3 Common Energy Efficient Window Treatments

Energy-efficient window treatments can help provide effective insulation that maximize or minimize heat gain as needed.  In this post we’ll discuss 3 common energy efficient window treatments, including: awnings, shades and draperies.

Image Source: Flickr

Awnings
Window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows. You can use an awning to shade one window or have an awning custom-made to shade the entire side of your house.
Awnings require ventilation to keep hot air from becoming trapped around the window. Grommets (eyelets) or other openings along the tops and sides of an awning can provide ventilation. The awning may also open to the sides or top to vent hot air. Source: Energy

Shades
The DOE considers window shades the simplest and most effective way to save energy with window treatments. Proper installment is key. Mounting shades as close to the glass as possible and right up against the adjacent wall creates a tight seal that minimizes both heat gain and loss. Shades with dual layers of fabric — a light color on one side and a darker color on the other— add more functionality. Try reversing the shades based on the season; the light color will reflect heat in summer, while the dark color will absorb heat during winter. Source: Houzz

Draperies
Like shades and shutters, draperies are only efficient when they’re closed. However, if they’re used in conjunction with another window covering, such as a honeycomb shade or a wood blind, you can let sun in during daylight hours and effectively shut out colder air at night. When fully closed, the R-values of thermally lined drapes range from R-3 to R-5, depending on the type of fabric and the thickness of the lining and interlining.
To maximize energy efficiency, Korby recommends floor-to-ceiling drapes that fold back against the wall. This allows the drapes to seal off the window, preventing drafts and loss of heat through convection. Source: HouseLogic

 

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

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738 Broadway

With industrial roots, this “Big Apple” Greenwich Village original structure is situated at 738 Broadway in New York and lacks nothing in the way of lavishness. Built in 1867, during the industrial revolution when cast iron architecture was all the rage, it has maintained much of its character, but with an undeniable enhancement to the […]

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Add the Alfa Romeo Stelvio to the list of BMW X3 competitors

Alfa Romeo has recently given the world a taste of its gorgeous Giulia Quadrifoglio, a 503 hp Italian thoroughbred that will give the BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Mercedes-AMG C63 a real fright. However, the Milan-based brand isn’t done threatening the Germans, as it’s just announced that it will be developing a new SUV to compete with the Porsche Macan, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace and Audi Q5, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Autocar has learned that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio will be based on the same architecture that underpins the Giulia and will likely share powertrains as well. In terms of engine and transmission, expect a variant of the 2.9 liter twin-turbocharged V6 that powers the Giulia Quadrifoglio in the highest-performing Stelvio. However, don’t expect 503 horsepower, as it will be tuned to produce more torque and less overall hp. The 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the standard Giulia will likely be the power plant for the lesser Stelvio models and there will be some diesel engines available in Europe. All engines will most likely be mated to the same ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic used in the Quadrifoglio.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

There will be rear-wheel drive models as standard, similar to the BMW X3 and X5 which have rear-wheel drive available in the base models, but all-wheel drive will also be available and likely be the most popular choice. However, it’s possible that the North American Stelvio will be all-wheel drive only, like BMW’s X1, which is front-wheel drive as standard everywhere except the US, where it’s only all-wheel drive.

Despite the Italian firm’s connection to Chrysler and Jeep, the Stelvio will be geared more toward performance and handling as opposed to off-road performance. The main target for the Stelivo is, admittedly, the Porsche Macan, as that is the segment leader in terms of handling dynamics. Jaguar’s new F-Pace is also a great driving SUV. But BMW is currently working on a new X3, which will be much lighter, tighter and more dynamic than the current-generation model. So it will definitely compete with the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

The man behind the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is Roberto Fedeli, the former technical director for Ferrari and also formerly of BMW M. When Fedeli was at Ferrari, he oversaw the engineering development of the Ferrari 458 Italia, F12 Berlinetta and the mighty LaFerrari. So he knows how to make a proper driver’s car and he’s putting that expertise into the Stelvio. Sounds promising.

BMW X3 Render

In terms of looks, we don’t know what it will look like as Alfa Romeo hasn’t released any sort of imagery just yet. But if it has styling that’s anything similar to the Alfa Romeo Giulia, it’ll be stunning.  Right now, the only stylish SUV in the segment is the Jaguar F-Pace, so the Alfa Romeo Stelvio should add some much needed flair. While the current BMW X3 and Porsche Macan are handsome cars, and the next X3 should be a bit better looking, they’re pretty plain and familiar looking.

While we don’t know what the Alfa Romeo Stelvio will look like or be like, it’s pretty safe to say that it will seriously compete in this segment. This segment is booming at the moment and it’s only going to get even more popular. With stylish cars like the F-Pace and Stelvio coming out, it’s going to be tough for the somewhat staid and unexciting looking Germans, like the BMW X3.

[Source: Autocar]

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BMW 1M tuned to deliver 500 horsepower

Some cars signal from afar that they have little to do with your average transportation. But that’s not the case with this flashy BMW 1M which went through an extensive tuning process. The folks at Laptime Performance have not only enhances its outer looks, but also gave the “baby-M” some impressive power.

This 1 Series M Coupe has been modified for the track starting from inside out. The standard seats were replaced by light and gripping sports bucket seats – Recaro Pole Position, and six-point belts by Schroth fix were added to the mix. When looking in the rear, instead of a back seat, a roll cage reminds us this is a car made for the track.

500 measured on the dynamometer horsepower were added by mcchip-DKR Munich and two larger turbochargers ensure that this BMW 1 Series M Coupe will offer a healthy dose of power on the track. This is one of the most aggressive tuning jobs for the 1M considering the stock car has 340 horsepower.

The 3-way adjustable KW Clubsport suspension increases the ride’s stiffness and offers the perfect setup for those track days.

The green-painted wheels are just the icing on the cake, while perfectly matching the other green accents on the car.

Overall, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe by Laptime Performance showcases a strong image of a track tool which is what some BMW customers want.

[Photos: Bimmertoday]

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BMW M3 and M4 by Sparta Evolution

The M3 sedan and its coupe sibling, the M4, continue the tradition of M by offering blistering performance and unparalleled driver feel in a slick, hi-tech, modern package. For serious drivers of the M3 or M4 who want to go beyond what BMW offers out of the box, Sparta Evolution presents their big brake system for the F8x M3 and M4.

While the factory brakes are quite adequate, they are not exactly ideal for race track. Sparta Evolution’s Triton braking system addresses these issues to create a set of brakes that not only feel better, but are also able to withstand the conditions of hard track driving.

Sparta Evolution starts with lightweight forged aluminum calipers and American made Pegasus brake rotors for durability. The calipers are held together by a set of ARP aircraft grade hardware, a first for the industry, and feature a clever quick-release pin for fast and speedy pad changes. Sparta Evolution’s Triton caliper design utilizes a standard FMSI pad shape so pad choices are not restricted.

In addition, the Triton caliper can be offered in different caliper and piston sizes, ranging from the small 4 ventilated pistons to the larger 6 ventilated pistons for added stopping torque and brake fade resistance. For added durability, the calipers are also finished in an anodized coating that is not only more durable, but also weighs less than a traditional powder coat.

Sparta Evolution Pegasus rotors come standard in a free floating two-piece design, front and rear. All rotor hats are and are anodized in a standard black and machined from forged billet aluminum to ensure strength and lightness. Sparta Evolution’s Pegasus rotors feature a unique s-groove pattern that provide a constant leading edge and assist in developing initial bite of the pad, their ability to channel away off gassing vapors provides more consistent control of brake torque at a variety of temperatures.

Included in the kit is a set of Goodridge brake lines, which in conjunction with the new cooling capability of the rotor and caliper makes for stellar brake feel and highly consistent braking, even under extreme conditions.

Brakes shown on the Black Sapphire M3 are a set of Sparta Evolution Triton TS260X 6 piston calipers in Machine Silver with 380mm Pegasus rotors for the front. The rears receive the Triton TS240X 4 piston calipers also in Machine Silver with 380mm Pegasus rotors.

The Austin Yellow M4 features Stealth Gray Sparta Evolution Triton TS260X 6 piston calipers with 380mm Pegasus rotors up front.

For its rear, it gets the Triton TS240X 4 piston calipers also in Stealth Gray with 380mm Pegasus rotors.

For more info, see the gallery below.

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