Common Window and Door Issues That Affect Energy Efficiency
- Tyler Reynolds
- Apr 28
- 5 min read
Essential Insights for Atlanta Homeowners
At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions of Georgia, we perform hundreds of home inspections throughout Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs every year. One of the biggest — and most underestimated — sources of energy loss we find? Windows and doors.
Even small problems with your windows and doors can significantly reduce your home's energy efficiency, leading to higher utility bills, uncomfortable indoor temperatures, and increased HVAC strain.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the common window and door issues we encounter in the Atlanta metro area, how they impact your home's performance, and what you can do to address them.
Table of Contents
Why Energy Efficiency Matters for Atlanta Homes
In the Atlanta market, energy efficiency isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity. Between sweltering summers and occasional chilly winters, your home's ability to retain heated or cooled air directly impacts:
Your monthly utility costs
Your HVAC system's lifespan
Your indoor comfort
Your property value
Energy loss through faulty windows and doors can account for up to 30% of total heating and cooling energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Whether you live in Buckhead, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, or Smyrna, improving energy efficiency starts with identifying weak points — especially windows and doors.
How Windows and Doors Affect Energy Efficiency
Windows and doors are critical interfaces between the inside and outside environments. They’re responsible for:
Thermal insulation (keeping hot air out in summer, and in during winter)
Air sealing (preventing drafts and air leaks)
Solar heat gain (how much heat from sunlight enters your home)
Ventilation (fresh air circulation when opened)
If they aren't functioning properly, they allow uncontrolled air flow and heat transfer, forcing your HVAC system to work harder — and costing you money.
Common Window Problems That Waste Energy
Here are the most frequent window issues we discover during home inspections in Atlanta and the surrounding suburbs:
1. Broken or Failed Seals
Double- and triple-pane windows are designed with insulated gas between panes. If the seal breaks:
Moisture seeps in
Gas leaks out
Insulation value drops significantly
Visual Clue: Fogging, condensation, or streaks between panes — common in homes in humid areas like Smyrna, Kennesaw, and East Cobb.
2. Drafty Windows
Drafts are a clear indicator of air leakage. They often occur due to:
Poor installation
Warping from moisture damage
Aged or deteriorated materials
Drafty windows can cause up to a 25% increase in heating and cooling costs, especially during Atlanta’s hot summers.
3. Single-Pane Windows
Many older homes in Atlanta, Roswell, and Sandy Springs still have single-pane windows. These offer almost no insulation compared to modern energy-efficient models.
Solution: Upgrade to double-pane Low-E glass with insulated gas fills.
4. Warped or Rotted Frames
Atlanta’s humidity, rain, and heat can cause wooden window frames to:
Expand
Warp
Rot
Develop gaps
When the frame integrity is compromised, so is the window’s ability to insulate.
5. Improper Caulking or Weatherstripping
Even small gaps between the window and wall can create major energy loss. Over time:
Caulk cracks and peels
Weatherstripping wears out
Poor sealing is a huge energy waster, especially in homes across Marietta and Alpharetta, where storms and shifting foundations are common.
6. Poor Window Orientation
If your windows aren't shaded properly or face intense sun, you could be getting excessive solar heat gain without adequate insulation.
South- and west-facing windows are particularly vulnerable in hot Atlanta summers.
Common Door Problems That Waste Energy
Doors are just as crucial as windows for maintaining energy efficiency. Common issues include:
1. Misaligned Doors
Over time, homes settle — especially those built on Atlanta’s expansive red clay soil — causing doors to shift or sag.Misalignment means gaps form around the door frame, leading to drafts.
2. Worn-Out Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping around exterior doors often deteriorates faster due to:
Foot traffic
Pets
Harsh weather
Without tight seals, conditioned air leaks out and humid outdoor air leaks in.
3. Hollow-Core or Low-Quality Materials
Some older homes have hollow-core doors designed for interior use that were mistakenly used outside. These provide little thermal barrier and degrade quickly under Atlanta’s intense weather.
4. Door Frame Rot
Just like window frames, door frames can rot from moisture exposure, especially in areas prone to heavy rain and humidity like Decatur and Peachtree City.
Rot compromises the structure, creating gaps and energy loss.
5. Poor Threshold Installation
A faulty or missing door threshold leaves a gap beneath the door, allowing:
Air leaks
Water intrusion
Pest entry
A properly installed adjustable threshold can seal off the base completely.
Window and Door Issues Specific to Atlanta Homes
Atlanta’s hot, humid summers, heavy storms, occasional freezing temperatures, and red clay soil present unique challenges:
Foundation movement (leading to misaligned frames)
Increased UV degradation of materials
Heavy rainfall causing water intrusion around doors and windows
High humidity promoting rot, mold, and seal failure
During our Atlanta home inspections, we always recommend a thorough evaluation of windows and doors because many issues here are climate-related and accelerate over time.
Signs Your Windows and Doors Are Hurting Efficiency
If you're noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time for an inspection:
High monthly energy bills
Drafts near windows or doors
Hot or cold spots inside the home
Fogging or condensation between window panes
Difficulty opening or closing windows/doors
Visible gaps around frames
Peeling paint, rot, or visible water stains around openings
Solutions: How to Improve Window and Door Performance
Here’s what Atlanta homeowners can do to boost energy efficiency:
1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
Install double- or triple-pane windows with:
Low-E coatings
Argon or krypton gas fills
UV protection
Many Atlanta homeowners in Marietta, Roswell, and Sandy Springs see a 15-30% drop in energy bills after upgrading.
2. Replace Old Exterior Doors
Modern energy-efficient doors have:
Solid cores (usually fiberglass or insulated steel)
Tight weather seals
Proper thresholds
Energy Star ratings
3. Install or Replace Weatherstripping
Simple yet highly effective, new weatherstripping can make a massive difference in reducing drafts.
4. Re-Caulk Around Frames
Fresh caulking around windows and doors seals out moisture and air leaks. It's a relatively inexpensive project with high ROI for Atlanta homeowners.
5. Add Storm Windows or Doors
Storm systems add another layer of insulation without the cost of full replacement. They’re especially useful in older Atlanta homes trying to retain historic charm.
6. Apply Window Film
Window films can block up to 99% of UV rays and significantly reduce solar heat gain — particularly important for large west-facing windows common in many Metro Atlanta homes.
Why Hire Reynolds Home and Property Solutions for Inspections
At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions of Georgia, we offer:
Comprehensive energy efficiency evaluations
Detailed window and door inspections
Moisture detection using infrared technology
Foundation and structural assessments
FHA 203k consulting for repair financing options
We proudly serve homeowners in Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Smyrna, Roswell, Kennesaw, Sandy Springs, and beyond.
Choosing an expert inspection ensures you don't just guess about energy loss — you get actionable insights to improve comfort, cut costs, and protect your investment.
Conclusion: Protect Your Home’s Comfort and Value
Small issues with your windows and doors can add up to big problems in your home’s energy efficiency.By addressing drafts, rot, seal failures, and other inefficiencies, you can:
Lower your energy bills
Extend your HVAC system’s life
Increase your home’s resale value
Improve year-round comfort
📅 Ready to find out if your windows and doors are costing you money?
Contact Reynolds Home and Property Solutions of Georgia today!
📍 Serving Metro Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Kennesaw, and surrounding areas.🔗 Schedule Your Inspection Now
Let’s make sure your home is performing at its best — inside and out.
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