What Fuels Window and Door Projects?

Energy efficiency comes at the top of homeowners’ reasons for replacing or upgrading their windows and doors, according to two recent surveys.

Building materials manufacturers Alside and JELD-WEN each conducted individual surveys to discover the top reasons homeowners today decide to undergo window and door replacement projects. Overall, homeowners enjoy the idea of window and door upgrades as a more cost-effective improvement project for enhanced curb appeal.

"As the U.S. home improvement market is expected to hit record highs this year, we're seeing homeowners prioritize low-lift updates that create a high impact," said Jim Parello, JELD-WEN's vice president and general manager of doors for North America. 

Both surveys found that when it comes to motivators, homeowners were most attracted to the long-term cost-saving result of installing energy-efficient windows and doors.

JELD-WEN’s survey found 74% of homeowners were most willing to pay for a door upgrade that provides long-term cost savings, with 47% willing to pay a premium for a more sustainable or eco-friendly product or service. Yet just 30% of homeowners replace exterior doors for the sole reason of increasing their home’s energy efficiency.

From the 1,300 homeowners surveyed by Alside, 36% said enhancing energy efficiency was the top reason they’d consider replacing windows, followed by 29% choosing damage as the top reason.

Interestingly, Alside also questioned homeowners on their decision-making process for selecting a window replacement contractor. 

Word-of-mouth or family/friend recommendation tied for the top spot with 28% of respondents answering each. Then came 22% with a high rating online, and just 4% saying advertisements or other promotions.