Choosing the Right Storm Door for Your House

Storm doors block drafts in the winter, helping to minimize energy loss. Many have clip-in tempered glass panels you can remove and replace with insect screen panels for summer. In addition, storm doors protect the main door from rough weather, and newer models are so attractive they can add to your home’s curb appeal. Following are the key factors to consider before buying a new storm door.

Both storm and screen doors come in standard door widths of 30, 32, 34, and 36 inches and may be hinged on either side. (When buying one, be sure you get the right size; measure the door’s opening between the door jambs, not the door itself.) Most storm doors are sold as pre-hung units. They may be hinged on either side, and double-door kits are available. These pre-framed modules are relatively easy to screw onto existing door jambs; a do-it-yourselfer with reasonable skills can generally install one in an afternoon.

The major manufacturers also offer design-your-own-door programs, where you can mix and match components. Larson’s Designer Door series lets consumers pick the frame and its color and then choose from six styles of glass and six styles of designer hardware. You leave the store with three boxes: door frame, glass, and hardware. Both Cole Sewell and EMCO have similar programs.

When choosing a storm door, one of your first choices will be the type and size of window and screen system. Many are made so that you can interchange the clip-in glass panels with insect screening. Some have panels that bypass each other in tracks. Still others are made so that the unused panel stores in the door. EMCO has a patented self-storing window that easily slides down inside the door, out of view.

A full-height glass panel is best if you want to display your front door or maximize light and views through the storm door. More common is the mid-view type of door that has a solid panel at the bottom third of the door; this gives you more ventilation control because you can open or close each section independently. A high-view door is similar, but the glazed section only extends to about half the door’s height.

Another key consideration is the door’s construction. All major storm-door makers produce doors that have a solid-wood core clad with a permanently bonded skin of aluminum that has been given a baked-on enamel finish. The wood core makes these doors feel sturdy; they don’t twist, rattle, or dent. The aluminum surface is nearly maintenance-free but it can scratch.

A newer technology is a composite door called the Forever Ultra-Core, made by EMCO. The material is very tough, with a molded-through color, so if the door is scratched the color still remains. The door is also impervious to water. This door ranges in price from $155 to $190.

Larson also makes a 1 1/2-inch heavy-gauge foam-filled aluminum door called Classic View that is lighter in weight and allows for a full-frame glass panel—a good choice if you want to show off your prime door. If you want the storm door to be the main focus, it’s offered in eight colors. You can get it with any of several glazings and fitted with solid-brass levers and keyed locks. These doors cost from $200 to $250.

Vinyl-clad doors tend to be less expensive—in the $75 to $150 range. Some people like the fact that vinyl doesn’t rust and scratches barely show. On the other hand, vinyl doesn’t have the durable feel of aluminum cladding, and vinyl-clad doors are often warrantied for only five years or less.

If security is an important issue, you’ll want to opt for substance over style. Security doors often have a heavy-duty aluminum frame with a foam or solid-wood core. Choose heavy-gauge aluminum bars, designed to withstand pulling forces greater than 250 pounds or—better yet—steel bars that have been welded in place. Hinges and deadbolts should be tamper-proof.

Storm doors are sold through home centers, lumberyards, and major home improvement chains. You can also look up door and window companies online or in the telephone directory. In all but the warmest regions, large chains typically have a broad selection, often 20 to 25 models on display and then additional offerings through catalogs. Larson offers its entire line in a point-of-purchase display and promises delivery of special orders in two weeks or less.

How do you recognize a quality door? First, feel the door, and feel how it opens and closes. A quality door will have more heft, it will close more smoothly, and you will see quality of construction. The corners and moldings will be tight and finished looking. Also pay attention to the warranty; the best doors have a limited lifetime warranty.

If you know the brand of exterior door in your home, check to see if the manufacturer also provides a door kit for storms and screens. This is an especially good idea if you have a sliding or French door. The kit will match the design of the door and will fit properly over the threshold

Tips for Storm Proofing Your House

Protect your windows and doors. Whether with impact-resistant glass or shutters, protecting doors and windows against high winds and flying debris is imperative. Hurricane-force winds can hurl objects that act like bullets

Keep your landscape free of debris. Prune trees and remove dead branches well before the hurricane shows up. Also remove any patio furniture and other loose items outside that can get blown around.

Mind the door. Garage doors are real weak spots for hurricane-force winds. If the door gives way, the winds can enter the house and cause the roof to be torn off. Prevent this by making sure the garage door is installed to withstand these forces or brace an existing door to prevent its giving way.

Let the water flow. While you should always keep your gutters and downspouts clean, it's particularly important to make sure nothing blocks flowing water during a storm. Let's face it, the water will want to go somewhere. If it's not down and away, it'll be in your roof and attic. Conduct a visual inspection of your gutters and downspouts to be sure nothing blocks the flow of water from your roof and away from your home.

Keep the power on. While you and your home hopefully will weather the storm, the power grid likely won't. Having a standby generator to produce electrical power can't be beat. While you can install a whole-house system, you don't have to. If the generator is smaller and keeps only the essentials going, you'll be able to withstand the storm's after effects that much better.

Keep basic supplies on hand. Keep on hand at least a three-day supply of items such as candles, batteries, potable water, foods that don't require refrigeration etc. Put together an emergency kit as recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency well in advance of any storm.

Get Your Lawn Ready for Spring!

When the winter season ends, you will probably want to spend more time outside, appreciating the warm weather and the simple pleasures of a nicely kept lawn. Here are a few steps you can take toward creating and maintaining a healthy and gorgeous lawn.

Remove debris. Rake away the debris from the fall and winter months, including leaves and sticks. This will give you a fresh start for the spring. If you have leftover rubbish on the lawn, this can get in the way of mowing, watering, planting seed and so on. Raking has the added benefit of loosening the surface of the soil, encouraging healthy airflow.

Chris Lemcke, national technical director of Weed Man (a lawn care company), advises raking up last year's leaves and matted grass that were hiding under last fall's leaves and sticks left in the yard. This can keep the thatch level at half an inch or less. It will also allow you to care for the lawn properly.

Apply more grass seed. Look for areas with weak grass growth or dead grass. Use a strong rake to open the surface. Mix the grass seed with new, healthy soil. Then spread this soil/grass seed mixture over the surface. Don't forget to regularly water this area to foster hearty and fast grass growth.

Mulch. Mulch is a protective covering that you can apply to soil to lock in moisture. "Mulching with a depth of 2 to 4 inches around the bases of trees, shrubs and in flower beds will retain water and keep plants warm," says Lemcke.

Water deeply. Many homeowners water their lawns often -- but with little water. However, it's better to water only when your lawn needs it with a lot of water.

If you water deep and sparingly, you will train the grass roots to dig deeper into the soil. Whereas, if you water lightly and often, you will train the roots to stay near the surface, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Snow mold. Look for snow mold. This condition is caused when the grass doesn't receive enough oxygen because it's been covered in snow. Snow mold reveals itself when the snow melts.

If you rake your lawn before the arrival of snow, this can reduce your risk of snow-mold. Some people, with a history of snow mold, try to avoid this condition by mowing the lawn well into the autumn and spreading snow evenly across the lawn during winter. The latter, however, is deemed excessive by many people.

Mow high. Mow your lawn with a sharp blade. You should also mow often because grass doesn't adjust as well to infrequent mowing. If you keep your grass a bit on the longer side, it will grow thicker and healthier, with a better-established root system.

Better roots help your grass survive insects or drought. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, many turf grass species should be kept between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches

Get Your A/C Summer Ready!

We recommend five important steps you can take to get your system ready for peak performance in the summer months:

1) Clean or Change the Filter Once a Month

Some A/C models come with disposable filters, others have filters that can be cleaned with water. Regardless of the filter type, cleaning this part of your unit on a regular basis is your number one priority. With dirty and dusty filters, your A/C system will have to work harder to deliver comfortable air to the home.

2) Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean

The outdoor unit, or condenser, should always be free of anything blocking the equipment. Plant growth, debris, or grass clippings can clog and damage your unit, causing it to run less efficiently. Using a clean cloth or brush, gently clean the coil from the fins. Make sure not to use a lot of force or you may bend the fins. Keeping the outdoor unit clean from debris will reduce resistance and boost your A/C system’s efficiency. Do not forget to turn off the thermostat before attempting to clean the unit.

3) Clean Indoor Ductwork

Because ductwork is hidden within ceilings and walls, a full cleaning of your duct work should be done by a professional. You can keep parts of your ductwork clean and dry by removing registers and inspecting and wiping the visible parts of the ducts.  You can also inspect these parts of the ducts for wear or water damage.

Due to condensation, the air ducts can accumulate moisture. This can damage your system and can lead to the growth of mold and fungus. If there is water damage to your A/C unit, address the problem immediately by calling a professional. Do not try to repair the system on your own, since there could be many different issues resulting in malfunction.

4) Check and Maintain Fan Belts on Outdoor Unit

Inspect the fan belts regularly and adjust or replace them if needed. These parts can usually be purchased at your local hardware or home improvement store. However, be sure that you purchase the correct replacement part for your particular system. These components ensure that your A/C system is running at maximum efficiency, so they play a key role in lowering your energy bills.

5) Schedule a Pre-Season Tune-Up by a Professional

You should hire a professional to inspect and “tune” your air-conditioning unit once in a while. Besides having the right tools and know-how, a licensed contractor can unclog, fix or upgrade your system, keeping it running efficiently and addressing issues before they become larger problems. The cost of a seasonal tune-up is a minimal investment that can keep prolong the life of your system where performed regularly.  

General Recommendations

While some procedures can be performed by homeowners, others will require the help of a professional. When in doubt, hire an A/C system expert. A trusted professional will make sure that the unit is working properly and getting his/her advice will also save you from many potential problems.

It is also important to familiarize yourself with some of the most basic A/C terms. Having a better idea will be essential for doing maintenance in the best way. Here are some of the most commonly used terms:

• Filter – it reduces the amount of dust released into the air. Filters are rectangular or square in shape and can be easily removed from the indoor unit. 

• Duct work – located in the ceiling, these are round tubes are responsible for the distribution of cool or heated air to the rooms.

• Thermostat – a small box mounted near the indoor unit that controls the A/C system. With it, you can change the indoor temperature.

• Register – the registers, or grills, are the inserts in the ceiling or floor that deliver air into your home. Registers can deliver and return re-heated air into a room.

Keeping your home cool is critical in the hot summer months! Be sure you’re prepared for the season by remembering these five important ways to get your A/C system ready for the time you’ll need it most. Also, take some time to get to know your air conditioning system. Familiarity with the most important parts will be essential for you to do regular maintenance, communicate issues with the experts and to make sure that your unit functions properly.

Get Your Home Ready for Spring

Get ready for spring early so you will not be tied down to chores when the warmer weather hits!

1. Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure they are directing water away from the house.

2. Cut back tree limbs and shrubs growing within five feet of the house or that are brushing up against the roof. You will create better ventilation, help dry out surfaces and prevent possible damage.

3. Check for and repair cracks in driveway/sidewalk. Spring is the best time to seal cracks in the driveway or any other concrete.

4. Pressure wash your deck/patio and bring outdoor furniture out of storage.  Make sure to wipe down each piece thoroughly prior to placing on a freshly-washed surface.

5. Check garden hoses for dry rot and inspect hose faucets for possible freeze damage that may have occurred during the winter months.

6. Clean/condition your outdoor grill by first rinsing all outside surfaces with water.  If grease has loosened on the grill grates and inside of the grill, wipe off using grill cleaner and paper towels. 

7. Follow by washing with a mild detergent and water. Rinse well and wipe dry.

8. Check for possible damage to the roof.  Look for missing, cracked or broken shingles and make note of any needed repairs. For safety reasons, you may want to consider hiring a qualified professional to take care of any repair work that needs to be done. 

Furnace Safety Tips

It's important to maintain your furnace for safety and operating efficiency. Follow the tips listed for the type of furnace in your home.

Floor furnace

• Avoid lint build-up by vacuuming the floor furnace and the area around it regularly.
• Keep children away from the grill, as it gets very hot.
• Avoid fires - don't place rugs, furniture or combustible items over or near the grill and do not block the airflow.

Wall furnace

• Clean inside the burner compartment of built-in, vented wall furnaces once a month during the heating season to prevent lint build-up or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never place combustible items on or near the appliance or vent.

Central gravity furnace and central forced-air heating

• Keep furnace heat registers free of obstructions.
• Don't store items nearby that might stop or restrict airflow.
• Many gas furnaces use air from the indoors to operate. Lint, dust and pet hair carried by air, or items stored in or around the furnace can block or restrict airflow. In order to operate safely and efficiently, your gas furnace must be kept free of dust and lint build-up and other obstructions stored near the furnace. Never store or use flammable products, such as newspapers, flammable liquids or cleaning products near the furnace.
• Most forced-air furnaces have a filter that cleans the air before heating and circulating it throughout the home. Inspect your filter monthly for lint build-up during periods of furnace use. Clean or replace the filter if necessary. Replacing filters often can improve appliance efficiency and reduce your energy consumption.
• When installing a new or cleaned filter, be sure to re-install the front panel door of the furnace properly so it fits snugly. Never operate the furnace without the front-panel door properly in place because doing so may create the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Most new forced-air furnaces have a safety (interlock) switch that prevents furnace operation when the filter compartment door/panel is not in place.
• Note: some older forced-air furnaces do not have a safety switch and can be operated with the filter compartment door or panel off or not properly in place.

Unvented Space Heaters 

• Always install and use unvented space heaters in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Unvented space heaters are not to be used as the sole source of heat in your home.

Energy Savings Tips for Winter

Fast and Free 

Cutting back unnecessary energy use is an easy way to keep your hard earned money in your pocket. Here are some suggestions you can do at home, at absolutely no cost to you. 

Let the sunshine in. Open drapes and let the sun heat your home for free (get them closed again at sundown so they help insulate).

Rearrange your rooms. Move your furniture around so you are sitting near interior walls - exterior walls and older windows are likely to be drafty. Don't sit in the draft.

Keep it shut. Traditional fireplaces are an energy loser - it's best not to use them because they pull heated air out of the house and up the chimney. When not in use, make absolutely sure the damper is closed. Before closing the damper, make sure that you don't have any smoldering embers. If you decide not to use a fireplace, then block off the chimney with a piece of rigid insulation from the hardware store that fits snugly into the space (dampers don't shut fully without some leaking).

Eliminate wasted energy. Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms. Unplug that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don't truly need it - this seemingly convenient way to keep extra drinks cold adds 10-25 percent to your electric bill. Turn off kitchen and bath-ventilating fans after they've done their job - these fans can blow out a house-full of heated air if inadvertently left on. Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning to prevent up to 8 percent of your furnace-heated air from going up the chimney.

Shorten showers. Simply reducing that lingering time by a few minutes can save hundreds of gallons of hot water per month for a family of four. Showers account for 2/3 of your water heating costs. Cutting your showers in half will reduce your water heating costs by 33 percent.

Use appliances efficiently. Do only full loads when using your dishwasher and clothes washer. Use the cold water setting on your clothes washer when you can. Using cold water reduces your washer's energy use by 75 percent. Be sure to clean your clothes dryer's lint trap after each use. Use the moisture-sensing automatic drying setting on your dryer if you have one.

Put your computer and monitor to sleep. Most computers come with the power management features turned off. On computers using Windows, open your power management software and set it so your computer goes to sleep if you're away from your machine for 5 to 15 minutes. Those who use Macintosh computers look for the setting in your Control Panels called "Energy Saver" and set it accordingly. When you're done using your computer, turn it off (see next tip). Do not leave it in sleep mode overnight as it is still drawing a small amount of power.

Plug "leaking energy" in electronics. Many new TVs, VCRs, chargers, computer peripherals and other electronics use electricity even when they are switched "off." Although these "standby losses" are only a few watts each, they add up to more than 50 watts in a typical home that is consumed all the time. If possible, unplug electronic devices and chargers that have a block-shaped transformer on the plug when they are not in use. For computer scanners, printers and other devices that are plugged into a power strip, simply switch off the power strip after shutting down your computer. The best way to minimize these losses of electricity is to purchase ENERGY STAR® products.

Inexpensive Energy Solutions 

Every home is different. With a quick trip to your local hardware store, you have even more choices at hand. 

Choose ENERGY STAR® Products. Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGTY STAR compact fluorescent light bulbs, especially in high-use light fixtures. Compact fluorescent lights use 75 percent less energy than incandescent lights.

Plug your home's leaks. Install weather-stripping or caulk leaky doors and windows and install gaskets behind outlet covers. Savings up to 10 percent on energy costs.

Install low flow showerheads. If you do not already have them, low-flow showerheads and faucets can drastically cut your hot water expenses. Savings of 10-16 percent of water heating costs.

Wrap the hot water tank with jacket insulation. This is especially valuable for older water heaters with little internal insulation. Be sure to leave the air intake vent uncovered when insulating a gas water heater. Savings up to 10 percent on water heating costs.

Good Energy-Saving Investments

Do you need any new appliances, or are you planning to do some remodeling? Consider these energy efficiency suggestions before you purchase. 

Choose ENERGY STAR appliances and electronics. When buying new appliances, choose ENERGY STAR-certified models. For example, a new ENERGY STAR refrigerator uses about 20 percent less energy than a standard new refrigerator, and 46 percent less than one made in 1980. A new Energy Star® clothes washer uses nearly 50 percent less energy than a standard washer.

Install a programmable thermostat. If you have a heat pump, select a model designed for heat pumps. Set-back thermostats can save up to 15 percent on energy costs.

Increase ceiling insulation. If your ceiling is uninsulated or scantily insulated, consider increasing your insulation to up to R-38 to reduce heating costs by 5-25 percent.

Seal ducts. Leaking ductwork accounts for more than 25 top 30 percent of heating costs in an average California home. Consider hiring a contractor to test the tightness of your ducts and repair leaks and restrictions in your duct. Many utilities have programs to assist you. Check out the Flex Your Power Web site for rebate and consumer programs or contact or local utility.

High-efficiency windows. If you are planning to replace your windows, choosing ENERGY STAR windows can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 15 percent.