Your home’s doors are not just a place to enter and exit, they play a critical role in the energy efficiency of your entire home. That’s why it’s important to choose the right ones!
When shopping for new doors, be sure to consider their energy performance ratings in relation to your local climate and your home’s design. Look for the ENERGY STAR label and NFRC ratings to help you narrow your selection.
Insulation
Doors are an important part of conserving energy in your home. They keep the hot or cold air in and prevent it from escaping, saving you money on your utility bills each month.
Doors come in a variety of materials and styles. Each has a specific core that helps insulate the door and retain the temperature inside your home.
The type of door you choose will also depend on your climate and how much temperature control you need. Choosing the right energy-efficient door can help you save on your energy costs, as well as enhance the value of your home.
When shopping for an energy-efficient door, be sure to look for a low U-factor and high R-value. These ratings measure how well a product prevents heat loss and air leakage. You can find these ratings on the ENERGY STAR label and National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label.
Frames
Energy Efficient Doors help conserve energy while keeping your home warm and comfortable. They can also reduce your energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
When selecting a door, look for one that has the ENERGY STAR label and has an acceptable Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and U-factor. This will ensure you’re getting the most energy efficiency for your money.
Frames are an important part of your energy-efficient door. They provide strength and stability to the door, as well as insulation.
The frame material will determine how much heat is transferred through the door. For example, multi-chambered vinyl frames offer more insulation than non-multi-chambered vinyl.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping helps to prevent air from leaking into and out of your home. It reduces your heating and cooling costs by up to 15%, and can also cut down on outside noise.
Door weatherstripping can be applied to doors with or without a frame. It can also be used to seal gaps in windows and inside a door frame.
Generally, it’s best to use more sturdy materials for this task because repeated opening and closing of doors can wear down less-durable types faster.
There are several different types of weatherstripping for doors, but the most common is the spring-metal variety (V-shaped or single). This is available in bronze, copper, stainless steel and aluminum finishes.
Sealing
Air leaks from your home’s envelope – your outer walls, windows, doors and other openings – waste energy and can add up to 15% of the heating and cooling costs in many homes. Well-sealed envelopes with the right amount of insulation can make a big difference on your energy bills.
Sealing cracks and openings with caulk and foam prevents unwanted drafts from escaping your house, reducing your heating needs and improving comfort. Those same materials can also protect your siding, insulation and other important components from moisture intrusion.