If you live in a cold climate, chances are that your home is equipped with a variety of defenses against the frigid air outside. A sufficient amount of insulation and storm windows throughout the home are just a few ways to keep the interior of the home warm and cozy. But because a third of heat loss typically occurs through windows and doors, energy-efficient doors are among the best defenses against heat loss.
Making Your Current Doors Energy Efficient
Energy efficient doors are insulated and sealed tightly to prevent cold from entering and warm air from leaking out. Regular doors can also become energy efficient doors by adding a few simple weatherproofing accessories, including bottom sweeps, typically made from vinyl, and magnetic weatherstripping.
Energy Efficient Material of Choice: Wood
Energy efficient doors are made from a variety of materials, but wood is considered an excellent insulator. According to professionals, wood is 2,000 times more efficient as an insulator than aluminum, 415 times more efficient than steel, and 16 times more efficient then concrete. For additional energy efficiency, storm doors may be added as well. Storm doors work by trapping air between the main door and the storm door.
High-Quality Materials for Energy Efficient Doors
A good energy-efficient door will have high-quality hardware. It will also have the best weatherstripping, which offers the best seal. When choosing a door made of materials other than wood, make sure it has a finish that won’t rust. If you are purchasing weatherstripping or replacing your existing hardware, choose the highest quality products you can find. High-quality products will not only provide the best seal, but they will also last much longer than lower-quality products.
Energy Efficient Doors and Savings
Energy-efficient doors provide a wide variety of benefits. Because they keep warm air in and cold air out, you will use less artificial heat; the same is true for the warm summer months. Instead of running the air conditioning all day, you will use it less as more cold air will stay inside. This may result in significant savings on your gas and electric bills. In many places, utility bill discounts are offered to residents with energy-efficient doors and windows. In some cases, utility companies may offer up to up to 10 percent off the monthly bill. For homeowners, energy-efficient doors and windows can also increase the resale value of the home.
