Replacement Sliding Doors - Energy Efficient Benefits and Tips on How to Choose

These days everyone wants to save money where they can, but you have to be careful that your cost savings now don't end up costing you money in the long term. Choosing inexpensive replacement sliding glass doors might seem like a good deal now, but what about five years down the road? Here are a few tips on how to spend wisely on your new doors.

Long Term Concerns for Inexpensive Replacement Sliding Glass Doors

Just about any replacement sliding door is going to operate properly the first month after the door installation is complete, but how it operates in a year is often determined by how frequently it is used and the quality of the door. If your replacement sliding glass doors are going to be located where they are seldom used, then inexpensive sliding doors might be fine. However, if your doors are going to be one of the primary exits from your home, then you may want to choose mid to high level sliding doors to avoid potential problems such as:

• the operable door jumping off track and becoming jammed in the frame
• the doors becoming out of square and air gaps developing
• the lock loosening and seldom working
• the door rollers breaking

All of these issues can be corrected, but unless you are a skilled DIY handy-person, you may end up paying a door or window contractor for regular visits.

Replacement Sliding Glass Doors and Energy Efficiency

Most of the replacement sliding glass door manufacturers now have models that can save you money on energy usage and in some cases may qualify you for a federal energy tax credit. Sliding glass doors with an Energy Star rating often have insulating gas between the glass panes and a reflective coating that helps to keep heat inside your home during the winter and outside in the summer. If the doors you purchase qualify for the tax credit, you can receive 30 percent of the costs of the doors up to $1,500; however, the credit is for materials costs only. Labor is not covered.

Long term energy costs savings can be substantial with Energy Star-rated replacement sliding glass doors, and if you are able to add in that tax credit, then inexpensive replacement sliding glass doors may not be the best deal, after all.