Think about how many windows you have in your home. Now, think about how much air leaks into and out of those windows, releasing the heat in the winter and the cool air in the summer. That’s literally money that’s leaking right out of your home and your bank account! Replacing those old windows with new contemporary windows will help you conserve energy to pay less on your utility bills. It also gives your home a more modern, upgraded look.

New windows are a huge feature and a big selling point. There are lots of reasons why you need to consider getting new windows and lots of reasons why replacement windows are more affordable than you think.

How Contemporary Windows Make a Difference

There are many different types of replacement windows, but any new windows you choose will be more energy-efficient than the old ones. Over time, the frames around windows expand and shrink due to weather conditions. They get worn out and crack. The windows stopped fitting perfectly and little cracks and gaps open up that allow air to pass through and around the windows, eating away at your utility bills. So any windows you choose, whether it’s aluminum windows, vinyl replacement windows, or some other window types, you’re going to notice a difference in your energy bills as soon as the swap is made.

However, if you want truly contemporary windows that can be a big selling point and a huge home feature, you need to choose energy-efficient windows. More people are interested in energy-efficient technology and home additions these days. Everyone’s more environmentally conscious and aware of energy costs. Replacement standard windows with energy-efficient windows can lower your energy bills by as much as 7% to 15%, as long as they meet the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star program. Look for contemporary windows with the energy star label to save the most money and get a great new look for your home, too.

Contemporary windows that are energy efficient will make a big difference in your utility bills and will attract all sorts of buyers when it comes time to sell your home. You’ll also see the difference right away because your home’s appearance will be greatly improved. New windows make your whole home look newer and fresher, both inside and out.

What About the Cost of Getting New Windows?

Replacing the windows of your home is hardly a casual DIY project you can complete over the weekend. For something this big, you have to work with a professional and have your new windows installed by an expert. Without proper installation, those new windows aren’t going to bring in the savings you deserve or look as good as they could. Many homeowners shy away from getting new windows because of the expense. Not only do you have to pay for your contemporary windows, but you also have to pay the installation costs. It can all add up pretty quickly, depending on how many windows you have.

However, the cost of getting new contemporary windows will come back to you in cheaper energy bills. You will pay money out to get this upgrade, but in just a few years all that money will come right back to you in savings. And if you get contemporary windows and then sell your home, that money will come right back to you in resale value because you can charge a higher selling price. Either way, the cost of contemporary windows is definitely worth it!

Talk to a general contractor about the cost of getting new windows and find out more about the different options you have open to you. Whatever the cost of getting energy-efficient contemporary windows maybe, that investment will bring you an even bigger return.

Doors and windows can have air leaks that add up to 10% more to your energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. But the exterior doors on your home can dramatically affect many different conditions in your home besides energy efficiency.

How often do you use exterior doors such as side doors, the front door, and garage entry doors? It stands to reason you may use some doors more than others. Your front door, whether you use it or not, makes a statement when it comes to your home’s curb appeal too. The same holds true for other exterior doors — yet they hold a much smaller impact on the overall aesthetics. However, when it comes to energy efficiency, all exterior doors matter. This is also true for front doors that have a leading staircase or foyer directly behind them. An old door could be causing you to waste money and raise your heating and cooling bills.

Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Exterior Doors?

Take a critical view of your exterior doors. If you find rust and dings in your door, it shows that the structural integrity has been compromised. When you have damaged doors on the exterior of your home, it does not look very attractive. When you want to ensure that your home has doors that are both sturdy and attractive, you need to get them from a company that specializes in replacement windows and doors.

Does Opening Your Door Feel Like a Workout?

Older doors can become difficult to use. When your doors get to this point, it’s time to have them replaced. Perhaps they stick during the winter but they’re easy to operate during the summer. If your doors are already like this, that is a sign that the energy your home needs is rushing right out that door. Are the hinges starting to sink? That’s another problem. If the hinges stick to a door jam, the door more than likely has exposed areas along the top, bottom, or the sides where light can be seen. When you can see light from either the outside or inside when a door is shut, there is a definite problem. Use a lighter near the edges where you see light and pay good attention to the flame. If it tries to move outside the door, you are dealing with a leaky door that is letting air out and in. Leaky doors need to be replaced so you aren’t spending more money on energy bills than you need to spend.

Is Your Home the Perfect Target for a Burglar?

Incarcerated burglars have admitted that they typically targeted homes with wooden doors that were cheap. That type of door is extremely easy to kick in. Do you have a wooden front door or exterior doors? If so, you may want to consider replacing them for the safety of your family. New fiberglass and steel doors add an additional layer of protection and are ideally tamper-proof.

Refresh the Curb Appeal of Your Home with New Exterior Doors

Doors that are in poor shape can cause you to waste energy, which translates to lost money. An older door might also make your home the perfect target for a home invasion, which can cost you even more. But if you plan to put your home on the market, an older door can result in money issues, too. Understandably, buyers aren’t too eager to pay top dollar for a property that looks like it’s in rough shape.

Make sure your home looks good from every angle while also keeping it safe with new windows and doors for the exterior. This will greatly improve your curb appeal. There are many different door and window types that can refresh your home without forcing you to plan a major remodeling project. Change old doors for new contemporary styles in colors that will enhance the overall look of your home. Give your residence a makeover — whether you replace your front door, side doors or all doors. Your home will get a new look with just a simple change.

Of course, replacing your exterior doors can make your home far more energy efficient. But it can also save you money in the process and make you feel even more satisfied with your surroundings. For more information, please contact us today.

Spring is finally here, and you know what that means: spring cleaning and countless home improvement projects you can get started on. One goal that many homeowners have for the new decade is improving their home’s energy efficiency, but it can be hard to know exactly where to start. After all, there are so many areas in the home that can benefit from renovation or remodeling. To help you get started, here are some of the most effective steps to creating an energy-efficient home, from appliances to new windows.

Efficient Appliances

Depending on how old your appliances are, you could see significant improvements in energy efficiency just by adding a new fridge or similar appliance to your home. Household appliances, specifically those in the kitchen, often take up a surprising amount of energy. Older appliances weren’t designed with the same emphasis on energy-efficiency as today’s household staples. Making an upgrade may be a bit costly, but it’s well worth the investment for the energy savings.

Smart Technology

For those who constantly forget to turn out the lights when they leave a room or leave their thermostat set just a bit too high, smart technology can help bridge the gap. Some thermostats now allow you to program what times you’re at home or out and about so you don’t waste energy heating an empty home. Depending on how tech-savvy you are, this could be a great option.

New Windows and Doors

Finally, adding new windows or doors to your home can dramatically improve your energy efficiency. This is because different window materials trap heat differently, and the wrong materials will allow heated air to escape. When it comes to a home’s wall space, about 15% is taken up by windows. This means that depending on what window types you have at home, you could be losing a significant amount of heat just through your windows alone. Likewise, the right exterior doors can limit drafts to keep your home sealed up. This way you won’t waste money and energy heating space inefficiently.

If you’re not sure what residential windows you should be looking for, working with an expert to find your new windows can help. For more information on how new windows can help you save energy at home, contact Discount Window and Door today.