Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.
Like many other Rocklanders right now I am frustrated. My O&R bill has always been on the higher side, but I do own a 1950’s ranch with no insulation, just fiberglass in the attic. In the past 3 months my bill has jumped yet ANOTHER $200. Which leaves me thinking- is my house that inefficient? Why all of the sudden has it jumped up that much? What can I do about it? Enter Steve Murray of Northern Windows, Siding, Roofing and Insulation. He’s a RNYM directory member and honestly one of the nicest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I gave him a call and was able to meet two days later at my house. I was ready to hear that there was nothing I could do because my walls are plaster- but what I got was truly an education.
First of all Steve recommended doing an efficiency audit-which there is a local program available to have it done for free (or close to it). During this audit they will seal up the house and check to see where the most energy is lost (CLICK HERE). You can choose an approved contractor or they will choose one for you (Northern Windows is one of them, and the one i’m using). He suggested doing that before making changes to see which would be the most pressing for our case. In fact, at the end of the assessment, the improvements are ranked for you in terms of best Return on Investment (ROI), which I can’t wait to see.
We DID know our front doors are old and inefficient as at least one is the original 1951 version where you can see around it and almost through it in some places. So we talked doors. Steve has tons of options, lots of attractive ones, and we talked looks for a while. I was nervous because I was estimating quite a large number for them both (like RNYD would never let it happen), but I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to easily find efficient doors that I liked the look of, for what I consider very reasonable pricing.
There are also a few great perks:
- They are guaranteed for life.
- The doors have composite jambs so they won’t rot from weather from the inside out like doors of old.
- The fiberglass won’t melt in the sun (I swear I had heard that somewhere).
- The doors don’t get cold or hot to the touch because they are insulated throughout.
- Steve’s crew takes all the debris and old door away- changes out the frame- and uses aluminum capping on the outside.
- There are low E options for doors with windows.
I loved how honest Steve was with me about the doors, and also about the look that would compliment my house the best. In his time on the job he has almost seen it all. The books have something for everyone’s taste and budget. The meeting with Steve is very low key, he’s not pushy in any way, and is happy to answer questions before, during and after the meeting so that you feel at ease. Mostly, he wants you to be happy. A parent and a homeowner himself, he is concerned with the same issues you are and will happily tell you about his own experiences with efficiency in his own (older- read less efficient) home.
We’ve got our assessment scheduled to take a look at our houses overall efficiency, but have a definite plan in place for the doors within the year. I’ve picked the ones I like and know the budget now to save for. I also know who I am using. In fact, our short list includes a new window or two in the basement, and when I do the doors, i’ll add those on too.
I am really very appreciative for the education I received during our meeting and can’t wait to see more about my home when we do the assessment, especially if it means sending less of my paycheck to O&R each month. I promise to keep you updated on our progress. As always, if you give Steve a call, we appreciate letting him know you heard about him here. :O)
