With utility costs on the rise, these days, more and more homeowners are trying to find ways to minimize their domestic energy use. Rather than deprive themselves of heat or air conditioning throughout periods of weather-related extremes, some people are taking steps to make their homes more energy efficient on a whole. While perhaps the most popular method of increasing a home’s energy efficiency quotient is the addition of new, energy-efficient windows, homeowners can also achieve similar results by incorporating energy-efficient doors. A.W. Ross is the controller of Lundberg Roofing, Windows & Siding, a business that has served the Charlotte, North Carolina, area since 1979, and according to him, energy efficient doors seem to be getting trendier by the day.
What makes a door energy efficient? The first factor is the glass that is used for the door panes. Most doors these days are equipped with single or multiple layers of glass. The more layers of glass the door has, the more insulating it is likely to be, thereby lending to its overall efficiency. Additionally, those concerned with energy efficiency should look for doors that come with low-emissivity glass coatings.
Another aspect of energy efficiency in doors comes in the form of sealing options. A tighter seal around a door’s edges can improve its insulation and keep weather-related elements out of the picture. Anyone looking for an energy-efficient door should keep his eyes peeled for weather stripping, which works to fill the gaps between the door the door jam (where the door meets the wall), thereby preventing cold air from seeping in and locking in warmth at the same time.
Anyone in the market for a new door should be aware that certain materials that truly lend to a door’s energy efficiency status. One such material is fiberglass, which comes with a world of benefits. Fiberglass is known for its ability to mimic both the look and feel of real wood, but without all the maintenance. Unlike wood, fiberglass won’t expand and contract when exposed to temperature variances, which means that it is less likely to warp over time. Additionally, fiberglass doors are filled with an insulating foam that works to lock in desired temperatures while preventing the nature from taking its toll on a home’s internal climate. Although fiberglass can be somewhat pricey, it is generally guaranteed to be energy efficient and lasting, making it an increasingly popular choice among homeowners in need of door replacement.
If the time has come for you to invest in a new door for your home, then you should be aware of the various aspects that can lend to a door’s energy efficiency. However, the best way to tell if a particular door is energy efficient is to see if it is labeled as such. If a door contains an Energy Star sticker, then take it as a sign that it is bound to do a reasonably good job on the energy-efficiency front. Finally, remember that not all Energy Star doors are created equal. So if you’re really looking to make the most of your purchase, then consult with an expert in the field who can recommend the best door given your aesthetic desires coupled with your budget. After all, utility costs aren’t likely to decrease any time soon. So if you’re going to purchase a new door, then you might as well get the one that will save you money and best serve your needs in the long run.
