Summary:
Experts say that replacing windows and doors is the fourth most common home improvement project, and it can significantly reduce utility bills. However, when it comes to selecting more energy-efficient options, consumers may be overwhelmed by the current market's whirlwind of technology, terminology, and options.
Keywords:
5 Practical Tips for All-Season Energy Savings
Article Body:
Experts say that replacing windows and doors is the fourth most common home improvement project, and it can significantly reduce utility bills. However, when it comes to selecting more energy-efficient options, consumers may be overwhelmed by the current market's whirlwind of technology, terminology, and options.
Homeowners must be well-informed in order to make the best decisions among the numerous options available. This is especially true as energy prices continue to rise. According to the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star programme, replacing single-pane windows with Energy Star-qualified windows saves a typical home between $125 and $340 per year.
Given that this is the time of year when many homeowners begin remodelling projects, here are five general guidelines for selecting the most energy-efficient windows and doors for your home.
* Make use of Low-E glass. Choose Low-E glass windows to control the amount of heat transferred through the window and prevent heat loss in the winter. Jeld-Wen, a window and door manufacturer, now includes Low-E glass as a standard feature in its wood and clad wood windows, as well as an upgrade option in its vinyl windows.
* Keep up with technology. Replace single-pane windows with dual-pane units to insulate the home from both cold and hot weather. Using both Low-E glass and insulating glass units will help you save money on your energy bills.
* Think about how they're made. Choose doors with energy-efficient cores, sills, and frames that act as an energy barrier. The use of dual-pane, Low-E glass helps to ensure that they are both weathertight and energy efficient. For example, studies show that steel doors made of polystyrene retain their energy ratings better over time than polyurethane doors.
* Be aware of the standards. U-factor, or the amount of heat flow through a product, is used to calculate efficiency ratings. The lower the U-factor, the better the product. The ability to block heat generated by sunlight is also measured by the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Lowering the SHGC is preferable. Finally, experts assess Visible Light Transmission, which is the percentage of sunlight that can pass through a window or door. Higher percentages indicate that more light will pass through the glass.
* Prioritize efficiency over bells and whistles. Manufacturers achieve efficiency in a variety of ways. Regardless of the technology used, one of the simplest ways to identify the most energy-efficient products is to look for the Energy Star label.