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Doors and Windows

Another way to save on energy costs and make your home more eco-friendly is to replace old doors and windows with new more efficient ones. Leaky doors and windows can allow hot or cold air to pass through and make your efforts to heat or cool a losing battle.

When shopping for windows, Consumer Reports encourages homeowners to choose wooden ones as opposed to aluminum-framed models. Wood is a natural insulator in itself, which will automatically make the windows more efficient. Also be sure to look for windows with two panes of glass. The panes are often filled with a gas that slows down the heat that passes through. Be aware that qualified energy-efficient windows, such as EnergyStar, are eligible for a federal tax credit, but installation costs are not included.


The deputy home editor of Consumer Reports suggests that when homeowners shop for doors, they should avoid the hollow metal ones, which can allow air to infiltrate through. As with the windows, wood is a good choice, along with insulated steel or fiberglass. If a portion of the door is glass, make sure it has the same energy efficient features as a window. Better built, energy saving doors may also make you eligible for a tax break from Uncle Sam!

We hope you've enjoyed our Eco-Friendly Home Improvement Series. For more from AFR check out the Mortgage Education Center and check current mortgage rates!