When it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency, one of the best places to start is with your windows and doors. These essential components play a key role in keeping your home comfortable, lowering energy bills, and reducing your environmental impact. The right windows and doors improve insulation and help prevent unwanted heat loss or gain, making your home more efficient all year round.
At Custom Contracting, we specialize in helping homeowners choose and install energy-efficient windows and doors tailored to their specific needs, ensuring both comfort and cost savings.
Understanding Energy Efficiency Ratings for Windows and Doors
Understanding the energy efficiency ratings is crucial if you’re considering upgrading your windows and doors. Three key metrics to keep in mind are the U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and Energy Star certifications.
The U-factor measures how well a window or door prevents heat from escaping. The lower the U-factor, the better the insulation. SHGC refers to how much solar heat passes through the window or door. A lower SHGC is ideal for keeping your home cool in the summer by blocking excess heat from the sun. Energy Star ratings are a simple way to identify products that meet high energy efficiency standards. Windows with features like double-pane or triple-pane glass and Low-E coatings often carry this label for their excellent thermal performance.
By understanding these ratings, you can make smarter choices about the products that will make the most significant difference in your home’s energy use, comfort, and long-term savings.
The Role of Window Frames in Energy Efficiency
While glass plays a significant role in energy performance, window frames are just as important. The material of your window frame can significantly affect how well your windows insulate your home. Popular options include wood, vinyl, fibreglass, and aluminum, and each has its pros and cons:
- Wood frames provide excellent insulation but need regular maintenance.
- Vinyl frames are low-maintenance and offer good insulation, but some prefer the look of other materials.
- Fibreglass frames are durable and provide top-notch insulation, although they can be a bit pricier.
- Aluminum frames are lightweight and robust but tend to conduct heat more easily unless specially treated.
Choosing the right material for your window frames can make a big difference in minimizing heat transfer and reducing air leaks, ultimately improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Choosing the Right Glass for Energy Savings
When it comes to energy efficiency, not all glass is created equal. The type of glass in your windows can greatly impact your home’s comfort and energy bills. Here’s what you need to know:
- Double-glazing consists of two layers of glass with an insulating space between them, reducing heat loss compared to single-pane windows.
- Triple-glazing adds an extra layer of glass, which provides even better insulation and soundproofing.
- Low-E coatings are a special treatment that reflects infrared heat while letting natural light in, helping to regulate the temperature in your home.
- Gas-filled windows, usually filled with argon or krypton, reduce the amount of heat that passes through the glass, offering better insulation.
With the right glass, you can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, no matter the weather outside.
Energy-Efficient Door Materials and Design Features
Just like windows, doors can also make a big difference when it comes to energy efficiency. Fiberglass, steel, and wood are the most common materials for energy-efficient doors, and each has its advantages:
- Fiberglass doors are durable, low-maintenance, and offer excellent insulation.
- Steel doors are strong and often filled with foam insulation to improve their thermal performance.
- Wood doors bring a classic, warm look to your home but may not insulate as well unless combined with modern sealing techniques.
Beyond the material, specific design features, like weatherstripping, door sweeps, and glass inserts, can help minimize air leaks and improve energy efficiency. For example, adding weatherstripping around your door will prevent drafts, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
ALSO READ: 4 Window Styles to Consider for Your Home
Why Professional Installation is Key to Energy Efficiency
Even the best energy-efficient windows and doors won’t perform as expected without proper installation. A professional installation ensures that your new windows and doors are precisely fitted and properly sealed, which is crucial for preventing air leaks and maximizing energy efficiency. Gaps or drafts caused by poor installation can undermine the performance of even the most advanced windows and doors.
At Custom Contracting, we focus on attention to detail during installation, ensuring that every window and door is fitted perfectly to avoid energy loss. We also offer post-installation support to help maintain the longevity and performance of your products so you can enjoy energy savings for years to come.
How Replacing Old Windows and Doors Can Save You Money
If your home has older windows and doors, you’re likely losing money on energy bills due to poor insulation and air leakage. Replacing outdated windows and doors with modern, energy-efficient models can lead to significant savings. By improving insulation and preventing air leaks, you can reduce the workload on your heating and cooling systems, resulting in lower energy costs.
Custom Contracting can help you choose the best energy-efficient windows and doors for your home. With our expert consultation and installation services, you’ll not only increase your home’s comfort but also see real savings on your energy bills.
Start Saving With Custom Contracting
Maximizing your home’s energy efficiency with the right windows and doors is one of the smartest investments you can make. Whether you’re focused on improving comfort, lowering energy bills, or reducing your environmental impact, choosing the right products and ensuring professional installation is critical. At Custom Contracting, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process—from selecting the best windows and doors to ensuring they’re installed to the highest standards.
Custom Contracting has over 20 years of experience in roofing and exteriors and offers unmatched customer service. We only use the best products supplied directly from the manufacturers. You will not have to worry about shoddy construction or low-quality products. Everything we use must meet or exceed the CSA and/or the Energy Star Standards. Also, check out our financing solutions.
Call us at 289-768-8694 or fill out our convenient online form to find out how we can help you with all siding services.