Why Install Energy-efficient Doors?

Energy-efficient doors have proven to be one of the best ways to save energy at home. The primary focus remains on exterior doors. Easily allowing heat to escape or enter your home, insulated exterior doors can disrupt internal temperature. This implies that you will require additional energy to maintain a comfortable temperature at home. To save valuable energy, and your heating and cooling cost, an energy-efficient door can truly be a great investment. It can help in maintaining a more comfortable and consistent temperature all year round.

One of the major reasons, energy-efficient doors are gaining popularity is due to their capability to significantly reduce your bills. Well-insulated doors are also a great step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Consuming less energy, the carbon footprint of each household can be greatly reduced. Another, the great advantage of energy-efficient doors is that it keeps moisture outside. Less moisture indoors can help in preventing the growth of mold. It can also be a great way to repel pests and insects.

From lowering your bills and promoting a healthier environment to reducing the damage to our beloved planet, energy-efficient doors are a must-have for every home. Following is our guide to help you to select an energy-efficient door, best suited to your needs and requirements.

What Makes Doors Energy Efficient?

Three main factors can contribute to the energy efficiency of your door. One of the most important remains the material of the door. Some materials are naturally better at insulating and can help in maintaining a comfortable temperature at home. It is also important to consider the filling or core material of the door. The right core material can significantly increase the insulation properties of the door.

The second factor to consider is the installation of the door. As the door attaches to the jamb, it may leave gaps from which drafts or heat can easily enter the home. To prevent external elements from affecting the temperature, a tightly fitted door remains a necessity. A tight seal at the jamb can greatly increase the energy efficiency of the door. The last thing to consider is the presence of glass in the door. A single glass may easily lose heat and make the door less efficient. In this case, multiple glass panes should be used to maintain the energy efficiency of the door. From the core material and presence of glass to the proper installation of the door, each factor contributes to the efficiency of the door.

To calculate the insulation capacity of each door, it may go through several tests. U factor serves as the energy efficiency assessment for a door. It calculates the rate at which heat transfers through the door. Therefore, a lower U value ensures a well-insulated door. Another way to measure a door's efficiency is the R-value. It determines a material's heat resistance property. A higher R-value will resist heat radiation to deliver a well-insulated door. These two major readings along with some other tests allow a door to receive an energy start level. It can be a great criterion to determine the efficiency of a door.

Comparing Energy Efficiency of Different doors:

The material of the door plays an important role in determining its energy efficiency. We have compared different materials to deduce the insulation capacity of each. We have defined the insulation property of each material, together with some tips and techniques to make your exterior door more energy efficient.

• Wooden doors:

Wooden doors serve as a classic choice for any exterior or interior door. While hardwood may have good insulation properties, it is easily prone to wraps and moisture. This can lead to gaps that eventually allow drafts to enter the home with lower thermal performance. For this reason, wooden doors may not be the most feasible option when it comes to energy efficiency. If you like the look of wooden doors, then certain measures can be taken to make them more energy-efficient. Sealing the edges, weatherstripping, and draught excluder can be installed within the doors to improve its insulation. Vinyl doors are also a low-cost alternative to wooden doors. Vinyl doors are generally more energy-efficient. However, care must be taken when installing Vinyl doors outdoor as the sun can easily break down plasticizers.

• Steel doors:

Steel doors stand as one of the most energy-efficient doors. While the materials itself is not a good insulator, steel doors utilize sandwich technology to provide good efficiency. The doors are further filled with a layer of insulation in between to greatly enhance their efficiency. Another great advantage of steel door is that it does not warp or shrink. This minimizes the risk of thermal loss and air leakage, leading to a more consistent and comfortable temperature at home. With good energy efficiency, steel windows also offer other benefits such as soundproofing and security to serve as one of the best options for exterior doors.

• Fiberglass doors:

Fiberglass doors have proven to be the most energy-efficient option for your home. Helping to maintain a comfortable temperature, a fiberglass exterior door can greatly help in reducing your heating and cooling cost. One of the best advantages of fiberglass doors remains that they can effortlessly take different styles and finishes. With a wood veneer on the door, you can get the sleek look of wood with the efficiency of a fiberglass core. The material is also quite strong and durable. It does not wrap or expand to maintain a consistent temperature. Lastly, fiberglass remains a lightweight material and would not easily pull away from the frame to let in drafts. Durable, lightweight, and versatile, energy-efficient fiberglass doors are a great option for your home

Other Elements that Contribute to Door Efficiency:

• Insulating Core

The insulating core serves as an important component of an energy-efficient door. Even, if your door is made with a well-insulated frame, an insulating core remains a necessity. Energy-efficient materials such as fiberglass, steel, and wood veneer all remain lightweight. If left hollow, the door will greatly lose its efficiency. To preserve and improve efficiency, the door must be filled with an insulating core. Polyurethane foam has proven to provide great insulation. A combo of an energy-efficient frame combined with an insulating core can be a great investment towards maintaining a comfortable temperature and significantly reducing your bills.

• Energy-efficient Glass:

Glass inserts within the exterior door remain popular as a way to elevate its visual appeal. However, large glass panes can be a gateway to thermal loss and greatly reduce the efficiency of the door. Dual-pane or triple-pane glass can serve as an effective solution to maintain the efficiency of your exterior door. Even glass inserts must be chosen carefully. Inserts with low-emissivity coating remain most efficient, as they can reflect heat and block harmful UV rays from entering your home. If you plan to use glass in your exterior door, both multiple panes and low E-coating are important for preserving the efficiency of the door.

• Weatherstripping:

Proper installation of the door remains as important as the material. If the door is not fitted properly, it may lead to gaps and cracks to let in air. This air leakage can significantly reduce the energy efficiency of a door. To avoid the problem weatherstripping remains the perfect solution. Applied to the top, bottom, and sides of the frame, weatherstripping helps to seal the gaps and prevent air leakage. The stripping is available in a wide variety of materials including rubber, felt, foam, vinyl, or metal, each holding a different insulation capacity. When choosing the right material, it is important to ensure that it can withstand temperature changes and, wear and tear of the door. Selecting the right material and proper installation of weather strips can be a great way to regulate the temperature of your home and provide extra protection against harsh elements of weather.

Energy-efficient doors can be a great benefit to us and our environment. It can significantly help in reducing your heating and cooling cost, provide a healthy surrounding by preventing the growth of mold and reduce the carbon footprint of your home. When looking for an energy-efficient door, refer to the energy star rating of each door. Choose a well-insulated material that best suits your budget and climatic conditions. The filling or insulation core remains as important as the framing material itself. Lastly, proper installation of the door remains a key element in the efficacy of the door. Use weatherstripping to seal any kind of gaps or air leakage, to maintain a consistent temperature at home. Energy-efficient doors can be a great investment to protect your home against harsh elements of weather, lower your bills and promote comfortable living.