As window and door can bring wonderful sunlight and provide access
point into our homes, they are also the source of energy loss in the house. A
window’s energy efficiency can be improved by installing storm windows, sealing
air leaks by caulking and weather-stripping, and adding window treatments or
coverings. When a door is old but still in good condition, you can consider
adding a storm door to provide an extra layer of protection for your current
door.
If you are looking to replace your current door or window,
you should first identify what climate zone you live in to choose the solution
that make sense for your climate. The United States is separated into 4 zones
according to Energy Star Climate Zone:
- · Northern Zone (Flagstaff, AZ is located in this zone)
- · North-Central Zone
- · South-Central Zone (Prescott, AZ is located in this zone)
- · Southern Zone (Phoenix and Tucson are located in this zone)
If you are not sure what zone you are located in, use this
Energy Star Climate Zone Finder to help determine your zone. When you are
shopping for new door or windows, you can see if they are certified to
accommodate the climate in your zone.
Besides, note the following ratings to determine the energy
performance of a door or window:
- · U-factor Measures the rate of heat transfer and how well-insulated it is. The lower the U-factor, the better the performance.
- · SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient)Measures how well the product blocks heat caused by sunlight. It is calculated on a scale of 0 to 1. The lower the SHGC, the less heat is transferred.
- · Condensation ResistanceMeasures how well the window resists water build-up. The higher the value, the less build-up the window will have.
- · Air LeakageRate of air movement around a product. The lower the air leakage rate, the tighter the product fits.
Windows
There are 2 basic type of windows:
single-pane and double-pane windows.
Single pane made with one layer of glass. Since it is only one layer, it is not
as good in noise control and seasonal temperatures. Up front cost is cheaper. Double pane windows are made with
two panes of glass. The space between the glasses can be filled with gas or
coating with low-emissivity/conductivity value. These windows are as much as
50% more efficient than single pane windows. According to Energy Star,
replacing a single pane clear window in Phoenix can save up to $412.
Doors
In comparison with sliding glass door, swinging doors offer
a much tighter seal. Choose exterior door with polyurethane foam insulation
core because it offers 5x the energy efficiency of a wood door and it is
CFC-free.
Energy efficient home improvement projects can be used for
tax credit. You can get tax credit for 10% of the product cost up to $200 for
windows and $500 for eligible doors.
Contact ELA Home Repairs if you need AC repairs, energy
audits, or any electrical needs at 800-368-PROS(7767) or visit http://elahomerepairs.org for more
details.
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