May 9, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • Page 31 (ARA) How do you know when something simply needs repair, or merits being replaced? Ask yourself these questions: How old is the malfunctioning item? How extensive/pervasive is the problem? Will the repair cost approach the replacement cost? Which course - repair or replace - will yield the maximum energy efficiency? How does the cost of repair measure up to the value it will provide? How does replacement stack up? Here is what some experts have to say about home elements that frequently raise the repair/replace question. Skylights: While many modern skylights are energyefficient, qualify to use the Energy Star mark and are leakfree, if you have an older, plastic model it’s probably a good idea to replace it. Not only are these older plastic bubbletype skylights often faded and unsightly, reducing visibility, they are not UV resistant, are not energy efficient, and are much more likely to leak. “There are millions of those unattractive, cracked, and yellowed plastic skylights still out there,” said Ross Vandermark, national product manager of VELUX America, which markets the “No-Leak Skylight.” “Replacing them with new energy-efficient, double-pane glass models is quick and easy. They don’t leak, they look better, they reduce UV rays, and provide substantial energy savings.” In fact, based on an estimate of 15 cents per kwh/hr, replacing an old plastic skylight with an Energy Star-qualified skylight can save a 2,000-square-foot home about $194 a year on cooling costs, a VELUX company study shows. Add skylight blinds - which are available in a variety of styles that can be remote-controlled, including blackout to block light, light filtering to diffuse light, or Venetian to adjust light - and the energy savings can be further enhanced. Blinds in colors and patterns can add a fresh look to your room decor. Depending on the age and condi- Home improvement question: Replace or repair? tion of even older glass skylights, it’s not a bad idea to consider a modern, more energy efficient model. To learn more about replacement skylights, visit www.veluxusa.com. Windows: Recent research shows that skylights and vertical windows can work well together to effectively daylight a home while contributing to heating and cooling energy savings. Like skylights, windows have vastly improved in energy efficiency over the past few decades. Leaky, inefficient windows can be a major source of heat loss in a home, boosting energy bills and decreasing the comfort level indoors. Window manufacturer Pella points to these signs that old windows need to be replaced: They are difficult to open or close. You can feel air leaking in or out around them. Condensation or fogging occurs on or between panes. You can see chipping, deterioration, or water stains on the window or the wall around it. Cleaning is a major chore. It’s difficult or impossible to find replacement parts. The Efficient Windows Collaborative (www.efficientwindows.org) site also provides extensive information on selecting both windows and skylights, including fact sheets and computer simulations for typical houses. Heating, ventilation, and air cooling: Furnaces and air conditioning units are among the most important parts of your home’s infrastructure. They are also among the more costly items to repair or replace. EnergyStar.gov offers these guidelines: If your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old. Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old. Your energy bills are spiking. Equipment needs frequent repair. Some rooms are too hot while others are too cold. The HVAC system is very noisy. Your home is very dusty. Replacing older HVAC systems with newer, Energy Star-qualified ones can significantly impact your heating and cooling costs, according to EnergyStar.gov. An Energy Star-qualified heat pump or AC unit can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs, the website says. Learn more at www.energystar.gov.