Home Building Plan: Doors and Windows

Doors and Windows

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Doors and windows can make any home. New window technology lighten the house and adds the look of grandeur and warmth from the outside and inside.

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about energy saving doors
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About Energy Saving Doors

Getting the Most from the Doors in Your Home

from our "home remodeling" project library

Exterior doors are essential elements of every home, protecting it from the elements and the damage that sun, heat, cold, wind, and moisture can cause.

According to Energy Star, the nation's recognized authority in energy efficiency for the home, what makes a door energy efficient are the three following criteria:

Glass: Multiple Panes
Multiple pane glass keeps the most amount of heat outside where it belongs, and also insulates a home in colder weather.
Weather stripping
This ensures your home's interior temperature remains intact, and heat is not lost (and wasted).
"Improved" core materials
Many newer doors are made with materials like fiberglass and steel at their cores, to help protect against the elements.

Storm Doors

Storm doors are another important key to the protection and energy efficiency of your home. They give your home added protection during wet, windy, and extreme weather. The type of glass, number of panes, and materials used in the design and manufacture of your storm door help determine its energy efficiency.

They can also add aesthetic value to your home, providing great views of the outdoors and access to natural light.

Interior Doors, Too

Your home's interior doors can add to its energy efficiency, but they also do wonders for the appearance of your home. Interior doors come in all categories, using various wood and glass types, hardware, and opening styles.

It is important to evaluate the features of all your home's doors in order to get the most from your investment, and to give your home the best appearance and the most protection and energy efficiency.

Consumer Information

Home Energy Information
doors: energy efficient doors and windows
doors: buying windows - doors - skylights
windows: energy efficient windows
windows: energy efficient skylights
windows: buying windows - doors - skylights
windows: window selection tool
windows: lighting up your home
energy star info: review how energy star windows can save
energy star info: smart energy choices: energy guide

Understanding Windows from Efficientwindows.org
frame types
glazing types
operating types
technology
benefits
how to select a window

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