How to Understand the Energy Efficiency of Doors

Regarding energy efficiency in a home, most people are quick to think of windows, roofs, and HVAC systems, disregarding the door. This isn't right, as the door is a unit you open and close daily. So, if it isn't shielding your home from exterior elements, it certainly isn't keeping the air in, which is a huge problem. The United States Department of Energy notes that the exterior doors in your home can contribute to air leakage and consequent energy wastage. However, such issues can be easily fixed. This article discusses the topic of door energy efficiency in-depth and explores its benefits.

What is Door-Energy Efficiency?

Door energy efficiency refers to when your exterior door is capable of the following:

• Making it harder for humidity or heat to enter the house via the doorway

• Maintaining cool air inside during summer and warmth during winter

• Withstanding the impacts of harsh weather, such as UV rays

• Cutting energy costs

• Using the door glass for temperature regulation inside

• Meeting the energy efficiency guidelines put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency

Doors are energy efficient when they possess features like multiple glass panels. They could be doubled or tripled to aid in reducing heat flow.

When Should I Consider Door Replacement?

As aforementioned, prolonged exposure of doors to weather elements could cause them to crack or warp, frustrating the opening and shutting process.

Here are signs you need to replace your door:

• Non-functionality: If you are experiencing difficulty operating your door? This is the number one sign that you need to replace your door. While you can easily resolve some opening and closing issues without replacing the entire door, some problems are severe and may warrant a replacement.

• Falling apart: Obvious signs of door replacement include peeling, cracking, and warping. However, a little staining or painting could spruce up its appearance.

• Outdated Door: Outdated doors can no longer serve their intended purpose in modern homes and should be replaced.

• Noisy Door: While it is common for doors to produce loud noises during opening and shutting, louder noises should cause alarm. This could indicate that the door can no longer block out noise.

• Safety concerns: Old, loosely-fitting doors present safety concerns and make it easy for burglars to break into your home.

Typically, older doors are less secure as they do not have modern locks. Also, they are less thick than new energy-efficient doors made of robust insulating materials like steel. Furthermore, when it comes to reselling the property, new doors offer a high ROI.

What are the Benefits of Choosing Energy-Efficient Doors?

Although energy-efficient doors have a high initial cost, this investment will pay off in the long run. It is vital to ensure the energy efficiency of your doors for the following reasons:

Better Insulation

Energy-efficient doors eliminate hot and cold spots in your home. How? They form a barricade that keeps away winter cold and summer heat from your home. With energy-efficient doors, you will have more control over the temperatures in your home.

Eco-Friendliness

Energy-efficient doors are environment-friendly. With awareness campaigns on the impact of global warming on the planet, more and more people are taking the initiative to reduce the carbon footprint in their residences. One way to do this is by installing energy-efficient doors. Most homeowners have no idea how much energy is lost through doors every day. Because of their great thermal reflection attributes, energy-efficient doors will help stabilize the temperatures in your home. Resultantly, you will use less fossil fuel-powered energy, making your home more eco-friendly.

Lower Energy Bills

Using energy-efficient doors means your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to ensure your interiors have the desired temperatures. As a result, energy consumption levels are reduced, helping you significantly save on electricity bills. According to experts, you can save up to 24% of your total energy bills.

Less Damage

Energy-efficient doors have a special coating that blocks the sun's UV rays. These rays could deteriorate your furniture, floors, carpets, and other decor items. However, with these doors, these damages are greatly reduced. They block out 98% of Ultraviolet rays, preventing your flooring and furnishings from fading.

Soundproofing

A notable feature of energy-efficient doors is their superb soundproofing. These components can block out external elements, including noise. This is particularly beneficial in areas where houses are close to each other. The soundproofing attributes will also benefit those living next to noisy markets or busy highways.

Reduced Maintenance

By minimizing energy transfer, energy-efficient doors reduce condensation build-up. This is particularly advantageous for people with allergies as it reduces the risk of mold. Additionally, because of their UV-resistant coating, these doors have little to no water or dirt build-up. As a result, minimal dusting and cleaning are required.

Improved Property Value

Energy efficiency is among the many factors that potential homebuyers look for in a property. Therefore, if you plan to sell your home in the future, installing energy-efficient doors could increase its price in the real estate market.

Comparing the Energy Efficiency of Different Doors

The material used to make a door affects its energy efficiency. Typically, entry doors are made from wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Here is an overall look at these materials' durability and energy efficiency.

Fiberglass

Besides being among the toughest doors in the market, fiberglass doors are also the most energy-efficient. The high energy efficiency of fiberglass can be attributed to its heat non-conductivity. Add insulation to this, and it will be unbeatable.

Metal

Aluminum and steel are the common metals used in door manufacture. Both are excellent thermal insulators, therefore, energy-efficient. The only downside of metal doors is that they are good heat conductors, meaning you can feel the outside cold or heat if you touch them. While they are energy-efficient, they do not compare to their fiberglass counterparts.

Wood

Although wood doors are known for their beauty and classic look, they are the least energy-efficient option. Besides being a poor insulator, wood contributes to heat flow, thus letting in the external temperatures.

Conclusion

Energy-efficient doors play an invaluable role in ensuring an affordable and comfortable space. The good news? There is a wide range of products to make a selection from. Choosing the right door for your home may be tricky, but an expert can help narrow your options.