From Guest Blogger Lizzie: Seven Ways New Doors and Windows Can Make Your Home Energy Efficient

When you’re trying to make the home more energy-efficient, consider replacing the doors and windows. Installing energy efficient fixtures will help you lower utility bills while maintaining more stable temperatures inside the house. Here are seven ways that new doors and windows outperform their predecessors.

1. Extra Panes for Better Protection

Single pane windows are still found in some homes. However, single panes don’t provide very much protection. Double and triple pane windows are better at preventing drafts and minimizing heat transfer. This is because the air space between panes serves as effective insulation.

2. Special Coatings

Ask for low-emissivity coatings that help insulate the windows by applying a layer of thermal protection. Summer heat is effectively reflected, and warmth is better retained inside the home in winter. Another benefit of the coating is that it helps prevent sun damage to your furniture and interior.

3. Insist on Argon

Argon is an inert gas that can be injected between the glass panes to further insulate and reduce heat transfer. Most windows with argon gas meet or exceed Energy Star guidelines.

4. Better Seals

The seals on older windows and doors don’t provide the level of protection they need to. They may be ripped, loose or completely missing. New windows and solid exterior doors feature quality seals that are fully intact and designed to be airtight.

5. Quality Frames

Older windows and doors sometimes feature simple aluminum frames that provide very little insulation and allow the air to easily come through. Newer windows and quality doors are welded at the seams and feature vinyl or wood frames for better insulation and durability.

6. Look at the U-Factor

This factor indicates how well windows keep heat in the home. Lower numbers are better as they indicate the window’s greater resistance to heat flow and high insulating value. When comparing windows, use this information to find fixtures that are more energy-efficient.

7. Review the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

Also referred to as the SHGC, this number measures how well the product blocks heat from sunlight. As with the U-factor, lower numbers are more attractive. The closer a number is to zero, the more energy-efficient the window is.

Another benefit of new windows and doors is that you can have them professionally installed from companies like Canadian Comfort for a perfect fit. Any gaps can be eliminated, you can rest easy knowing doors will work properly, and the new windows will make your house look incredible.