When Energy Costs Are Causing Your Sterling, VA Wallet To Hemorrhage – Your Patio Doors Could Be To Blame

July 7, 2023

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How New Patio Doors Can Save You Money On Your Sterling, VA, Energy Bills

Discover Why Your Patio Doors Could Be Costing You Hundreds Each Year

Are you wondering why your Sterling, VA, energy bill is so high? There are a variety of factors that could be causing your energy bills to skyrocket. While you should focus on improving insulation, sealing windows and doors, and utilizing energy-efficient appliances, one factor that is often overlooked is patio door efficiency.

Patio doors are essential to your home’s overall energy efficiency, as they can be a significant source of air leaks. If your patio doors are not correctly sealed, hot or cold air will escape from your home, meaning your HVAC system needs to work harder to maintain the desired indoor temperature.

We know it might sound like a lot of work or something that will cost you a lot of money. But by replacing your old, inefficient patio doors with new energy-efficient models, you can save significant money on your utility bills. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can save money with energy-efficient patio doors.

Signs Your Current Patio Doors Are Making Your Wallet Hemorrhage

Your patio doors are like any other Loudoun County area home exterior door. You allow money to flow between the cracks if they are not energy efficient.

But what are the signs that your patio doors could be to blame for your out-of-control energy bill? Our experts have put together an easy-to-understand list; let’s take a look:

1. Drafts

Stand next to your patio doors and move your hands around the entire door frame. Ideally, you should not feel any breeze coming through the cracks of the doors. If you do, it means your old patio doors let precious air and money escape from your home.

A leak allows the cold winter or hot summer air into your home, and your HVAC-controlled air to leak outside. The result is an overworked HVAC system and a frighteningly high energy bill.

2. Sounds From Outside

Quick, turn off the music or the television and listen. What are you listening for? For starters, can you hear sounds from the outside that weren’t there before? This is usually a sign that your patio doors are not properly sealed, and you could lose energy through them.

While no house is completely airtight, a telltale sign of inefficient patio doors is a noticeable difference in sound. Perhaps they weren’t installed correctly, or the insulating materials have aged – either way, it’s time to invest in energy-efficient replacements.

3. Damage To The Door Frame

Next, visually inspect the frame around your patio doors and look for damage. Cracks, chips, dents, and warping are common in patio doors exposed to the elements for too long. Damaged frames can let air escape, resulting in increased energy costs.

4. Condensation on the Glass Panes and Window Frames

Another sign of inefficient patio doors is condensation on the glass panes or window frames. This indicates a leak in your home that allows moisture to enter.

Not only does this make your home more uncomfortable, but it can also cause the formation of mold and mildew, which can be detrimental to your health.

How Are New Patio Doors More Energy Efficient?

If your Sterling, VA, patio door is over ten years old, the energy efficiency is far from what a new door would offer. Over the years, as technology has enhanced and more thought has been put into patio door design, they have become more energy efficient.

Plus, with the government’s new standards, every door or window replaced in any home must meet stringent energy efficiency rules and regulations – a major win for homeowners looking to keep their bills low.

Gone are the days in which patio doors used glass that was single-paned. Instead, the patio doors of today utilize double-paned glass – with the space between the glass filled with a gas that insulates more completely.

In addition, most glass is coated with a low emissivity coating, aka low-e coating. The layer is meant to reflect heat and cold air away from the glass to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in winter. Some models include a special sealant to enhance their energy efficiency – talk with your door replacement expert to find the best option for your home.

Benefits Of Updating Your Patio Doors

If you see signs that your patio doors are not as great as they once were, then updating them is necessary for your to-do list. In doing so, you’ll find many excellent benefits, such as the ones outlined below.

1. Cost Savings

Updating your patio door to something more energy efficient can save you money. On average, when a home has energy-efficient windows, entry doors, and patio doors, the savings can amount up to $300 per year on heating and cooling costs.

2. Upgraded Looks

The patio doors of today come in various designs – so many that you may find it hard to choose your favorite! However, the numerous choices ensure you get the look you want and one that increases your home’s curb appeal.

3. Easier Maintenance

Most patio doors from ten to twenty years ago are wood or aluminum. Both of these materials will require maintenance to keep them looking great. Today’s patio doors are often found in vinyl, which requires little maintenance.

4. Enhance Your Home’s Security

If securing your home is essential, upgrading your patio doors saves you money on your energy bills, and you can opt for more door locks to feel secure.

Today’s patio doors can even be outfitted with deadbolts if a homeowner wants them.

Free Estimates For Your Sterling, VA, Patio Door Upgrade

If your Sterling, VA, energy costs are skyrocketing, and you are having a mild panic attack when opening your energy bill, then now is the time to lower your energy use. Upgrading your patio doors is a great place to start!

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