Preventing Energy Loss Windows & Doors

Both windows & doors are a primary source of air and light in the home. They are of course important features especially when it comes to making a home feel airy and modern. The style and the shape of the windows and doors add to a house’s overall appearance as do the number of windows & doors in the house. The theory is the more windows and doors that are in the house, the more elegant the home will look.

Although a home with many window & doors is really attractive the more you have the more expensive your heating and hydro bills will be. Windows especially are a major source of energy loss. It has been determined that as much as 30% of your home’s energy is lost through the windows. That of course represents a huge waste of money.

If many window & doors are part of the architecture of your home then you need to put energy efficient openings at the top of your priorities. By choosing energy efficient doors and windows you will not only have a home that looks great but you will save money on your energy bills for decades to come. Also you can expect a return on your investment in energy efficient doors & windows in a shorter time than you thought. It takes about two years for energy efficient windows to start paying for themselves.

When choosing energy efficient doors & windows there are a few key points to remember.

Windows lose and gain heat throughout the day. This is called the U value. The U-value of a window tells you how well it will perform. The lower the U-Value the better the insulating ability of the window.

If your home is older you might want to opt for double or triple glazed windows that offer a better performance than the single panes of glass found in most traditional dwellings. These windows often feature a gas such as carbon dioxide or krypton filled in between the panes to add extra insulating value.

You might also want to opt for windows with a low-E factor. The low-E factor stands for low-emission coatings to allow the light to come in but to prevent the passage of heat energy through the glass. This low-E factor helps keeps your home comfortable no matter what the season is by keeping both the indoor and outdoor atmospheres completely separate.

Also when shopping for a window make sure that it fits your home’s dimensions and that it is well designed. A well-constructed window will have good weather stripping to prevent air from leaking or out. The best windows for preventing air leaks are casement and awning style windows. Slider or glider windows are more prone to leaking. Of course not all window & doors open so air leakage is not a factor if the window is within a doorframe or a skylight.

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