Energy efficient windows and doors are one of the most direct ways to bring down heating and cooling costs. A lot of the heat your home loses in winter, and the cool air it loses in summer, escapes through old windows, uninsulated doors and unshaded glass. Here is where the losses happen and which upgrades do the most to stop them.
Why Energy Efficient Windows and Doors Matter in Connecticut
Many Connecticut homeowners get bill shock when the monthly utility statement arrives. Cold winters mean months of heating, and hot summers keep the air conditioning running. Better insulation helps everywhere in a house, from the attic to the hot water tank, but windows and doors deserve special attention because they are openings in the wall. If they are old, loose or poorly insulated, you pay for it all year.
Start With the Windows
If you feel drafts, or rooms are cold in winter and too hot in summer, your windows could be to blame. Installing vinyl replacement windows can make your home more comfortable and reduce your energy bills.
Why vinyl performs well
Vinyl has an advantage over aluminum when it comes to energy efficiency. Aluminum conducts heat readily, so aluminum frames need thermal breaks to perform well. Vinyl does not transfer heat the same way.
Vinyl windows are also less prone to condensation. The heat transfer that happens with aluminum frames creates condensation, especially in colder regions. If that moisture seeps between the window and the wall, it can lead to mold, mildew and rot as well as heat loss. With proper glazing, vinyl windows help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Replace Drafty Entry Doors
Entry doors are a major source of heat loss during the winter months. A door has a large surface area, and many older doors have little or no insulation. Newer entry doors and patio doors use energy-efficient designs and materials that keep more heat inside where it belongs. If your heating bills are too high, a new door can save money and improve your home’s curb appeal at the same time.
Add Storm Doors for Year-Round Protection
Storm doors make a real difference in places with cold winters such as Connecticut. They add a layer of thermal protection through the cold months, which helps with heating costs. In summer, storm doors let light into the house without giving up the cool air from your air conditioning. If you are not sure one is right for your entrance, our guide on whether to add a storm door walks through the decision.
Shade Windows and Doors From Summer Sun
If summer is what spikes your utility bills, the sun beating on your windows and doors may be the reason. Door canopies and window awnings shade the spots where your home gains the most heat, so your air conditioner does not have to work as hard. They also add to the look of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my windows are wasting energy?
Common signs are drafts near the glass or frame, rooms that are noticeably colder or hotter than the rest of the house, and condensation on or around the windows.
Are vinyl windows more energy efficient than aluminum?
Yes. Vinyl does not conduct heat the way aluminum does, so vinyl frames lose less heat and are less prone to condensation.
Do storm doors help in the summer too?
They do. A storm door lets you bring daylight in through the entry while keeping air-conditioned air inside.
Talk to Aladdin About Lowering Your Energy Bills
Aladdin, Inc. has been improving Connecticut homes since 1949 and serves the entire state. To find out which window, door or awning upgrades make sense for your house, call (203) 776-9996 or request an estimate through our contact page.