The Impact of Hardware on Energy Efficiency: Seals, Locks & More

May 28, 2024

As we strive toward sustainable living, it has become a hot agenda for homeowners and builders alike to increase a home’s energy efficiency. While insulation, appliances with energy-saving capabilities, and smart home systems take most of the glory in being technological innovations that secure energy efficiency in a home, hardware elements—specifically seals, locks, and other components around doors and windows—cannot be overlooked.

Seals: The Unsung Heroes of Energy Efficiency

One of the most effective ways to make your home energy-efficient is by ensuring proper sealing around doors and windows. Seals act as barriers that prevent air from entering or escaping your home, hence decreasing your energy consumption. Without proper seals, warm air gets out in winter, as does cool air in the summer, making your HVAC system work harder and use more energy.

Types of Seals:

1. Weatherstripping: Applied around the edges of doors and windows, weatherstripping forms a tight seal that blocks drafts and prevents energy loss
2. Door Sweeps: Installed at the bottom of exterior doors, door sweeps create a seal that blocks drafts from entering beneath the door

High-quality seals, if correctly installed and properly maintained, can make an immense difference in terms of the energy efficiency of your home and will decrease your utility bills, as well as provide you a comfortable living atmosphere.

Locks: Beyond Security

Though locks are most often associated with security, their impact on energy efficiency is equally significant. Quality locks ensure that the doors and windows close tightly, thereby maintaining seal integrity and avoiding air leakage.

Advanced Locking Mechanisms:

• Multi-Point Locks: These systems secure the door at multiple points along the frame, providing a tighter and more even seal than traditional single-point locks. This not only enhances security but also improves energy efficiency by minimizing gaps where air can escape

By choosing locks that provide a tight fit and proper alignment, you can improve your home’s security and energy efficiency.

Other Components of Hardware

Other hardware components include hinges and threshold, among others, which also contribute to energy efficiency.

1. Hinges: Quality hinges ensure the correct positioning of doors and windows; therefore, it provides an effective seal. The air infiltration through misaligned doors and windows may compromise the effectiveness of seals and locks
2. Threshold: A threshold, correctly designed, acts as a barrier to air and moisture infiltration at the bottom of exterior doors. It works with seals and door sweeps to give an overall protection against energy loss

Making the Right Hardware Choice

Choosing the right hardware is a process that goes beyond merely selecting the most expensive or the best-looking hardware. It is about finding the products that work toward enhancing energy efficiency and making sure they are properly installed.

Tips for Choosing Hardware:

• Look for products that are specifically labeled as being energy-efficient
• Consult with professionals at Smith & DeShields to ensure compatibility and proper installation
• Regularly inspect and maintain your hardware to be assured that it is in proper working order

Making the right choice toward energy-efficient hardware can bring you a step closer to closing the gap in your home’s total energy performance thereby saving you money while protecting the environment.

Smith & DeShields

Choose from an unparalleled selection of doors, hardware, moulding and other architectural accents, as well as building supplies. Many of these are in stock, available immediately and are locally exclusive to Smith & DeShields. Quality permeates every facet of our business and it’s no different when it comes to choosing top-quality hardware.

For over 67 years, Smith & DeShields has been well-respected for evolving its product lines to match the latest technology, designs and hardware that stand the test of time. Contractors, architects, and homeowners alike are invited to experience the wide variety of quality products showcased in each of our four Florida showrooms.

Visit SmithandDeShields.com to learn more.