Don’t shut the door on energy efficiency before you take a hard look at your doors. While most people focus on windows and appliances, doors are a key component of your home’s overall efficiency. When you upgrade to energy-efficient doors, you’re taking advantage of designs that minimize the amount of energy that escapes your home, instantly decreasing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the walls of your house.
If you’re on a mission to slash your energy bill, those swinging gateways for cool and warm air exchange will help you take a big step forward.
How to Choose Energy-Efficient Doors for Your Home
Look for doors with a high R-value.
The R-value measures the resistance of a material to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the material is at insulating. When choosing a door, look for one with a high R-value. This will ensure that the door is well-insulated and can help keep your home comfortable year-round.
Consider the material.
Fiberglass and steel doors tend to be more energy efficient than wood doors. This is because they are better at insulating and are less likely to warp or rot over time. While wood doors can be energy efficient, they require more maintenance and may not be as durable as fiberglass or steel doors.
Choose the right style.
A door with a lot of windows may look nice, but it can also be less energy efficient than a solid door. If you prefer a door with windows, look for one that has double-paned glass. This will help keep your home insulated while still allowing natural light to enter.
Consider weather-stripping.
Weather stripping helps seal the gaps between the door and the frame, which can prevent drafts and energy loss. Look for doors with high-quality weatherstripping that will seal tightly and provide a barrier against the elements.
Don’t forget about the frame.
Look for frames that are made from materials that are good insulators, such as vinyl or fiberglass. These materials will help prevent heat loss and keep your home comfortable.
Think about the door’s orientation.
If your door is facing south, it will receive more sunlight and may require more insulation to keep your home cool in the summer. If your door is facing north, it may require more insulation to keep your home warm in the winter.
Consider the climate in your area.
Finally, consider the climate in your area when choosing an energy efficient door. Durango, CO has a cold, temperate climate– so if you live around here, you may want to choose a door with a higher R-value and thicker insulation. If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to choose a door with less insulation to allow for better airflow.
What About Specialty Doors?
Are you thinking about using sliding doors in your home? French doors? Have any furry friends you want to accommodate? Considerations of energy efficiency generally fall in the same categories no matter what type of doors you are planning on, but each type has some unique things to think about.
Sliding doors
Sliding doors are a popular choice for many homeowners, as they provide easy access to outdoor spaces and can be an attractive design feature. However, not all sliding doors are created equal when it comes to energy efficiency. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an energy efficient sliding door:
Material: The material of your sliding door will impact its energy efficiency. Vinyl and fiberglass doors tend to be more energy efficient than aluminum or wood doors, as they are better at insulating and have lower rates of thermal transfer. Vinyl doors are also resistant to warping, rotting, and fading, making them a low-maintenance choice.
Glazing: Look for doors with double or triple pane glazing, as these types of glass provide a layer of insulation that can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings can also be added to the glass to further improve energy efficiency by reducing the amount of heat that is transferred through the glass.
Frame: Look for frames that are thermally broken, meaning that they are designed with a non-conductive material, such as foam, that separates the inside and outside of the frame to reduce heat transfer. Vinyl frames are often thermally broken and can be a good choice for energy efficiency.
Size: Large doors will have more glass and potentially more thermal transfer, so it’s important to choose a door with high-quality insulation and glazing if you opt for a larger size.
Pet Doors
If you have a furry friend, you may want to consider installing a doggie door in your home. A doggie door can allow your pet to come and go as they please, without you needing to constantly open and close the door for them. However, it’s important to choose an energy efficient doggie door to ensure that your home remains well-insulated and energy efficient. Here are some tips to help you choose the right energy efficient doggie door for your home:
Look for doggie doors with insulating properties.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an energy efficient doggie door is the insulating properties of the door. Look for doggie doors that have double-flap designs or multiple layers of insulation. These types of doors will help keep your home well-insulated and prevent drafts from entering your home.
Consider the size of your pet.
When choosing a doggie door, it’s important to consider the size of your pet. The size of your pet will determine the size of the doggie door that you need. If the doggie door is too large for your pet, it may allow too much air to enter your home. If the doggie door is too small, your pet may not be able to use it comfortably.
Choose a doggie door with adjustable settings.
Some doggie doors come with adjustable settings that allow you to control how much air is allowed to pass through the door. This can be helpful if you want to limit the amount of air that enters your home during extreme weather conditions.
Consider the placement of the doggie door.
Avoid placing the doggie door in areas where it will be exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy rain. This will help ensure that your doggie door remains energy efficient and effective over time.
How SoCoWW Can Help
Choosing the right energy efficient doors for your home can help you save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Work with a reputable supplier, installer, or contractor who can help you choose a door that meets your energy efficiency needs and fits your style preferences. At SoCo Wood & Windows, we can help with that! By consulting with our team and considering the factors listed above, you can choose the perfect energy efficient doors for your home and enjoy a more comfortable living space while also reducing your environmental impact.
