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Spring-Loaded Garage Door Hinges Save Money, Stop Rattle
As a mechanic, Lester Mortier, has always been annoyed by overhead doors that rattle and leak heat to the outdoors while he works in his shop in winter. About 5 years ago, when he saw snow filtering through the door gap, he was inspired to put a spring in the hinge.
  “It pushed the gap shut and it worked. I noticed the furnace was not running near as much,” Mortier says.
  Five years later, Mortier’s patent-pending Green Hinge System is made and assembled in the U.S., and available online and through dealers. Prices start at $14/hinge or $84 for a 4-panel system.  
  “The number one complaint about overhead doors is door rattle, but it’s the energy savings of the product that’s most important,” Mortier says.
  He illustrates by pointing out that a 1/8-in. gap around an 8-ft. door equals a 4 by 6-in. hole in the wall.
  The hinges are powder coated, 12-ga. steel with a lifetime warranty. They can be removed from one door and put on another.
  The system comes in 2 styles. Commercial doors have heavier hinges with increased spring tension. Residential doors, 12-ft. and under, have a lighter spring tension.
  The heavier spring tension is used for bigger doors commonly used by municipalities, schools, businesses and fire departments.
  Mike Huffman, corporate account manager, works with commercial customers to tap into rebates that are part of custom business incentive programs. Wisconsin Focus on Energy, for example, offers an $80 incentive per door.
  “Almost every state has some kind of incentive program that rewards business customers to reduce energy usage,” Huffman says. “Payback is typically 1 1/2 to 3 years.”
  Besides saving energy costs, the sealing system helps control dust and keeps insects out.
  The Green Hinge System can be purchased through the website or from overhead door dealers. Professional installation is recommended.
  Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Lester Mortier, Green Hinge System, 4429 Hwy. 22 East, Lena, Wis. 54139 (ph 920 834-3848; www.greenhingesystem.com; sales@greenhingesystem.com).


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2015 - Volume #39, Issue #5