From Guest Blogger Emma Metson: How Can Upgrading your Windows and Doors Benefit the Environment and your Home?

Doors and windows are two essential parts of the house that often get very little attention. After all, why fix something when it’s not broken and is still working (to you, at least), right? The truth is, most people decide to take action ONLY when they start noticing problems.

That’s not entirely wrong. However, by the time you make up your mind about repairs, it’s probably too late. While you can always have new ones installed, it’s going to be more expensive for sure.

The key to doors and windows being as efficient and environmentally friendly as you want them to be, is to check on them from time to time. Repair them as soon as you start noticing the ‘signs’.

Warning signs that you need to replace your doors and windows with environmentally friendly options

Your energy bill has become unusually high
If you notice a significant difference in your bills compared to when you first moved in, windows are one of the possible culprits. This means that they’re not adequately insulating your home which makes your air conditioning and heating work harder — causing your bills to skyrocket as well as having a detrimental effect on the environment.

There’s visible damage
It’s high time to upgrade if you see cracks, water stains, or rotting on or around your windows. The same should be done to your doors if you see that they’re weathered or cracked. These defects can greatly affect how these parts of the house perform.

They no longer work properly
Here are questions that you need to ask yourself concerning how your doors and windows currently perform:

• Is it hard to open and shut your windows?
• Do they slide off the track?
• Has your house suddenly become noisy?
• Are they letting heat escape?
• Would they been seen as environmentally unfriendly?
• Are you having difficulties opening and closing the door?
• Do you feel a draft of air even when the door is closed?

If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, that means there’s work that needs to be done ASAP.

Pests are finding a way in
Many pests only need a small hole or access point to get into your home. From there, they hide behind furniture or within plumbing and air vents. Having live pests can be irritating, but if they get stuck and perish, they can end up attracting smaller pests like flies, maggots, and fleas. If you want to keep fleas away from your home, as well as other pests and nasties, replacing old windows and doors is a good choice.

You don’t feel safe
If you feel unsafe in your own home because you’re having doubts about the structural integrity of your door, it’s a lot safer to have it upgraded. A stronger door means there’s fewer chances of forced entry to happen.

You want something new
This one’s not a warning sign but a common reason why you’d like to upgrade. If you’re getting tired of how your doors and windows look even if they still work fine, improve them by all means. It may be impractical, but it’s entirely up to you.

Environmental reasons may be another motivator. If your current windows and doors aren’t up to your eco standards, then switching to more environmentally friendly versions is an excellent reason to change.

You may also consider changing them if you plan to sell your house. You wouldn’t want to get a bad result from a building survey! As it is a very extensive and intrusive overall inspection of your property that covers all areas of insulation, the surveyor won’t miss checking your doors and windows.

The Benefits
Upgrading your doors and windows bring a ton of benefits. These parts of your house are not just for aesthetics, as both are equally important parts that need attention and maintenance.

Some of the important benefits upgrading your windows and doors bring are as follows:

It enhances the curb appeal of your home
Without a doubt, doors and windows play a significant role in making your home aesthetically pleasing. Your door, in particular, will always be the first thing that visitors will notice obviously because it serves as the entryway to your home.

“First impressions last” — you or anyone else wouldn’t want to fail the eyes of people because of your not-so-good-looking door.

Tip: if you’re putting your house out on the market and are planning to change or upgrade your doors and windows, do so. However, try to keep it neutral. Colourful doors and windows may be your fancy, but that may not be the same from a buyer’s perspective.

It keeps you and your family safe and secure
Windows and doors that shake or rattle with relative ease are something that you should be concerned about. Regardless if you live in a safe and peaceful neighbourhood, you don’t want to take chances.

It may sound silly, but there are people who get injured due to a faulty latch. That’s simply because they decided that an upgrade was not necessary. Don’t be one of them.

Saves you a lot of money
Making sure that your doors and windows are energy efficient saves you a lot on your utilities. The initial investment is probably what’s putting most people off the idea of upgrading, but it’s all worth it.

You won’t be noticing the savings right after upgrading your windows, but it will, for sure, save you a lot in the long run. Energy efficient doors and windows can help your home warm up during a chilling winter. At the same time, they can also keep your house cool during summer.

Think of your air conditioning unit. If it senses that the temperature inside your house is higher than what it’s supposed to be, it puts in more effort to keep things cool. And when it works so hard than normal, that’s where your bills soar high.

Reduces your carbon footprint
The average American has a carbon footprint of over 20 tons which is a massive amount, so you’ll want to do what you can to reduce yours. By switching to eco friendly, energy efficient windows and doors, you’ll be successfully keeping heat in during the winter, and out during the summer.

By making your central heating and air con units not work as hard, you’ll be using up less electricity and resources, resulting in less emissions and a smaller carbon footprint for your home.

Reduces noise
When correctly installed, high quality doors and windows can significantly reduce outside noise. In the process, it increases your home’s privacy which is something that a lot of people aim for. You no longer have to worry about lawn mowers or your neighbour’s dogs for that matter.

Ultimately, gone are the days of sleepless nights.

Convenience
Admit it or not, everyone wants life to be plain, simple, and easy. There’s already a lot of things that you’re juggling every day and a door that wouldn’t open and close easily shouldn’t be one of them. Getting in and out of your house should never be an issue.

More importantly, what if there’s an emergency like a fire accident, for instance? Faulty windows and doors could potentially put you and your family’s lives at risk if you can’t get out.

Conclusion
So go ahead and check your doors and windows for any of the warning signs mentioned above. Working on the issues as soon as you spot them is very important. If what you have are old, single-pane windows, it’s probably the perfect time to double glazed them with environmentally friendly replacements.

There are a lot of companies who specialise in double glazing windows. Just be sure to choose one that suits your needs and your budget.

You can also approach problems with your doors and windows the DIY way. It is more cost-effective to do so as long as you make sure that you do it correctly. If you think you can’t do it yourself, always ask for professional help.