Ready for winter? Your windows and doors may not be!

Drafty windows and doors are potential nemeses for homeowners getting ready to face old man winter. info

(ARA) - Usually, it takes some good cold weather to get homeowners to snap into action and prepare for winter. But many energy consumers across the country are already insulating their homes, replacing heaters and looking for price cuts in anticipation of another winter of high fuel costs.

The Department of Energy (DOE) predicts heating oil will cost an average of $1.31 per gallon nationally at the start of the winter -- almost one-third higher than a year ago. Natural gas is also forecast to be 25 percent higher, at $8.59 per thousand cubic feet.

While there are many ways to winterize a home, experts at Pella Corporation have found that homeowners often overlook a very important area: their windows and doors. It is likely that much of the heat being pumped into the house is being lost through poor-performing windows and doors.

According to the DOE, more than 40 percent of the annual energy budget is consumed by heating and cooling in a typical house. Proper selection of windows, doors and skylights can significantly affect how much money is spent or saved every year keeping homes bright and comfortable.

"Energy efficiency is fast becoming top-of-mind for an increasing number of homeowners, and rightly so," said Harold Pinkston, Pella Corporation's product marketing manager. "Although many consumers don't think of it, windows and doors serve a variety of purposes. They are one of the most prominent architectural aspects of a home, and can greatly affect the energy efficiency and comfort levels in the home."

In fact, according to Pella, the right high-performance energy-efficient window can save a homeowner up to three months' worth of energy bills. And, fall can be the perfect time to take a look at potential replacement needs.

Technological advances

Recently, windows have undergone a technological revolution. It is now possible to have lower heat loss, less air leakage and warmer window surfaces that improve comfort and minimize condensation.

These remarkable advances in window performance are due to technological developments in glass coatings and insulated glazing assemblies.

While "glass coatings" and "insulated glazing assemblies" may seem mysterious, the benefits of these features, in addition to energy savings, are simple:

-- Reduction of air infiltration and heat loss.

-- Reduction in frost and condensation.

-- Less fading of carpets, fabrics, upholstery, wallpaper, artwork, paints and wood trim.

-- Reduction in peak heating and cooling loads, which can result in smaller heating or cooling system. (The peak load for a home is the maximum requirement for heating or cooling at one time. These loads determine the size of the furnace, heat pump, air conditioner and fans that must be installed. Smaller loads can mean smaller equipment and less money.)

Work with a local window expert to determine if your windows are giving you the biggest bang for you buck. You can consult the Yellow Pages for local window providers or go online at www.pella.com and use the dealer locator.

If you windows don't seem to be hitting the mark for energy efficiency, don't worry. There are some basic tips that can make window replacement easy and help you get the most value for your money.

-- Check with your local utility company. Several utilities offer incentives to homeowners who make energy-saving improvements. Contact the utility company in your area to determine if you're eligible for a low-interest loan or discount for replacing your windows.

-- Ask about insulating features. Some high-tech energy-efficient solutions include argon gas between the panes of glass and a Low-E coating.

-- Look for the Energy Star. The Energy Star program was created by the Environmental Protection Agency and the DOE to help building owners and consumers identify windows and other products that save energy. Performance requirements are tailored to meet the energy needs of different climates.

-- Read labels. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label, appearing on most standard Pella windows contains the window's U-value, SHGC and Visible Light Transmission ratings. Not surprisingly, the lower the U-value, the better the window resists heat transfer.

-- Do your homework. Find out as much general information as you can about how windows work and what makes them energy-efficient. Some useful sites to visit include the Efficient Windows Collaborative, www.efficienctwindows.org; Energy Star, www.energystar.gov; and National Fenestration Rating Council, www.nfrc.org.

Quality windows and doors should provide superior thermal performance, and be able to eliminate drafts and resist the elements. All of these factors can help keep a home comfortable and reduce energy costs.

As a volunteer partner in the DOE's Energy Star program, Pella promotes the use of high-efficiency windows, and doors by developing Energy Star-approved products. To find out more about Pella Corporation's energy-efficient products call (888) 84-PELLA or visit pella.com

Courtesy of ARA Content