SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
WINDOWS / DOORS
Homeowners are veering toward natural , clean looks this year , focusing on bringing the beauty of the outdoors into the home . Bright , airy rooms are trending in all areas of the home , from living rooms to bathrooms — the more natural light , the better . By lowering energy costs and brightening up your day , homeowners are designing with daylight in mind .
• Transforming windows to doors : If you ’ re looking to lighten and brighten up a room , do it with natural light . Adding windows or creating larger , more expansive windows will not only bring in more of the outdoors , but can also change the look of a room . Large windows that were once a custom option are now available in mainstream models , with some that can expand up to 24 feet wide .
• Allowing the fresh air in : ‘ Tis the season for spring cleaning ! When you ’ re working in the garage this spring , you may find it helpful to have a retractable screen door for the garage . Whether you are doing projects , or using the space as a place to hang out , garage screens keep fresh air in and bugs out .
• Smart windows with auto tinting : Gone are the days of having blinds to dust , with the introduction of autotinting windows . Newer on the market , smart windows are equipped with sensors that can read room occupancy , sunlight , and weather conditions to tint your windows appropriately . While they are still a somewhat costly option , manufacturers are marketing them as a way to save up to 20 percent on monthly energy bills .
• Going solar : The cost of going solar has dropped every year since 2009 , providing more homeowners with the option of harnessing solar energy to power their homes . Solar installations are increasing in Pennsylvania , but solar currently produces less than one percent of net electricity generation , according to the state Department of Environmental Protection . The main type of technology used to turn sunlight into energy is photovoltaics ( PV ). You ’ ll see PV devices in fields or on the rooftops of homes where panel cells absorb sunlight and create an electric field
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SEWICKLEY ❘ SPRING 2018 25