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Open the door to more energy savings

With home entertaining on the rise and backyard barbecue season in full swing, make sure your home is ready for hot fun and high-traffic summer activities. And keep in mind the potential energy savings you can earn with renovations.

A recent Lowe’s survey found the do-it-yourself movement is experiencing a comeback in this tight economy. Homeowners surveyed are almost evenly split between saving money and taking on a project for enjoyment. About 32 percent of DIYers cite “pleasure” as the reason they’re planning a project, while 35 percent say it’s to save on total project costs.

Sunny days and cool nights set the perfect stage for welcoming fresh air into a home. Look at the front and back entrances to your home and decide if a door makeover would improve the look, function and ventilation. If your sliding glass door requires a shoulder bump and yank to open, or if the front door looks like it’s been sizzling in the heat of summer and is faded beyond recognition, it’s time to tackle a weekend renovation project.

When choosing a replacement door, consider the following factors — energy efficiency, style, ease of installation and pre-finished options.

Save energy
It pays to be “green.” Right now American homeowners can claim a tax credit up to 30 percent of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient replacement windows and exterior doors, not exceeding $1,500 for units installed in 2009 or 2010. Not only does it make good economic sense to replace a door right now, it can save you money in the long run. Save on your energy bill with doors that are known to be highly energy efficient. Pella Designer Series triple-pane windows and patio doors, featuring beautiful blinds or shades between panes of glass, are rated No. 1 for energy efficiency among top national brands.

Savvy style
There are many style options when it comes to choosing an entry door. Consider your whole-house appearance, along with window style and colors. As you review the doors, the choice is yours: decorative glass that adds privacy or the cleaner look of beveled glass.

Also factor in how much exposure the door will get from weather elements like sun, wind and rain. Choose from wood, pre-finished wood, fiberglass or steel options to suit your style and budget. One way to save on energy costs and gain privacy is with a vinyl sliding patio door that houses blinds between the panes of glass. Pella’s vinyl door requires little-to-no maintenance and the sleek white blinds are protected between the glass so they stay clean and stay put when the door is frequently opened and closed during your next party.

Doing it right
During window or exterior door replacement, the desire to add more natural light while cutting the time and cost of maintaining a home remain high priorities. Proper window and door installation is critical to ensure the product performs at optimal levels and lasts a long time. Choose factory-assembled windows and doors from reputable manufacturers for added reliability. Review the product’s installation instructions to ensure you’re clear on how to install it properly whether you’re doing it yourself or you opt to hire someone to do it for you.

Pre-finished solutions
DIYers who choose convenient pre-finished products save money and time in overall construction costs. Many doors come pre-finished which saves you precious time and offer a professional finish and added protection from the outdoor elements.

If your weekend roundup includes a door installation, check out these helpful tips from Pella.

Replacing your exterior doors can help save energy and create a better view of your world. Visit your local Pella Window & Door Showroom for ideas, log on to www.pella.com to schedule an in-home consultation or call (888) 84-PELLA for details on how to get started. Follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News.