Al’s Plumbing provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs, and replacements for every plumbing component in your home. Additionally, Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters. We are near your home in Plano, TX; Allen, TX; and Frisco, TX. We service all homes in southern Collin and northeast Dallas Counties with no additional travel charges.
Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your Plumbing. We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.
AlsPlumbing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
TIP: Different Sections Of Our Multi-Part Article Address Various Components In Your Home — Each Section’s Title Advises What’s Covered.
To Reduce Heating/Cooling Costs — many articles suggest replacing the HVAC System with a more efficient one. That’s a High-Cost Solution — unless the furnace is less than 80% efficient (details below). And most furnaces (<80% efficient) wore out years ago and were replaced.
TIP: At The Beginning Of Part-1 — we detail how to determine your home’s gas furnace’s efficiency.
AND, depending on the age of your home — our suggestions may lower heating costs more than replacing the furnace. PLUS, our suggestions will make your home more comfortable, with fewer temperature variations throughout the home, and within rooms – as you get closer to outside walls. As an added benefit — additional insulation makes your home quieter inside. PLUS, these efforts also make your HVAC System last longer (because it will run less).
This Is Part-5 C Of Our multi-part article about 75+ Ways To Lower Heating Costs — With Your Existing HVAC System.
NOTE: Part-5 Is Separated Into 3 Sections; A, B, & C. Section C Discusses Sealing Air Leaks At Exterior Doors
Part-5–C Discusses How To Save Energy At Exterior Doors With 1. Storm Doors & 2. Air Leaks Sealing. These efforts can have a tremendous impact in older DFW homes with wood exterior doors. These efforts also reduce outdoor noise heard inside the home.
Click Here To Go To Part-5 B: AlsPlumbing.com Decreasing Heating Costs — Windows.
ON A SIDE NOTE: Federal Tax Credits For Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades
To Skip This Section — Scroll Down To The Next Double Lines.
TIP: Federal Tax Credits for energy-efficient home upgrades have been extended through 2032. If you made qualifying home improvements to your primary residence after December 31, 2021, you may be eligible (details below). A Tax Credit is a reduction of income tax owed.
- These credits apply only to your primary home. It’s the home where you live most of the time.
- The new Annual Tax Credit Cap = $1,200–$2,000 depending on what efficiency improvements you make.
- Use IRS Form 5695 — along with your 1040 federal tax return.
- 2021 Form 5695: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf
- 2021 Form 5695 Instructions: https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i5695
You Can Claim A Tax Credit For:
- 10% of the cost for 1. “Qualified Energy Efficiency Improvements” (details just below).
- 100% of the cost for 2. “Residential Energy Property Costs” (details just below).
- The maximum credit for any other single residential energy property cost = $300.
- Home insulation
- Exterior doors
- Windows & skylights. The maximum tax credit for Windows = $300.
- Certain roofing materials
- Water Heaters (natural or propane gas, or oil).
- Electric heat pump water heater
- Central air conditioner
- Electric heat pump
- Furnace (natural or propane gas, or oil).
- The maximum credit for a furnace = $150.
- Furnace Advanced Circulating Fans for (natural or propane gas, or oil) furnace.
- The maximum tax credit for a furnace circulating fan = $50.
- Hot Water Boilers (natural or propane gas, or oil).
- The maximum credit for a boiler = $150.
Source: https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/home-ownership/energy-tax-credit-which-home-improvements-qualify/L5rZH56ex
How To Save Energy At Exterior Doors
Windows & Exterior Doors Represent Up To 21% Of Total Heat Loss/Gain
Image Source: Shutterstock
Save Energy At Exterior Doors: Entry Door & Storm Door: R-Values
TIP: Later in this article, we discuss how to save energy at exterior doors with weatherstripping.
Entry-Door R-Values:
- A Solid Wood Door’s R-value = R-2 to R-3.
- An insulated Steel or Fiberglass (looks like wood) Door’s R-value = R-5 to R-6.
- Adding a Full-View Storm Door (shown just below) with Double-Pane + Low-E + Argon Gas glass (details below) = +R-3
As Compared:
- Today’s replacement windows (Double pane + Low-E + Argon Gas) = R-3.5 (R-Value is higher than storm door glass because the window glass is thicker)
- Texas Wall Insulation Requirement = R-20 for Climate Zone 3 (DFW is in 3).
Source: https://eepartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Texas-2015-IECC_5-17-16.pdf
Image Source: Shutterstock
Shown: Storm Door
Storm-Door R-Values:
- The general opinion of adding a storm door to save energy — is that it offers negligible increased insulating (+R-1).
- BUT — the R-Value can triple with a premium storm door — when equipped with a Dual-Pane + Low-E + Argon Gas glass (+R-3).
- It doubles the insulating over a wood entry door.
- It adds +50% more insulating over an insulated steel or fiberglass entry door.
Non-Premium Storm Door:
- Single-pane glass.
- Increases +1 R-Value.
- Protects a wood door.
- May improve the home’s curb-appeal.
- Can reduce the amount of outdoor noise heard inside the home.
TIP: Avoid adding a storm door over an entry door that’s within direct sunlight for longer than 2 hours. The heat build-up (between the storm door & entry door) can damage the plastic trim on exterior doors.
How To Save Energy At Exterior Doors With Premium Storm Doors Optional Glass Choices:
- Many Premium storm doors offer several glass options.
- With the typical best glass option (Dual-Pane, Low-E + Argon Gas) — adds +R-3 over the entry door. This effectively doubles a wood door’s R-Value.
Example: Andersen (brand) 4000 Series (model) Full-View Storm Door Glass Choices:
- Single-Pane Glass (not Low-E) (R-1)
- Optional Single-Pane + Low-E Glass (R-2)
- Optional Dual-Pane + Low-E + Argon Gas Glass (R-3)
- Optional Laminated Safety-Glass
- Decorative Glass (3000 Series)
Links:
- Side-By-Side Comparison Of All Andersen Full-View Storm Doors: https://www.stormdoors.com/compare-storm-doors/#full-light-seasonal-vent
- Andersen Brochure: https://www.flipsnack.com/andersenwindows/andersen-emco-storm-door-brochure.html
Glass R-Values Source: https://homesteady.com/differences-single-double-pane-glass-8600425.html
Do You Have An Existing Storm Door? Save Energy By Adding Window-Film To Its Glass.
SHOWN: Coavas (brand) Static-Cling (removable) Solar Window Film — Available in Light or Dark Color.
TIP: Window films work similarly to Low-E factory-coating on glass. They help keep the warmth in during winter, and out during summer.
Window Films & Low-E Glass:
Summer: Reflect outdoor heat — preventing heat from entering the space between the storm door & the entry door (then through the entry door into the house).
Winter: Reflect indoor heat (that passed through the entry door) into the space between the storm & entry door. This reduces additional heat loss through the entry door.
Image Source: Amazon Embedded Link
SHOWN: Solar Window-Film
Click On Photo To: View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
Amazon’s Website Says:
The Dark Color:
- Blocks 82% of Infrared Heat (sun’s heat).
- Blocks 88% of Visible Light (& its heat).
The Light Color:
- Blocks 45% of Infrared Heat (sun’s heat).
- Blocks 30%. of Visible Light (& its heat).
Save Energy At Exterior Doors — Weatherstripping (details near the end of article)
TIP: If you see light around any edge of an entry door — it’s leaking heated / cooled air from your home.
Click Here To See Cold Air Leaking At An Entry Door: Cold Air (purple) Leaking At An Entry Door
(If Link Doesn’t Work — Copy This Into Your Browser): https://www.google.com/search?q=thermal+image+of+air+leakage+at+entry+door&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwivvsCmh9T7AhWM2FMKHfafA1gQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=thermal+image+of+air+leakage+at+entry+door&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1CRCFjxMWDqM2gEcAB4AIABd4gBqAmSAQQxOS4xmAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=XVSGY–bIIyxzwL2v47ABQ&bih=535&biw=1097#imgrc=7PCHBmxxCPIOdM
Common Residential Entry Door Threshold Types
Air leaking under the door is the most common entry door air leak. In many cases, the threshold has a rubber seal. This seal experiences a lot of wear because it’s walked on. Below we discuss the 3 most common entry door Thresholds, plus details about Door Sweeps. We also discuss Replacement Rubber Seals for one threshold style.
Saddle Threshold
Saddle Type Threshold is the most common threshold. It’s a raised piece of metal or wood — located between the bottom of the door and the floor. With a saddle threshold — a Door Sweep must be attached to the bottom of the door.
Shown: Aluminum Saddle Threshold
Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
——
Save Energy At Exterior Doors With A Door Sweep
TIP: If your door’s threshold does not have a rubber seal — you need a door sweep. A door sweep attaches to the (interior) side of the entry door. The rubber strip covers any gaps between the bottom of the door and the threshold.
TIP: You can also add a Door Sweep with a threshold that has a rubber seal.
- Metal door sweeps have a metal strip that’s screwed onto the door.
- All-vinyl door sweeps have an adhesive strip that sticks to the door.
- Door sweeps are available in several colors.
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
Shown: Door sweep with a metal top that screws to the door (screws are included).
Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
TIP: A hack saw is required to cut the metal strip at the top. Scissors will cut the rubber.
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
Shown: Basic Hawk Saw
Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
Shown: All-Vinyl Door Sweep with an adhesive strip.
Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
TIP: These can be cut with scissors, but a hack saw will make cutting such thick vinyl easier.
Thermal Break Threshold
A Thermal Break Threshold — includes a rubber seal at the top that’s centered under the door when the door’s closed.
TIP: These are either metal or wood. When replacing a threshold, replace it with one made of the same material.
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
Shown: LOW Profile, Thermal-Break, Metal Threshold With Rubber Seal
Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
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Shown: HIGH Profile, Thermal-Break, Metal Threshold With Rubber Seal
Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
Save Energy At Exterior Doors With Replacement Rubber Seals
For Thermal-Break Thresholds
TIP: If the rubber seal is worn out or missing — you don’t need to replace the entire threshold.
TIP: Replacement Rubber Seals Come In Assorted Sizes:
- Measure the bottom of the existing strip for its width.
- Measure the height/depth of the existing rubber strip.
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SIZE: 1-3/16″ Wide X 1.2″ High/Deep X 36″ Long
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
—–
SIZE: 1-7/8″ Wide X 1/8″ High/Deep X 36″ Long
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
—–
SIZE: 1-5/16” Wide X 1/2″ High/Deep X 36″ Long
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
Bumper Seal Threshold (for outward swinging doors) — includes a seal on the exterior side of the threshold. The seal touches the door when it is closed.
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
Shown: Bumper Seal Metal Threshold + Rubber Seal
TIP: These Are Only For Outward Swinging Doors.
Example: In South Florida, Building Code requires that all entry doors must swing outward. The outward swing keeps the wind from blowing the door open.
Weather Stripping For The Top & Sides Of Entry Doors
- “Level” Is Defined As: Something (installed horizontally) — is perfectly straight.
- “Plumb: Is Defined As: Something (installed vertically) — is perfectly straight.
In A Perfect World:
- The gap between an exterior door and the house would always be the same width.
- The door is installed perfectly plumb.
In Reality:
The gap’s width sometimes varies because;
- 1. Doors aren’t always installed perfectly plumb.
- 2. Due to foundation movement — doors go out of plumb.
This Weatherstripping Product Accommodates Out of Level or Plumb Doors. It’s “V-Shaped” Compression Weather Stripping.
- Because it’s wider — it accommodates gaps of various widths.
- Because it’s flexible & presses up against the door — it can be installed to ensure that it touches the door along the entire edge.
Includes (1) 36″ Piece – For Top Of Door AND (2) 84″ Pieces – For The Sides Of The Door.
The Flexible Seal Is Attached To Metal Strips. They are screwed to the wood around the door.
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
TIP: Wood Entry Doors Shrink / Swell With Changing Humidity.
- During summer, when humidity is high — they swell.
- During winter, when humidity is low – they shrink.
- So, a wood entry door that’s sufficiently weatherstripped in summer — may have air gaps during winter.
- This weatherstripping product’s width accommodates wood door’s swell/shrink.
Part-5–C Discussed How To Save Energy (and reduce outdoor noise) At Exterior Doors With 1. Storm Doors & 2. Air Leaks Sealing. These efforts can have a tremendous impact in older DFW homes with wood exterior doors.
Al’s Plumbing provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs, and replacements for every plumbing component in your home. Additionally, Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters. We are near your home in Plano, TX; Allen, TX; and Frisco, TX. We service all homes in southern Collin and northeast Dallas Counties with no additional travel charges.
Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your Plumbing. We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.