Window and Door Insulation

There are plenty of contributing factors when it comes to energy efficiency, and it is likely no surprise to you that windows and door insulation are particularly important. After all, doors and windows open and shut. Since they’re meant to be moved, there are always ways for air to sneak around them.

That being said, picking out the right doors and windows for your home is about more than just energy efficiency, as they play a big role in your home’s appearance as well. The absolute ideal is to find doors and windows that look good and help you save energy as well. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available to do just that.

Windows and Energy Efficiency

All windows are rated in terms of air leakage, U-value – that is, the ability to limit heat transfer, not unlike the R-value of insulation – and heat blocking ability, which together determine the window’s impact on home energy performance. These values can easily be found on the standard NFRC label attached to each window unit, so finding out how efficient your windows are is just a matter of taking a close look. If your windows are up for replacement, take energy efficiency into account.

Double-paned windows are particularly efficient because they trap a thin layer of air in between their panes. That extra air acts like a buffer between the inside and outside air, keeping heat out in the summer and keeping it in in the winter. They are certainly some of the most energy-efficient windows out there!

Another efficiency-related consideration is the amount of maintenance your windows will need: a newer window that is cracked or improperly sealed can waste even more energy than an old, inefficient window. That’s why window insulation is particularly important to improve energy efficiency. It’s also important to have your windows professionally installed and protected by a long-term warranty.

Hurley & David not only provides energy performance services, but we can also help supply you with the proper window insulation services for your home.

Door insulation

Like windows, doors play a significant role in your home’s overall energy efficiency. For optimal door insulation, we recommend fiberglass exterior doors because they resist denting and heat transfer better than steel doors. Moreover, fiberglass can be textured and stained to closely resemble a wooden door, which means you won’t have to sacrifice style in the name of energy efficiency.

If you have older sliding glass doors in your home, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Much like new windows, new glass doors are available to provide more efficient heat blocking and save you money.

The same goes for garage door insulation, attic door insulation and all other types of doors that exist in a home. Finding the right doors for your home is essential to improving its energy efficency.

At Hurley & David, we take a whole-house approach to climate control and energy efficiency, and we’ll take window and door insulation into account alongside many other aspects of your home when performing a home performance evaluation. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading the doors or windows, give our energy experts the chance to show you exactly what role they can play in improving the comfort and efficiency of your home.