You walk or look through them every single day. But how often do you really think about the impact your home''s doors and windows have on its value, beauty and livability? Home improvement experts agree that updating your windows and doors can help you save on energy bills, improve the look and infrastructure of your home and add long-lasting value.
"One of the most valuable investments you can make in your home is window and door replacement," says Lou "Mr. Fix It" Manfredini, home improvement editor for the Today Show and "USA Today Weekend Magazine."
Replacing your windows can mean making many decisions: Is it time to replace? And if so, how do you go about choosing the best replacement windows?
"There are four main reasons why a homeowner might need to replace windows or doors: performance, energy efficiency, maintenance and aesthetics," Manfredini says. To receive information on window and door replacement in Florida, visit http://www.arttofimpactwindows.com
Performance
This is the most compelling reason to change a door or window, Manfredini says. On top of testing your patience, windows and doors that stick aren''t giving you the optimum benefit in terms of convenience and efficiency. Performance is also tied to safety-if doors are windows are not opening properly they can be a safety hazard.
Energy Efficiency
Check for drafts around doors and windows by moving a lit candle slowly around the edges. If the flame flickers, you have a draft -- one of the biggest drains on the energy efficiency of your home. Drafts add up to real dollars on your heating and cooling bills, so this is, for many people, the impetus to replace their windows or doors.
Maintenance