Shopping for Energy Saving Windows and Doors?

Answer 1

Replacing old windows and doors with new energy efficient models can help you save on your energy bills. When you are shopping for doors and windows, you may find that manufacturer’s claims are confusing. It is difficult to determine what features are worth paying for.

The United States Department of Energy has provided some guidelines you can use. Doors with glass panels should have double or triple panes to minimize heat loss in the winter and the effects of strong sunshine in the summer. All doors should have a core that provides good insulation. Core materials that are recommended include polyurethane foam, fiberglass, steel and wood cladding. Door frames are also important. A frame that fits the door tightly combined with weather stripping prevents outside air from seeping in. Some doors may even include a magnetic strip to assure a close fit in the frame.

The recommendations for windows include frames made from materials like vinyl, fiberglass or wood composites. As with the glass panels on doors, two or three panes increase the resistance to heat transfer. Low-E glass and gas fills between the panes improve the window’s efficiency. Even the quality of materials used in making the spacers between the individual window panes can increase the effectiveness of the window.

Marketing information from manufacturers may focus on proprietary features and the appearance of the window. While this is worthwhile, you need to look at objective ratings to compare one brand of window to another. The Energy Department recommends using labels provided by the National Fenestration Rating Council to provide a clear and accurate comparison of the qualities of the window. These labels include ratings for energy performance and air leakage. They also have ratings that will help a homeowner evaluate how much light will come through the window and how well the window will resist condensation.

The best choices for energy efficient windows and doors depend on the area where the home is located. A window that would provide significant savings for a resident of Minnesota with its cold winters might not be cost effective for a home in coastal Southern California where the year round temperatures are moderate.