the end of 2010. If you have not yet taken advantage of the Energy Tax Credit, now is the time.

A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the tax that is owed. If you itemize purchases on your federal income tax form, you may be able to lower the total amount of tax you owe the government.

Put in simpler terms, the Energy Tax Credit is like having Uncle Sam pay for 30 percent of your new windows and doors!

Be aware that not all windows and doors qualify for the credits. They must meet certain energy efficiency standards (a U factor of 0.30 or lower; and solar heat gain coefficient of 0.30 or lower), and your installer must provide you with a Manufacturer�s Certification Statement in order to qualify. Also, you�ll need to file federal tax form 5695 with your tax return.

But these details are well worth it if you can save 30 percent (up to a total of $1,500) on energy-efficient windows and doors!

Of course, the tax savings are only the beginning. Studies have shown that replacing your home�s old windows with energy-efficient windows can reduce heat loss, which means lower energy bills year after year.

At Rescom, ALL of our windows and doors meet the specifications to qualify for the Energy Tax Credit. And you�ll reduce your home energy costs starting immediately.

For more information about upgrading your windows and doors with energy efficient replacements, call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.rescomexteriors.com.

Don�t Forget Your Doors When Remodeling for Energy Efficiency

Fri, 8 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There is a great deal of information on the internet and in print about how quality replacement windows can help reduce home energy use and heating costs. But it is important to remember another opening in your home�s �envelope� that is twice as big as a window, and can potentially allow much more of your home�s energy to escape � your exterior doors.

Count up the number of doors in your home that open to the outside. Most homes have three, four or more �entry doors.� Now multiply the number of doors by two: that�s about the equivalent area of potential energy loss as you�ll find in your windows.

Older doors and many doors that come as �original equipment� in newer homes are often not energy efficient. Doors made of wood or hollow-core metal doors easily allow thermal transfer to occur, in which warm air exits and cold air enters a home. Brrrrr!

Modern technology has given us much better alternatives. The entry doors we install at Rescom are wonders of engineering and design. They are well-insulated to provide a thermal barrier between the weather and your home, have advanced seals along the door jamb to discourage drafts � all while providing a beautiful entry setting. You can even get doors with large glass areas that use Low-E glass technology to deliver excellent thermal performance.

So when you are planning improvement projects to boost your home�s energy efficiency, don�t forget the doors. The largest openings in your home may also provide some of the biggest energy savings.

For more information about upgrading your doors with energy efficient replacements, call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.rescomexteriors.com.

Rescom Honored by Qualified Remodeler Magazine

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We think we do a pretty good job of serving our customers here at Rescom. And now our hard work has been acknowledged by Qualified Remodeler magazine, the leading trade journal of the home improvement industry. Rescom has been ranked among the �Top 500� remodeling companies in the country, coming in at number 96 on the list.

In addition to overall volume and growth rate, selection for the Qualified Remodeler Top 500 is based on five additional benchmarks of company success and professionalism: years in business, association membership, community service, industry certification and industry awards.

We owe a big thanks to our employees who, every day, are focused on providing the very best experience for every customer. To be recognized on a national level like this requires hard work, high standards and an outstanding team. Every company wants to be the best, and this proves that we are in an elite group. More importantly, it is confirmation that New England's homeowners are experiencing the Rescom difference.

We also owe a debt of gratitude to the thousands of homeowners across New England who put their trust in Rescom. Everybody here gets great satisfaction when we can help a customer make their home more beautiful, comfortable and valuable.

For more information about upgrading your windows and doors with energy efficient replacements, call us toll-free at (877) 4RESCOM. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

�The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.�

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

That quote is generally attributed to Benjamin Franklin, inventor, patriot and a shrewd judge of people. Although he spoke those words more than 200 years ago, they remain true today.

Choosing a product or service solely on price is generally a losing situation and people almost always end up paying more in the long run when price is the only factor.

Author John Ruskin made the following observation: �There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this man�s lawful prey. It�s unwise to pay too little.�

The home improvement industry in which Rescom operates is notorious for focusing solely on price. A customer will inevitably ask a contractor for �the lowest price� on a project. Unfortunately, if the contractor is dishonest, the lowest price won�t include the add-ons that drive the price up. The final cost ends much more than the original bid and the buyer ends up paying a lot more.

Buyers who have preconceived ideas about what they want based upon price may not clearly understand the total cost or the best solutions available to them. To truly get the �best deal,� both seller and buyer must move beyond focusing solely on price and into the realm of customer value, factoring in price, quality, service and reputation. Doing this requires the contractor to the customer, but by providing goods or services at the �lowest true cost� a company provides real long-term value.

As a buyer, it is your best interest to buy from someone with knowledge and understanding about the products and the market, someone who offers the best long-term value, has your best interests at heart and will go the extra mile for you. That�s the true definition of customer value.

If you are interested in honest value in replacement windows and doors, call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com.

Energy Tax Credits are Like �Cash for Clunkers�

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The federal government�s Car Allowance Rebate Program (better known as �Cash for Clunkers�) is offering credits for purchasing more fuel efficient cars. Did you know there is a similar program in place for your home?

Federal Energy Tax Credits are available for 30% of the cost (up to $1,500) of installing energy-efficient replacement windows and doors in your existing home. Uncle Sam wants you to trade in your old �clunker� windows for newer, better models.

It�s like a �30% off� sale on new windows and doors!

However, not all windows and doors qualify for the tax credits. Windows and doors must be proven to be energy-efficient with a U factor of under 0.30, and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) also under 0.30. (These factors are a measure of how well a window or door insulates your home from heat and cold.) Few, if any, of the cheap windows you�ll find at your local hardware store or home center will be able to meet these standards.

The good news is that every Bristol replacement window and door sold by Rescom Exteriors meets or exceeds the minimum requirements necessary for the Federal Energy Tax Credits. We can also help you by providing the documentation you�ll need to get your tax credits.

Of course, the best news is that you�ll cut your home energy costs nearly in half � 47% � guaranteed. If not, we�ll pay the difference!

Those energy savings are not just one time, but will help you keep energy costs down year after year, for as long as you own your home.

What are you waiting for? The Federal Energy Tax Credit program is already up and running. And right now is the best time to swap out your drafty old �clunker� windows and doors for new, energy efficient models from Rescom.

Call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com for more details.

Hot Weather or Cold, Energy Savings are Year �Round

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Because we live in New England, most of our �weather talk� revolves around the cold, rain and snow of winter � which sometimes seems to stretch from late fall right through the spring!

I would bet that most of Rescom�s customers purchase our energy-efficient windows and doors to keep the winter cold out and the warmth inside their homes. After all, cutting monthly heating bills nearly in half is a great incentive!

But did you know that our windows work just as well during the warm weather months? It only makes sense. A window whose thermal performance prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from entering during the winter is just as efficient at keep hot, humid air out and cooler air inside during the summer.

If your home has central air conditioning or window a/c units, the money you spend on electricity can be wasted if that nice, cool air is leaking through inefficient windows.

Even if you don�t have air conditioning, our triple pane Sunrise windows does a good job of reducing the infiltration of outside heat into your home. That means you�ll stay cooler and more comfortable during the hot summer months.

And, without lifting a finger to install storm windows, your Rescom windows will transition effortlessly to keep you toasty warm when the winter winds return.

Are you ready for lower energy costs and more comfort at home, all year long? Call us toll-free at (866) 410-5884. Or visit our web site at www.iwantnewwindows.com for more details.