You could be braving the hotter temps in better comfort—and saving money

By Patricia Nugent

It’s official. We are smack dab in the middle of the Dog Days of Summer.

Though according to Merriam-Webster, the term is slang for steamy, sultry weather and a period of inactivity and stagnation, historically Dog Days refers to a specific period of time (July 3 through August 11) recognized by the ancient Romans for when the “dog star” called Canis Major rises. During these days, we experience the hottest temps of the year and searing sunshine, since the tilt of the earth exposes the Northern Hemisphere most directly to the sun’s rays.

History, planetary and encyclopedic lessons aside…it’s really hot out.

Just ask Daphne, Window Depot’s beloved Chief Morale Officer. She’s been hanging out indoors, basking in the air conditioning.

Lower Your Energy Bills
How are you spending the Dog Days? Is your A/C cranking away?

Window Depot owner Tony Hoty says July and August are two of their busiest months for window replacement.

“People get their first sky-high bill for cooling their homes and decide to pull the trigger on more efficient windows,” he explains. “The new materials and models of windows are highly efficient when it comes to keeping rooms cool and energy bills low. They are easier to open and close and provide a better sound barrier, too.”

For window replacement and bathroom renovation ideas, Tony invites you into his beautiful Window Depot and Bath Depot showroom for a look.

Most of his competitors in the window replacement and bathroom renovation industries don’t put much, if any, emphasis on showrooms, instead promoting the fact that they “bring the showroom” to people’s homes.

“Customer satisfaction is our number one goal, and we don’t believe that showing a bunch of tiny samples to people and expecting them to make important decisions based on them is the best way for them to be happy with the job when it’s done,” says Tony. “Our showroom displays life-sized windows, showers and baths so people get a real interaction. We want them to appreciate exactly what they are getting.”

Choose Your Level of Savings
Tony says he rises above the competition in three areas: selection, savings and service.

Last month he kicked off a new program that hits on savings: the Cooperative Savings Plan. It creates a way for customers to get the most bang for their home improvement dollars.

There are options for people to play active roles and save up to 28 percent off their projects by helping the company reduce its marketing and operating expenses. This might include a spotlight on social media featuring photos and details about their projects or paying by check to avoid processing fees.

And as any drive through Bay Village, Rocky River, Avon and Avon Lake will tell you, judging from the amount of eye-catching, three-dimensional yard signs, lots of your neighbors are already reaping the additional savings.

Ramped-up Showroom Selection
Tony says he considers it a service to his customers to offer the widest selection for windows and bathroom renovation jobs.

“In addition to the better-known window manufacturers such as Andersen and Pella, we also offer a local Amish manufacturer called ProVia,” he says. “Whether vinyl, composite, fiberglass or real wood options, our focus is on craftsmanship, esthetics and the best warranties.”

The company offers every size and style of window, going beyond standard sizes to include double-hung, casement, bay and bow, horizontal sliders, garden windows, picture windows and custom-built specialty windows.

On the Bath Depot side, they have curated an endless selection of bathtubs, showers and tub-to-shower conversions from names like Moen, Kohler, Jacuzzi and Delta, with trending materials and fixtures to fit every budget.

Window Depot and Bath Depot are located within the same building just off I-90, at 24510 Sperry Drive in Westlake. Showroom hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 440-652-2900 or visit WindowDepotCleveland.com and BathDepotCleveland.com for more information.