Are Your Current Windows and Doors Energy Efficient?
Energy efficiency is something that many homeowners strive to achieve, but it may seem impossible. How can you stop air from sneaking in or out of old windows and doors? You could try covering them with plastic, or using weather strips to block out the cold. But this takes time and doesn’t add to the look and aesthetic of your home. It may be a conversation starter, though!
Instead of stressing over the money slipping through the cracks, consider replacement windows and doors. We’re now approaching spring, but the weather can still be quite chilly in the morning and at night. Do you notice a breeze coming through the windows or doors, or maybe condensation collecting in between window glass? These are all signs that your windows and doors are not energy efficient.
As you can probably tell, replacement doors and windows can help your heating and cooling system work better, too. They may run harder to make up for the air lost, meaning an increase in utility costs. If you have better-sealed windows or doors, it will help to keep that air in.
Virginia’s weather can be fickle, and any homeowner knows this. You may think that your windows and doors couldn’t hurt that much when temperatures rise or fall, and that your old ones are doing a great job. A quick appointment with our team may prove that this is not the case.
How Do Windows Make My Home More Efficient?
Energy.gov states that windows account for 25 to 30 percent of heating and cooling loss in a residential structure. Single-pane windows can especially lack efficiency because there isn’t much there to separate the inside from the outside. Double-pane windows are a great way to increase energy efficiency because the added glass can add a barrier from warm or cold air from outdoors. That also means that your indoor air cannot get out, either.
Casement windows are also an effective option to keep out air flow. HGTV reminds us that casement windows have a tighter seal, allowing them to keep out the chill in the winter and the humidity in the summer.
Remember, the key to energy-efficient and safe windows is professional installation. Attempting a DIY installation job may result in gaps between the window and casing, along with minor mistakes that could void the warranty. Trusting a professional for the job will definitely help to make your energy efficiency goals a reality.
Consider the Age of Doors and How They Hold Up
When you think of energy efficiency, your entry, patio, or sliding door may not come to mind. The Department of Energy recommends replacing older doors with newer models, as the age of the door matters. Damage, lack of insulation, and improper installation can all have an adverse effect on the efficiency of the door.
Any exterior door can fall victim to cold or warm air. Sliding doors can especially fight back against your efficiency work due to lack of insulation. Adding a new, modern door can help to update the casing and add more insulation. Updating patio doors, storm doors, and entry doors will help to keep the cold or warm air out. This leaves your home comfortable and your energy bills low.
If you’re not sure how old the door is, that’s okay. It’s easy to tell if the door isn’t energy efficient. Glass doors may let air slip through like windows, making it simple to notice that it is not efficient. Damage, cracks, and gaps can all indicate that there is an energy efficiency issue with the door.
No matter what type of door you need to replace, be sure to trust professional installers to do the job. National Window & Door offers replacement doors of many materials and styles, including wood, fiberglass, and steel.
Signs that Your Windows and Doors Lack Efficiency
Maybe you just moved in, or you’re not sure when you last replaced your windows or doors. How do you really know if they are energy efficient? There are some easy ways to tell that your windows and doors are not energy efficient. These can include:
- Feeling air around doors or windows
- Increase in heating or cooling bills
- Condensation in and around the windows
- Gaps or cracks in the windows or doors
- Windows are not sound-proof – hearing the outside as if the windows are open
- Windows are over 20 years old
- The door is over 30 years old
Do your windows or doors check any of these boxes? If so, talk to the salespeople of National Window & Door. We offer free estimates and budget-friendly replacement options.
Improve Your Energy Efficiency with National Window & Door
National Window & Door in Christiansburg, VA, offers replacement windows and doors to improve energy efficiency in your home in the New River Valley. Do you notice any of these issues with your current windows and doors? Next time there is a wind storm or extra cold day, check out your windows and doors. Run your hand along the sides and see if you can feel air coming in. If you can, reach out to our team. We can schedule an estimate and work with you to find the best replacement windows and doors for your home. Start saving money with a call to National Window & Door!
Follow our blog and check out our Facebook for updates on windows, doors, and siding. Call National Window & Door in Christiansburg, VA, at (540) 381-0951 for replacement windows and doors to improve energy efficiency for your home.