As winter sets in, drafty windows and doors can quickly drive utility bills through the roof. Energy efficient vinyl windows and fiberglass exterior doors are crucial to maintaining your home's comfort all year long, especially during the coldest months. Research shows that homeowners who replace single-pane glass windows with ENERGY STAR® qualified products can save $125 to $450 on energy costs annually. To maximize a home's energy efficiency and money saving advantage, consider the following tips:
- Start with Exterior Doors
Considering all the times you enter and exit your home through the front door in a given week, it can play a vital role in conserving energy. If a door doesn't close properly or lets in a draft, you'll pay the price in your utility bills. Check the weather stripping for any gaps around the door that can let heat escape or enter the home. If issues can't be easily fixed, it may be time to replace the door. When choosing a front door, make sure to pick materials that won't swell, decay or warp in extreme conditions, as cold weather brings moisture that can damage unprotected doors.PVC ramen en deuren Limburg A fiberglass exterior door may be a good choice as it's not vulnerable to the elements in the same way a wood door is. It's also a good idea to check all exterior doors including sliding patio doors.
- Windows Matter
Choosing windows, patio doors and exterior doors with Low-E glass is very helpful in making a room more energy efficient. This special coating is designed to reflect infrared light and keep homes both warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. An upgrade to higher performing Lo-366 glass provides increased heat retention in winter and even greater energy savings. Insulated double-pane glass also greatly enhances energy efficiency as compared to single pane glass.
The easiest way to select efficient wood or vinyl windows is to look for the ENERGY STAR label and the efficiency ratings. Efficiency ratings are based in part on the U-factor, which is the amount of heat that escapes the home through that product. The lower the U-factor, the more efficient the product. Efficiency is also measured by Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which indicates the ability to block the heat generated by sunlight. The lower the SHGC, the more heat is blocked. Experts also evaluate Visible Light Transmission, which is the percentage of sunlight that penetrates a window or door. Higher percentages mean more light will enter through the glass.
- Drive Home Efficiency
The garage is often forgotten when it comes to energy efficiency, but it's one of the largest entry points of the home. Survey results found that the garage is the most frequently used exterior door when entering the home - even more reason to make sure the garage door is efficient. The temperature of a garage can greatly affect the overall temperature of the entire home. Garages are more susceptible to temperature fluctuations, given how frequently homeowners enter and leave through their garages. Having a proper-fitting garage door and an energy efficient door connecting the garage to the interior provides the best protection.
- Energy Efficiency Pays Off
Beyond the initial purchase price of a product, also consider the long-term value that energy efficient products offer in terms of annual measurable savings. In addition, many local utilities offer rebates for purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors. To find available rebates or incentives, visit ENERGY STAR's Rebate Finder online.
- Give Your Home an Energy Makeover
A survey or audit of a home's energy usage and costs can identify specific ways to reduce your home energy bills. Many state energy offices and local utilities offer energy audit services, or may be able to provide other sources for this service. ENERGY STAR offers a tool to assess your home and compare your household's energy use to others across the country and to get recommendations for improvement.