As the temperature outdoors starts to drop, many homeowners begin to notice their energy bills rise. With the holiday season still ahead, this extra expense can hardly be a welcome development. While some homeowners simply accept their rising hydro bills as one of the unpleasant inevitabilities of Ontario winters, there are things every household can do to reduce this expense.
Inspect Windows and Doors For Air Leaks:
If your windows and doors are failing to keep the cold air outside where it belongs, they’re not only making your home less comfortable but are costing you money. Air leaks and drafts from insufficiently insulated or installed windows and doors account for up to 25% of your home’s total heat loss. This means that your heating system may be working harder than it has to in order to make up for that deficit.
To check your windows and doors for air leaks, you can conduct a simple test:
- Make sure that the windows and doors of the room you’re in are shut, and that the furnace and all air fans are switched off.
- Light an incense stick and slowly move it around the frames of your windows and doors.
- If the smoke changes directions (blows horizontally rather than straight up) in a particular spot, you know you’ve found an air leak.
Minor sources of air leaks can be remedied by caulking or weatherstripping the problem areas.
Consider Energy Efficiency Replacements:
If caulking or weatherstripping is not enough, consider replacing your windows and doors with new energy efficient alternatives. While the initial investment of replacement is costlier than the relatively quick fix of caulking and weatherstripping, energy efficient doors and windows will pay dividends in the long run by significantly reducing your home’s energy costs for many years to come.
If you’re considering door and window replacement services and are interested in exploring energy efficient options, contact us to discuss our high-quality, Energy Star® approved and Heath Smart® certified products. You may also be interested in discussing our High-Performance Package, which includes:
- Triple Pane Glass
- Double Low-E Coating – which reflects heat back into the room, rather than letting it escape out the window. Proven to reduce heat loss by 40% when compared to standard windows.
- Foam Filled Frame – strengthens your windows and provides added insulation to improve their energy efficiency.
The High-Performance Package is available with our Uniqwood® Plus and Architectural Plus window series.
Ensure Proper Installation:
Here at Casa Bella, we install front doors and patio doors, as well as windows for every style and budget. We know that proper installation of your windows and doors is just as important as the quality of the product. When considering replacement, be wary of any manufacturer that relies on sub-contractors for installation. If a manufacturer is not able to guarantee proper installation by skilled in-house professionals, the work may result in:
- Inadequate insulation of your windows and doors, resulting in drafts and heat loss.
- Improper operation of the units.
- Potential careless damage to your flooring or property.
- The manufacturer being unwilling to address any post-installation problems.
At Casa Bella, all our windows and doors are installed by skilled, licenced and insured in-house experts. We never outsource installation to sub-contractors. Our installation professionals will treat your home with the care it deserves and ensures that you get the most returns on your investment.
Maintain Your Windows And Doors:
Did you know that cleaning your windows and doors not only makes them look better but contributes to their longevity and efficiency? Dirt and grime can wear down glass surfaces over time, and particles of debris may cause gaps in your door and window frames that will allow cold air to enter your home. Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your windows and doors looking great and performing as they should.
It is important never to use chemicals or abrasive fabrics when cleaning glass or a finished surface, as this could damage the product and void its warranty. Read our tips for taking care of your windows and doors for information on the best cleaning and maintenance practices.
Choosing high-quality, energy efficient windows and doors, having them expertly installed and keeping them well-maintained will go a long way towards saving your household unnecessary energy costs. Reducing energy waste in your home will also contribute to reducing your household’s carbon footprint, which is no small matter these days.
We hope that you enjoy the fall season while it’s still here and make the best of the coming winter. If you have any questions about improving your home’s energy efficiency or wish to discuss how our products can help reduce energy waste, we encourage you to call us at 1-800-407-9917. We would love to hear from you!
