Window Rant (Non -brewing)

[John Sand]

I just re-installed the bathroom window. And it's still not right. These are insulated double hung vinyl windows. They've lost their seal, allowing condensation and mold to form between the panes. So I took out the upper and brought it to a local window shop. They agreed to fix it and quoted a price. One piece of hardware was also broken, (a pivot) which they asked me to supply. I bought some online. They told me after the glass came in, it would take a day to repair. But it was a week and a half. Then when I went to pick it up, the new hardware was not installed, the other pivot was missing, the pivot I bought was nowhere to be found, and the broken pivot was riveted on. Needless to say, I was not amused. The guy I'd dealt with all along, who'd done the repair, said "We don't like to use customer's hardware." I reminded him that he told me to but the part. Then he said "Well, this window is really beyond repair." I asked why he had agreed to fix it then. The shop owner (I suspect the other guy is his son) then told me to just take the window, no charge. None of us were happy, but you can't ask for better than free.
Because the window was re-assembled without pins, I riveted a piece of aluminum flat-bar to the base, and riveted new pins to that. When I went to put it in the frame, I realized that Einstein had rebuilt it backward, the handle and lock on opposite sides. Now it can't be locked. But that isn't the worst. When I slid it up and down in the sash, the frame came apart on one end.
Next time I'll just buy the glass (somewhere else!) and do the repair myself. It will be faster and better.
Thanks for listening. Please return to brewing.

[Gymrat]

This is why I spent big bucks and had Champion Window install the 3 I had done last spring. I know it was high but the manufacturer was the installer so there are no warranty disputes. And they did an incredible job. Plus I get to write the amount I spent on them off on my taxes this year so I will get some of that money back.

[John Sand]

Home improvements are a good place to buy quality. I have two more windows to do, I might just replace the entire unit. As a retired guy, I try not to pay labor rates for anything. You can write off the windows as a home improvement? Or for energy efficiency? I don't think I can.

[Gymrat]

Energy efficient or "low E" windows can be written off as enrgy savers. It is an energy deduction.

[mtsoxfan]

There is a limit to how much you can write off. We keep upgrading things over the years and were cut off. I thought the number was $500.00. That number was also deducted from the 30% tax credit we were suppose to receive for solar panels....

[T8rSalad]

There is a limit to how much you can write off. We keep upgrading things over the years and were cut off. I thought the number was $500.00. That number was also deducted from the 30% tax credit we were suppose to receive for solar panels....

mtsoxfan: we had solar installed Aug 2012...How is your system working for you? I like to compare with other solar users, our experiences and output levels.

[RickBeer]

For windows (and insulation, doors, roofs) the limit is 10% of the cost, up to a lifetime max of $500, of which only $200 may be used for windows.

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/Get-Cre ... -Efficient

Solar panels and other solar equipment is 30%, with no limit and has nothing to do with the window credit.

[mtsoxfan]

T8r I will PM you

[Rebel_B]

I sell windows (to the installer) in western Washington. There may be federal energy tax rebates available. Sometimes there are also local incentives to upgrade to more energy efficient windows. Had a job nearby replacing all the windows at an apartment building; all the units had to be a u-value <.30 (NFRC rated) to qualify for tax incentives.

[John Sand]

A final update: I dis-assembled the window and fixed it with parts from a $5 salvage window. It took a little hack-sawing, drilling, and a chisel, but it's A-OK now. Think I'll have a beer!
(Yes, I'm a procrastinator. But I also wanted a warm day to work on it, in case the repair took overnight.)

[BlackDuck]

That doesn't sound like procrastination at all. More like proper planning in case the whole project goes to hell!!!!

[John Sand]

Thanks BD. I know all about projects going to hell. Usually when I invent my own solution, or learn a new skill, I allow for two failures before getting it right.
In brewing, however, it took six failures!