Some people are drawn to quality windows and doors based on the energy efficiency perks they offer. Centennial Windows & Doors is the place to be in that case.
If you’re one of the many people struggling or annoyed with the cost of your energy bill, we’ve got some important insights to share on the topic, such as how the right replacement windows and doors can help reduce energy consumption and costs.
How heat loss occurs in a home
Heat loss is a common problem in older homes whose manufacturing either didn’t have the technology available today or whose materials have deteriorated over time. Even newer buildings experience this problem when window and door installation isn’t done properly and bad products are used. Windows should be either double or triple-glazed with sealed frames, and doors should be sealed and made with quality materials.
Heat loss will occur through any crack or leak throughout the house, and given how many windows and doors can be present in a home, that’s a lot of potential heat loss. While losing heat in the home (especially in colder months) can be uncomfortable, that’s not the only problem.
Heat loss makes your furnace work harder and that increases your energy consumption and cost. The ten tips in this article will help combat heat loss, but we’ll also discuss why you should consider replacement windows.
The benefits of making the switch
Not only can homeowners get their heating and energy bills under control, but they can also earn extra money by applying for energy rebates in their province. Rebates are for homeowners who invest in energy-efficient windows, specifically ENERGY STAR®-certified products (available at Centennial Windows & Doors).
How to qualify
Enbridge Gas offers a provincial rebate program, Home Efficiency Rebate Plus. To qualify, you must comply with one of these requirements. Use the ENERGY STAR® rebates and incentives directory through the Government of Canada to find the rebates available to you.
10 steps to creating a more energy-efficient home
Winter can get in through any crack and cranny in your house, making your furnace work even harder. Apply these ten steps to create a cozy and more energy-efficient home.
1. Use double or triple-glazed windows replacements
When you get your replacement windows, use double or triple-glazed windows. These types offer extra insulation to your home by filling the space between the panes with argon or krypton gas which slows heat transfer.
Our quality window installation service will also ensure windows are sealed properly in the home and don’t let in any unwanted air. Older windows are most likely to need replacing as the technology and materials have advanced to become more efficient. ENERGY STAR®-certified windows are 20 percent more energy efficient than the average window.
2. Get replacement doors (exterior)
While the doors within your home will play a smaller role in energy efficiency (creating barriers throughout the home to encase warmth) they’re not as important as exterior doors which bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor temperatures. Few points throughout the house separate you from the outside world but they can have a huge impact on the temperature in your home, and thus the energy bill.
Use our ENERGY STAR®-certified doors which offer 15 percent more efficiency in energy and temperature control. They’re properly manufactured and installed to keep the elements out of the home.
3. Start weatherstripping
If replacement windows and doors aren’t an option, weatherstripping is. Use strips of material to seal any gaps or leaks throughout the entire house. This way cold air can’t get in, and warm air can’t get out.
Your furnace won’t have to work as hard, and your energy bill will be lower. Don’t forget the door that leads to the garage. Seal that door properly so the cool garage won’t impact your home’s heating. This can save you $600 per year.
4. Be smart about your thermostat
The furnace already has to work harder in winter to combat temperatures outside, so don’t go overboard with the thermostat. This means don’t set it too high and don’t change it often.
Setting it too high will make your furnace work harder, something that’s unnecessary if other steps mentioned here are taken. It also means the home will likely get too warm and then the thermostat will need to be adjusted often which leads to the second problem.
Constantly changing the thermostat is hard on your furnace as it will need to change what it’s doing instead of sticking to one steady temperature or schedule.
Using a schedule for the thermostat is a great option, especially in winter months when it can be very cold at night, but warmer during the day as the sun filters through the windows.
Consider lowering the thermostat temperature when no one is home and setting it to rise slightly when people are home. This way the furnace won’t be working when not needed.
5. Ventilate your attic
Hot air rises, so in winter the extra hot air and humidity can stick in the attic and cause condensation and mold if not properly ventilated. Condensation can lower the effectiveness of the insulation, letting warm air dissipate. Proper insulation will keep warm air where it needs to be and the right ventilation ensures warm air doesn’t cause condensation.
6. Use light sensors
For many (especially children) it’s hard to remember to turn off lights when you leave a room. It’s also often preferred to leave them on if you know you’ll be going back into that room at some point.
This is why installing light sensors can save on your energy bill. You, guests, or your children won’t have to remember to turn lights on and off. Instead, leave it up to the sensors that will turn them on when needed and turn them off when there’s no one in the room.
7. Use cold water for laundry
For most loads of laundry, cold water will do just fine. It uses less energy since the water doesn’t have to be heated first. Of course, some loads with heavy stains or dirt can benefit from a hot wash, and that’s fine occasionally.
Otherwise, use cold water as another step to lower your energy consumption and bill. When possible, line dry clothing as opposed to using a drying machine.
8. Use LED light bulbs
LED light bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs; they also last twenty-five times longer. They come at a higher initial price point but do, over time, lower the energy bill. These bulbs can be bought in, or set to, different hues to complement a room.
9. Replace filters
To ease the work for your furnace and lower its energy consumption, replace or wash filters every three months. This not only keeps the air cleaner and healthier, but it also makes life easier for the furnace and increases its efficiency and lifespan.
10. Upgrade or check the furnace
While switching out furnace filters, do a check. Make sure the furnace is functioning efficiently and as intended. Most homeowners do a furnace check each year going into the winter to ensure the cold months won’t be a problem. Get ahead of any potential issues instead of spending a fortune when the whole thing needs replacing.
Centennial Windows & Doors values energy efficiency
At Centennial, we’re leaders in energy efficiency. We produce a complete line of ENERGY STAR®-certified windows and doors. Our commitment to energy efficiency drives our daily operations. We work every day to reduce our customers’ carbon footprints and that’s reflected in our dedication to excellence and innovation. View all our awards and recognitions here, then shop ENERGY STAR®-certified windows and doors.
