No matter where you live, your home’s energy-efficiency can makeorbreak your energy bill. By optimizing your home to operate at peak performance, you can live comfortably while saving on your utility bills.
One of the prime suspects for energy loss is your windows and doors. As the entryways into your home, they are the weakest point for heat to enter or escape. That means that for your home to perform, your windows and doors have to be as efficient as possible. Here are some simple guidelines to follow that will make a difference both on your heating and cooling bills and your comfort.
Find the best manufacturer and installer
The buck starts — and stops — with window and door manufacturers. The quality of construction and installation are the two biggest factors that will play into your window and door being energy-efficient. If you want the highest quality, then it’s important to do your research. In the US or Canada, windows and doors can technically be bought from hardware or home improvement stores — these are almost always a bad choice. The level of engineering and attention to detail necessary to do the installation job yourself are monumental. Also, the difference between certified new windows and doors and a store-bought option are night and day. While it’s the costlier choice upfront, always choose a professional to get the job done right, as it will save you money — and stress — in the long run.
Choose the right window style
The next step towards an energy-efficient home is choosing the best window style. Not all designs are made equal when it comes to energy-efficiency, but if you choose correctly, based on both your space, light, and energy needs, many options will work. While there are some popular window styles on the market, your decision will largely be influenced by your unique needs. If you have a large space, then a picture window is a good choice. If you need a smaller option, try a side slider. If you don’t know what would work best, just ask your window and door manufacturer — they can give some professional advice. Companies that provide free consultations — such as Centennial Windows & Doors — will help you understand which window style will most benefit the shape and size of the room in question, and you can choose between bow, bay, and other styles.
Maintain, maintain, maintain
No windows and doors are going to perform well long-term without the proper maintenance. From cleaning to repainting, the smallest touches can make the biggest difference when it comes to curb appeal. For example, by keeping your window’s surface clean, it allows the energy coating on the glass to regulate temperature properly. With your doors, by regularly inspecting for dents or warping in the frame, you’ll be able to catch issues before they cause damage. Even though maintenance requires a bit of work, you’ll see results reflected in your energy bill.
Energy-efficiency isn’t free — it will cost you a bit of extra work and a bit of extra cash at the start. But the long-term benefits of having an energy-efficient home are countless. Take care of your windows and doors, and they’ll take care of you.
