How Much Can Window and Door Drafts Cost You?

You might not think of the chilly breeze sneaking past your doors and windows as a big deal, but its impact on your bank account is another story. When cold winter air finds its way inside, your heating system has to kick into high gear to keep your home comfortable.

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Similarly, in the summer months, any hot air sneaking in through door and window gaps puts additional strain on your cooling system. Both of these scenarios translate into unnecessary energy consumption that drives up your utility bills.

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Energy Loss in Dollar Figures

The Department of Energy has determined that drafts can result in a 5% to 30% increase in energy use. Consider the average Washington D.C. household's monthly energy bill of $425 for a 1200-square-foot home. If we use the lower estimate of a 5% energy waste, that's an extra $21 a month or $252 annually. Jump to the higher end of the scale at 30%, and you're looking at an extra $127 a month or $1524 each year.

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Over time, as your heating and cooling systems work overtime to compensate for these drafts, these figures could climb even higher due to increased maintenance costs or the need for system replacements.

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How to Fix a Drafty Door or Window

Various methods can effectively mitigate drafts, increasing your home's energy efficiency:

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• Weatherstripping: A low-cost, DIY solution that involves applying adhesive strips around your door or window frame. It's a quick fix that helps seal off drafts, reducing energy losses.
• Door sweeps: These attach to the bottom of your door, closing the gap between the door and the floor. This stops drafts from sneaking in from underneath and is particularly useful for exterior doors.
• Caulking: If you have gaps around your door or window frame, a good caulk can help seal them off. This prevents air leakage, increasing energy efficiency.
• Door snake or draft stopper: A temporary fix, these are filled tubes placed at the base of your door, blocking drafts from coming under.
• Window coverings: Energy-saving drapes, curtains, and blinds can help reduce energy loss through your windows. 
• Storm doors and windows: Adding a storm door or windows is less expensive than a full replacement, and it can help decrease the loss of energy due to draftiness. However, it's usually best to just invest in a replacement.
• Door and window replacement: While the other solutions are relatively inexpensive quick fixes, a door or window replacement can address the root of the problem, providing a more lasting and energy-efficient solution.

Remember, the choice of solution depends on the severity of your draft issue and your budget. By addressing this problem, you can increase comfort and save on energy costs.

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Door and Window Replacement Price

While the prospect of replacing a door or your windows may seem daunting due to the initial cost, the reality isn't as scary as you might think.

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Door replacement cost

The cost of a new door varies widely, depending on the quality and type of the door you choose, as well as customization. But on average, homeowners can anticipate spending $1,500 to $1,800 to install a basic, store-bought energy-efficient door. Adding in the price of the door brings the total cost to between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the type and quality of the door.

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For more premium materials and custom installation, the cost of a new door can be $6,000 or more. However, most homeowners won't face this type of extra expenditure unless they're seeking more advanced energy savings or require a custom fit. These figures may sound like a big expense at first, but remember, this is a one-time expenditure. And it's a cost that can actually put money back into your pocket over the long haul through the energy savings it offers.

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A well-chosen, quality door can last for many years, meaning you won't have to face this expense again anytime soon, if ever. As you weigh this decision, it's crucial to consider not just the upfront cost but also the long-term financial benefits a new door can provide.

In Washington, DC it is important to find a Washington DC door replacement contractor that can provide options from custom historic wooden doors to maintenance free custom modern door replacements.

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Window replacement cost

If you have just one or two windows that need to be replaced in order to stop drafts, the replacement is a no-brainer. Even if you need to replace all of the windows in your home, the energy savings and property value increase make it worth your investment.

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A window replacement will cost about $1,000 - $1,300 per window, and it can result in a 5% to 30% energy savings or more. 

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According to Remodeling Magazine's National Average report, whole-home window replacements for vinyl windows cost about $20,000, on average. This is for the average American home, which has about 22 windows. 

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A Washington D.C. row home has fewer windows — about 11 or 12 on average. That means that a whole-house window replacement will usually cost about $13,000 - $15,000. 

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Remodeling Magazine's National Average report found that a full window replacement increases the home's resale value by about $13,822, meaning you recoup about 67% of the investment cost. But windows also improve your home's overall curb appeal, which can bring in more potential buyers.

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Door and Window Replacement Is an Investment

Considering that you could be spending between $252 and $1524 per year in energy losses due to a drafty door and windows, replacing your door with an energy-efficient system pays for itself after just a few years. Because your new energy-efficient door will last many years more than that, it's clear that replacing your door is an investment rather than just an expenditure.

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Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service is aware of the energy savings offered by door replacement and offers a credit of up to $250 per door and $500 total for energy-efficient door replacements. Replacing windows is also an investment that pays off in the short term and long term. Replacing all of the windows on your home may be more costly than replacing the door, but it can end up reducing your energy bills by 30%. 

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Home buyers also look for updated doors and windows when they're shopping for a home, so if you're thinking of selling in the future, this is a worthwhile investment in the resale value of your home.

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Choosing the Best Door or Window Replacement for Energy Savings

If you've decided to opt for a door replacement, it's important to know that some options are better than others. Let's look at the door replacement features that can generate the best return on your investment.

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• Energy Star rating: Look for doors and windows marked with the Energy Star label. These models have earned their stripes by meeting stringent energy efficiency guidelines, designed to shield your home from the elements and keep your utility bills in check.
• Low emissivity: Low emissivity or low-E doors and windows feature a special coating on the glass that reflects heat while allowing light to pass through. This innovative technology helps regulate indoor temperatures by minimizing heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Square fit: Square-fit doors are designed with precision to fit your door frame perfectly, eliminating gaps that can lead to energy loss. These doors provide a seamless and snug fit, enhancing both energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
• Insulation and weather stripping features: Alongside energy efficiency, consider a door's insulation and weatherstripping features, which can boost its draft-proof capabilities.

Navigating through these options may seem a little overwhelming, but it's a journey well worth taking. An experienced and licensed contractor can help walk you through the process of choosing the best door and windows for your replacement.

FAQs

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How do I know if my door or window is drafty?

If you feel a chill or notice a whistle on windy days, your door or windows might be the culprit. Check for light seeping through around the edges, or use the classic candle test—watch the flame dance near the edges.

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Can I fix drafty doors and windows without replacing them?

You can partially remedy a drafty door or window using weatherstripping, but a replacement with energy-efficient products will yield greater energy savings. 

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Why should I be concerned about drafts?

Drafty doors can significantly impact your energy bills. Cold drafts in winter and hot air in summer lead to increased energy consumption, resulting in higher utility costs.

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How much energy is wasted due to drafts?

The Department of Energy estimates drafts can cause a 5% to 30% waste in energy use. For an average $425 monthly energy bill, this can mean an extra $21 to $127 per month or $252 to $1,524 annually.

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What are some solutions for a drafty door or window?

Cost-effective solutions include weatherstripping, door sweeps, caulking, window dressings, and door snakes. However, for a lasting solution, door and window replacement is recommended based on the severity of the draft issue and your budget.

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How much does door or window replacement cost?

Door replacement costs vary, but on average, homeowners can expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000 for a basic energy-efficient door, including installation expenses.  Custom-fit and higher-quality steel and fiberglass doors can cost upwards of $6,000 - $15,000. 

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This is a one-time investment with long-term energy savings, and most homes won't call for a highly customized door unless you're looking for something beyond energy savings.The average cost for a full-home window replacement is $20,000 for a home with 22 windows. In Washington DC, the average home has about 11 windows, and the average whole-house window replacement is about $15,000.

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Is a door and window replacement a worthwhile investment?

Yes. Considering potential annual energy losses of $252 to $1524, a new energy-efficient door and windows package can pay for itself in as few as three years. Additionally, the IRS offers a credit of up to $250 per door for energy-efficient replacements.Window replacements are more expensive if you do the whole home at one time, but they can pay off in both energy savings and property values.

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What features should I consider in a replacement door or window for energy savings?

Look for Energy Star-rated doors and windows, low emissivity (low-E) coatings, square-fit doors, and insulation/weatherstripping features. These aspects contribute to energy efficiency and long-term savings.

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Why is door and window replacement considered an investment?

Replacing a drafty door or window is an investment in energy savings, comfort, and aesthetics. The initial cost is outweighed by long-term financial benefits and improved quality of life.

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Can I get assistance in choosing the right replacement door or window?

Yes, an experienced and licensed contractor can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you choose the best door or windows for your needs.

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A Wise Investment

Saying goodbye to your drafty door or windows and welcoming a new, energy-efficient model isn't just a financially sound decision—it's a move that improves your quality of life. It's about being smart with your money, but it's also about creating a comfortable, appealing, and energy-smart home.

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Energy-Saving Doors in Maryland

If you're in the Maryland or Washington, D.C. area, contact Capitol Improvements for a free quote today. We'll walk you through the entire process of replacing your door or windows, from assessing energy losses to choosing the best replacement for your home.

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Sources:

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• U.S. Department of Energy. (n.d.). Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Home and Building Assessments. Retrieved December 28, 2023, fromhttps://www.energy.gov/eere/better-buildings-neighborhood-program/energy-efficiency-upgrades-home-and-building-assessments
• U.S. Internal Revenue Service. (2021). Energy efficient home improvement credit. Retrieved fromhttps://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit

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