Whether you’re building a new home or updating your current one, energy efficient doors with good insulating properties keep outdoor temperatures from invading your home. Energy efficient doors also prevent unwanted heat exchange and air and temperature leaks, so the energy used to heat and cool your home isn’t wasted. The most energy efficient doors act as a seal between the outside temperature and the internal temperature of your home, which saves you money.
Choosing the Most Energy Efficient Doors
New exterior doors have better insulating properties than older doors, so installing new doors gives your home a face-lift while also boosting your energy savings. The material a door is made of plays a big role in its energy efficiency, because certain materials just naturally insulate better. When comparing doors, check the energy performance label, which provides valuable information on heat gain and loss, sunlight transmittance and recommended performance ratings by climate zone.
Compare Door Materials
Most steel and fiberglass doors usually have R-values between R-5 and R-6, so they typically provide more insulating value than wood doors. This means a fiberglass or steel door that’s 1-1/2 inches thick will have five times more insulating value than a solid wood door of the same thickness. The best energy efficient doors also have tighter-fitting frames and if they contain glass, it’s double-pane or triple-pane insulating glass to limit heat transfer.
- Fiberglass composite doors are a lighter, more durable option that won’t contract and expand and get their energy efficiency from a dense polyurethane foam core.
- Steel doors also feature a thick foam center for superior energy efficiency, and they’re extremely durable and add value to your home.
- Vinyl doors block external heat and cold air from entering your home, because they have good thermal insulation, and they retain your home’s interior temperature.
- Wood doors remain a popular exterior door choice for their classic look, but they’re poor insulators of heat and the least energy efficient option.
Homeowners who prefer the classic look of wood, but still want an energy efficient door can get the best of both worlds by choosing fiberglass or textured steel doors with faux wood grain finishes.
Glass Doors and Inserts
Glass doors, especially sliding glass doors, are commonly used for patio egresses, but they lose more heat than any other type of door. Glass is a very poor insulator, but modern sliding patio doors are built to be energy efficient. Choose patio doors built with metal frames and multiple layers of low-emissivity glass that offer a tighter seal and effectively block drafts and reflect heat.
Glass inserts within an entry door are also popular because they enhance the door’s appearance, but large panes of glass can reduce energy efficiency. Choose glass door inserts made of dual-pane or triple-pane glass, which insulates much better than single-pane glass. Increase energy efficiency further by selecting inserts with low-emissivity glass coatings, which reflect heat and block harmful UV rays that cause fading in your home’s interior.
Installation and Other Considerations
Door material won’t guarantee energy-efficient performance, if your doors aren’t correctly installed in the doorframe to ensure a tight seal at the jamb. Pair your energy efficient doors with equally efficient storm doors to add an extra layer of protection from the elements. Ensure both doors fit properly to provide an airtight seal with professional installation to maximize the benefits of investing in energy efficient doors.
Energy Efficient Doors from Thompson Creek
Thompson Creek Windows can help you lower your utility bills with the most energy efficient doors and professional installation by trained experts. Our doors’ energy efficiency exceeds Energy Star® criteria, and they’re built to your home’s exact specifications for a tight seal and perfect fit. Browse the styles we have available in the best energy efficient doors online or contact us for a free, no obligation quote.