How to Make Your Home More Efficient

When temperatures start to drop, drafty windows and doors can quickly turn into rising utility bills. Energy efficient windows and doors are crucial to maintaining your home’s comfort all year long, especially during the coldest months. Research shows that homeowners who replace single-pane glass windows with ENERGY STAR^® qualified products can save $125 to $450 on energy costs annually. To maximize a home’s energy efficiency, consider the following tips:

1. Start at the Front

A home’s front door can play a vital role as one of the first lines of defense against the elements. If a door doesn’t close properly or lets in a draft, you’ll pay the price in your utility bills. You should check the weather stripping for any gaps around the door that can let heat escape or enter the home. If issues can’t be easily fixed, it may be time to replace the door. When choosing a front door, make sure to pick materials that won’t swell, decay or warp in extreme conditions, as cold weather brings moisture that can damage unprotected doors.

2. Glass Matters

Choosing windows, patio doors and exterior doors with Low-E glass is an important step in making a room more energy efficient. This special coating is designed to reflect infrared light and keep homes both warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. An upgrade to higher performing LoĒ³-366 glass provides increased heat retention in winter and even greater energy savings. Insulated double-pane glass also greatly enhances energy efficiency as compared to single pane glass.

The easiest way to select efficient windows is to look for the ENERGY STAR label and the efficiency ratings. Efficiency ratings are based in part on the U-factor, which is the amount of heat that escapes the home through that product. The lower the U-factor, the more efficient the product. Efficiency also is measured by Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which indicates the ability to block the heat generated by sunlight. The lower the SHGC, the more heat is blocked. Experts also evaluate Visible Light Transmission, which is the percentage of sunlight that penetrates a window or door. Higher percentages mean more light will enter through the glass.

3. Drive Home Efficiency

The garage is often forgotten when it comes to energy efficiency, but it’s one of the largest entry points of the home. Survey results found that the garage is the most frequently used exterior door when entering the home – even more reason to make sure the garage door is efficient. The temperature of a garage can greatly affect the overall temperature of the entire home. Garages are more susceptible to temperature fluctuations, given how frequently homeowners enter and leave through their garages. Having a proper-fitting garage door and an energy efficient door connecting the garage to the interior provides the best protection.

4. Energy Efficiency Pays Off

Beyond the initial purchase price of a product, consider the long-term value that energy efficient products offer in terms of annual measurable savings. In addition, many local utilities offer rebates for purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors. To find available rebates or incentives, visit ENERGY STAR’s Rebate Finder at www.energystar.gov.

5. Give Your Home an Energy Makeover

A survey or audit of a home's energy usage and costs can identify specific ways to reduce your home energy bills. Many state energy offices and local utilities offer energy audit services, or may be able to provide other sources for this service.  ENERGY STAR offers a tool to assess your home and compare your household's energy use to others across the country and to get recommendations for improvement.