Winter/Windows and Doors

Fall is the ideal season for replacing your home’s windows? The harsh, cold winter that will be here before we know it. Replacing your windows now will make your home more efficient this winter. Windows are often one thing many homeowners skip over. Homeowners think about when it comes to home improvement; however, as with any part of your home, windows age over time and need to be updated. Old windows tend to not seal properly and let a draft of cold air enter into your home. This means that your house remains cold and your heater keeps running to no avail, which can quickly run up your family’s electric bill. Replacing your worn down windows with energy-efficient windows will make it much easier to maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature in your home this winter. These windows will allow you to lower your thermostat, which will not only help you save money on your monthly energy bill, but also will give your heater a break and prevent you from paying maintenance charges on an over-run heater.

If you can feel air flow coming into your house through a closed window, your windows need to be replaced as soon as possible. If you can see condensation between your double pane in the morning hours, this is a good sign that your windows need to be updated. Often times, they will appear outdated or worn. Wood windows may rot or warp, and vinyl windows can peel. Also if you have trouble opening or closing your windows, the windows leak when it rains or outside noises seem to be louder than they used to be.

Similar to windows, you shouldn’t be able to feel a draft coming from your door. This could be due to gaps around the edges or the door not fitting properly within the frame. Either way, you’ll need a new entry door. Many people try to prevent the inevitable by using film around the edges or draft stoppers along the bottom of the door, but that isn’t enough. Your door needs to fit snugly within the frame. A new door will fit properly, prevent drafts and cause your heating system to work more efficiently.

If your door isn’t closing properly, you’ll need to replace it immediately. With winter around the corner, it could turn your home into a frozen tundra. This could mean there was damage done to the door or the frame. It happens over time with wear and tear.

Age of the door is also a issue. It’ll stick or jamb causing the door to be slightly ajar. Through that small opening, a tremendous amount of heat will be able to escape. A new door will fit snugger into the frame and open or close with ease. Once closed, it will reduce the amount of heat leaving the home.

Insulation in your home is also another consideration.

If your home is older, it may not have any insulation in the attic. Or if you haven’t added to your insulation in years, it may be compressed and therefore less effective. Either way, you could be losing heating and cooling dollars every single day. Insulation works by trapping little pockets of air that then form an air barrier between the inside and outside temperatures. Because these pockets of air can’t move, they can’t travel through the insulation to transfer their heat. Over time, insulation settles, is introduced to moisture which weighs it down, and may even get walked on occasionally all of which presses these pockets of air out of the insulation making it less effective. If you own an older home, it’s important to make sure you have adequate insulation.