For the past several months, we've discussed the importance
of energy efficiency in your home.
During the heat of summer, energy-efficiency is incredibly important
when considering cooling costs in your home. Proper insulation, sealing, and
window glazing are all essential in keeping the cool air in your home and
preventing outdoor heat from entering.
But with the weather beginning to cool down, it’s time to
start thinking backwards.
What do we mean by backwards? During the fall and winter
months, it’s just as important to think about energy-efficiency. But instead of
keeping the warm air outside and the cool air inside, think backwards: keep the
cold air outside and the warm air inside.
If your windows and doors aren't properly insulated, then
your whole home is vulnerable to energy loss. According to Energy Star,
replacing your old and outdated windows and doors with Energy-Star rated products
can lower
your home’s energy bills by up to 15%.
What should you look for in your current windows to make
sure you’re equipped for the upcoming cold weather?
Check for drafts.
Check for the obvious first. Drafts are an obvious sign your windows or doors aren't
properly insulated. If you’re feeling drafts of air coming through your windows
or doors, they could be damaged, not properly sealed, or other issues that may
not be visible.
Check the panes in
your windows. The amount of panes in your window can tell you a lot about
the window’s energy efficiency. Single-pane windows are the least energy-efficient
and are big contributors to energy loss. Double-pane windows are a must in any
home, while triple-pane windows offer even greater energy-efficiency for homeowners.
Look at the material.
The material used in your windows and doors could also be an indicator of
its ability to properly insulate your home. Vinyl and composite offer more
energy-efficiency to homes than wood. Older products made of wood have a
tendency to rot after being exposed to the elements for a long period of time,
while vinyl and composite windows and doors have a much longer lifespan against
the elements.
Want to get your home prepared for the upcoming fall and
winter months? Contact our team today to discuss your window and door options!
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