At CCI, our clients often want to learn more about energy efficiency and how to reduce their impact as a household. Not only does energy efficiency lower waste, greenhouse emissions, and more, it also helps lower individual utility bills.
In honor of Earth Day, we’re outlining ways you can become more energy-efficient, starting inside your home. Keep reading to learn more!
Check Your Windows and Doors
If you have an older home, chances are you have older windows and doors. Older windows and doors degrade over time, decreasing energy efficiency at the same time. While newer windows and doors have better quality materials and designs that provide vastly improved energy efficiency.
Curious about how to check your windows and doors? Below are a few quick questions to ask yourself as you inspect your home.
– Can you hear outside noises?
If you hear neighborhood sounds easily, it may mean that your windows and doors aren’t up to snuff. Most newer doors and windows provide a level of protection from the outside sounds that older options did not. This also can occur as seals wear out or are damaged over time, creating gaps that allow sound in.
– Can you see daylight?
Stand a few feet away from your doors on a sunny day. If you can see hints of light around the edges, that means that air can get in – and out – putting unnecessary strain on your A/C and heating unit. This not only wastes energy, but it also drives up your bill.
– Do you feel the breeze?
If you’re sitting next to a door or window in your house and can feel a draft, that’s another indication that you may not have proper protection or that the seals are no longer functioning as designed.
– Are your windows or doors falling into disrepair?
This could be as simple as a small crack in your window or you noticing that a door is harder to close than it used to be. Condensation in your window is another tell-tale sign that new windows and doors should increase your home’s energy efficiency.
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, it might be time for new windows and doors! When installed by a professional, new windows and doors come with many benefits.
– Better Energy Efficiency. Proper installation and quality products can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency by eliminating old gaps, updating seals, and immediately adding to your home’s value. Many of our clients see instant savings in their utility bills following new door and window projects!
– Improved Home Value. New windows and doors add value to your home by improving the quality of finishings. They also add an instant boost to your curb appeal, making a better first impression to any prospective buyer.
– Fewer Allergens and Pests. With new windows and doors, the outside stays outside. This includes common seasonal irritants like pollen and dust, along with insects that can no longer walk through gaps in doors or windows.
At CCI, we work exclusively with quality manufacturers to deliver the best products for your home. From the popular vinyl windows that offer a durable option at a great value to all types of doors and custom windows, our team can help you get exactly what you need to improve your home’s efficiency and value.
Below are a few of the manufacturers we work with:
Ply Gem Simonton Windows & Doors is part of the Cornerstone Building Brands family. It started over 70 years ago in Pennsboro, West Virginia, with exterior aluminum products. Later, they would expand in producing energy-efficient vinyl windows, creating Simonton Windows. Today, Simonton Windows and Doors feature twelve different lines, all of which can be ordered to meet the ENERGY STAR® standards.
Andersen Windows and Doors has been in business for more than 115 years as a premier manufacturer in the industry. Andersen Corporation was named a 2020 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year, which is an honor given for its superior energy efficiency achievements. Andersen also certifies the vast majority of its products to the Indoor Advantage Gold™ certification that meets the healthier indoor air quality set by the California 01350 specification.
ProVia is a faith-based company that started in Sugarcreek, Ohio, more than 40 years ago. They have since grown into a nationally recognized manufacturer of energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows and doors, among other quality products. ProVia has received numerous awards, including ten awards from the U.S. Department of Energy & U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and one Excellence in ENERGY STAR® Promotion Award.
Improving your energy efficiency is a great way to celebrate Earth Day – and save money. If you’re ready to replace your windows or doors, contact our expert team at CCI. We are happy to help you find the best solution for your home. Start with a free assessment in your area by calling 703-754-9551 or contact us here.
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