Editor's note: A version of this column has previously run on deseretnews.com and the authors' blog, renovationdesigngroup.com.

Energy-efficient updates are a good idea any time of the year. There is, however, a more measurable and meaningful reason to go green during the colder months. You can ease the pain of the winter heating bill by making a few simple changes to your outside doors. These simple changes can enhance the energy efficiency of your entire house, keeping you warmer and saving you money all winter long.

Doors and windows are basically large holes cut in the thermal envelope of your house. Even under the best of conditions, the R-value (the measure of the thermal resistance of a material or assembly) of doors and windows is significantly less than that of the wall in which they sit. Without the proper unit or correct installation, air and heat may be leaking out, driving up your energy bill.

There are three common types of exterior door materials: wood, fiberglass and steel. Of these, wood is the most beautiful, but it is also the least energy efficient. Insulated doors have a core of foam insulation, which increases thermal resistance. Any glass within the door frame should also be insulated, meaning two panes of glass at a minimum. This is especially important if the doors are mostly glass, such as patio (sliding) or French doors.

Energy.gov explains the energy efficiency of the different doors by the R-values:

"The R-values of most steel and fiberglass-clad entry doors range from R-5 to R-6 (not including the effects of a window). For example: A 1 inch (3.81 cm) thick insulated door without a window offers more than five times the insulating value of a solid wood door of the same size.

"Glass or 'patio' doors, especially sliding glass doors, lose heat much faster than other types of doors because glass is a very poor insulator. Most modern glass doors with metal frames have a thermal break, which is a plastic insulator between the inner and outer parts of the frame that interrupts the transfer of cold to the interior of the assembly."

"Models with several layers of glass, low-emissivity coatings, and/or low-conductivity gases between the glass panes are a good investment, especially in extreme climates," according to energy.gov.

Over the long run, the additional cost of the unit is paid back many times over in energy savings.

Once you have selected an energy-efficient door unit, care must be taken to install it correctly. Proper weatherstripping is critical to keeping air from leaking. Updating the weatherstripping on an existing front door is a useful exercise, even if you are not replacing the door.

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Renovation Solutions: Upgrade front door for energy savings

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Bosque Brewing Company has skipped a soft and grand opening and jumped straight to opening the doors of its newest taproom to the public today.

Bosques director of operations Gabe Jensen said the opening of its Public House, located where Nob Hill and the University of New Mexico areas meet, has been a long time coming.

The new Public House has 12 taps and will offer rotating special releases as well as Bosques staples: Bosque Lager, Pale Ryder, Cumulus Wheat IPA, Brewers Boot Amber Ale, Scotia Scotch Ale and Driftwood Oatmeal Stout, according to Jensen.

The 3,000 square-foot space includes an impressive patio area perfect for people watching and enjoying other aesthetically pleasing views.

The patio wraps around the northeast corner of the building, Jensen said during a recent phone interview. Im sitting here looking at the mountains and UNM. There is also a lot of people-watching to do.

The Public House will offer a food menu similar to its mothership location in Albuquerques Northeast Heights, including salads, soups, sandwiches and other fare to curb appetites. The new location has not nailed down its operation hours yet, but will open everyday at 11 a.m., according to Jensen.

The addition of the new location now offers Bosque customers the best of both worlds, according to Jensen. He explained that the mothership location at 8900 San Mateo NE near Alameda, where its beer is brewed, offers a cool, tucked-away atmosphere away from the citys hustle and bustle. He said the Public House is set in the heart of where things are happening in Albuquerque and is walking distance from other breweries and bars in the Nob Hill and UNM areas.

We love being part of the community, Jensen said.

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Bosque Brewing Co. opens new taproom today in Nob Hill/UNM area

Published Jan 7, 2015 at 1:07 pm (Updated Jan 7, 2015)

OgdensburgMove-in ready four-bedroom, three -and-a half bath raised ranch in the Mariam Estates section of Ogdensburg has a lot to offer.

Updated and tastefully decorated with bay windows and skylights throughout the large rooms makes it spacious and bright. Cathedral and high ceilings complement the living areas.

The contemporary white kitchen has a breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances with sliding glass patio doors leading to a large deck. The family room is inviting with a great floor plan and unique windows making it a stylish space. The renovated bathrooms are all different and nicely done. There are plenty of bedrooms and walk-in closet space for family and guests.

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New septic, boiler and water heater are just a few of the bonuses in this home. A garage and shed provide plenty of storage. Located on a one-third acre lot with beautiful greenery, the outdoor space is equally as nice as the indoor.

Easy access to Rte. 23 for commuters with plenty of shopping in nearby Franklin, this house is convenient and affordable for all.

Call Catherine Pansini at Century 21 Geba Realty to see this home.

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Updated raised ranch in Ogdensburg

RAIDERS smashed their way through glass doors to burgle homes.

Crooks forced their way through French windows at the back of a property in Badgers Way, Benfleet, on New Years Eve.

They trashed the house before fleeing with jewellery and a black Michael Kors handbag.

The raid was similar to another burglary in Church Road, Benfleet, on New Years Day.

The back patio door was smashed to gain entry and burglars again trashed the house while searching for items. Police do not yet know the extent of what was taken.

Meanwhile in Hall Farm Road, Benfleet, front and rear doors were damaged as raiders tried to gain entry to a property on Saturday.

Again the house was ransacked but a full list of items stolen is not yet known.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information can call Southend CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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Raiders smash windows to burgle homes

Master Seal - Sliding Glass Patio Doors in Baltimore, Georges County Prince George #39;s County MD
http://mastersealonline.com/patio-doors/sliding-patio-doors/ - Sliding glass patio doors can provide security as well as beauty. Take pride in having exceptionally crafted patio doors or secure...

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Townhouse for sale Pruna in Sevilla Spain ref 11512
A nice fitted bathroom sits off the lovely shaded internal patio which could be a second bathroom if you wanted to put a new one in upstairs where there is plenty of room, The two reception...

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Townhouse for sale Pruna in Sevilla Spain ref 11512 - Video

Set on a hilltop lot in the Hadley Hills neighborhood of Whittier, five-bedroom residence takes in coastline and city views. Large formal rooms lined in glass doors and windows give way to a covered entertainers patio framed by large stone pillars. Elsewhere are a pair of balconies and a viewing deck.

Location: 13686 Sycamore Dr., Whittier, 90601

Asking price: $659,000

Year built: 1965

House size: 2,480 square feet, five bedrooms, three bathrooms

Lot size: 10,371 square feet

Features: Hardwood flooring, French doors, formal entry, dining room, living room, wall-to-wall fireplace, kitchen with bar, breakfast area, bonus room/office, brick-lined patio, barbecue, viewing balconies, landscaping, fountain, motor court, two-car garage, gate

About the area: Nine single-family homes in the 90601 ZIP Code sold in November at a median sale price of $520,000, according to DataQuick. That was about a 4% drop in median price year-over-year.

Agent: Julio Moreno, (562) 556-2455, TNG Real Estate Consultants

To submit a candidate for Home of the Day, send high-resolution color photos via Dropbox.com, permission from the photographer to publish the images and a description of the house to neal.leitereg@latimes.com.

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Home of the Day: Wide views from Whittier's hilltop neighborhood

Master Seal Doors in Baltimore - Entry Doors, Storm Doors, Patio Doors Security Doors
Visit http://mastersealonline.com/ for a variety of high quality doors in Baltimore, MD. We carry a vast selection of doors like entry doors, storm doors, pa...

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Townhouse for sale Santiago De La Ribera in Murcia Spain ref 10961
Front bedroom has patio doors leading out onto a terrace * Marble staircase continues onto second floor which has a large bedroom with ensuite and exit to the roof solarium * Large terrace...

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Townhouse for sale Santiago De La Ribera in Murcia Spain ref 10961 - Video

MultiFamily for sale - 417 KNAPP ST, Oshkosh, City of, WI 54902-5750
Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/9DQEVW -Nice home that could be used as a single family or Duplex. Spacious lower level has 2 bedrooms, lg kitchen living room. The upper...

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MultiFamily for sale - 417 KNAPP ST, Oshkosh, City of, WI 54902-5750 - Video