Door Replacement-Keeping Bills Down

Are your energy bills skyrocketing? One often-overlooked culprit could be your doors.  You can reduce drafts, improve insulation, and minimize heat or cool air loss by upgrading energy-efficient doors. Energy-efficient doors are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners due to environmental concerns and rising fuel prices. These doors provide greater comfort and help reduce energy expenses. If you're considering replacing your doors, it's essential to know which door material will yield the best outcome. Keep reading to discover more, and make sure to replace your doors with the best energy-efficient doors because these will help you save money on monthly bills.  So, replace your old, drafty door with the best energy-efficient one to make your door less energy consumer! It also depends on the way they are designed and the material they are made up of.

What Choose Energy Efficient Doors 

 Get energy-efficient doors when choosing energy-efficient doors, there are a few important factors to consider. First, look for properly insulated doors to prevent heat or cold air from escaping your home. Good insulation helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduces the need for excessive heating or cooling, saving energy and lowering costs.

Next, consider the material of the door because different materials have varying levels of energy efficiency. For instance, doors made of fiberglass, steel, or wood with a solid core provide better insulation than traditional hollow wood doors. These materials are designed to minimize heat transfer and maintain a stable indoor environment.

Also, consider the door's weather stripping and seals. High-quality weather stripping around the edges of the door prevents drafts and air leakage that contributes to energy efficiency.

Look for Energy Star® ratings to make an informed decision! The Energy Star® label indicates that a door has met strict energy performance standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Choosing doors with higher Energy Star® ratings ensures greater energy efficiency and potential cost savings.

Energy efficient doors provide you best noise insulation, worth your money by enhancing your home value!

What Are Doors Made Of, And How Energy-Efficient Are They?

Let’s unlock the secrets of what doors are made up of and how energy efficient they can be.

When it comes to the material used for the door, doors are categorized based on the material of the door slab, not the framing material.

Metal And Fiberglass Doors: R-Value Between R5-R7

 They have metal or fiberglass skins that cover a reinforced frame and insulating material. Fiberglass doors offer superior energy efficiency, as they have a high R-value, measuring their insulating capacity. They are highly resistant to warping, cracking, and weathering, making them a reliable option for long-lasting energy efficiency.

Wood Doors: R-Value Between R2-R3

Wood doors are typically made entirely of solid wood without any interior insulation. They provide a good barrier against heat transfer, helping to keep your home comfortable. However, remember that wood doors can be prone to warping or expanding due to changes in humidity or weather conditions. To enhance their energy efficiency, choose solid wood doors or go for those with a solid core, which provides better insulation than hollow ones.

Steel Doors: R-Value Between R5-R6

 Steel doors are known for their strength, security, and relatively good energy efficiency. They typically consist of steel skin covering an insulated core. While steel itself is not a great insulator, the insulation material inside the door helps reduce heat transfer. Steel doors are also resistant to warping and offer excellent protection against extreme weather conditions. Remember, steel conducts temperature, so they may feel cold or hot while touching, and it depends on outside weather. Still, the insulation properties of doors are needed to be improved, and manufacturers are working on it.  The truth is still doors are not very effective at keeping the heat in or out as a solid wall of your home. The insulating value of doors is measured using an R-value, and the best doors on the market typically have an R-value of around 7. However, a solid wall in your home typically has an R-value of around 13, making it much more effective at insulation.

In simpler terms, even though door manufacturers are making progress in improving the energy efficiency of doors, they still lag behind when compared to the insulation provided by solid walls in your home. It's important to consider other factors, such as proper sealing and weatherstripping, for lowering energy loss around the door area.

So, when you're looking to upgrade your entrance door for better energy efficiency, remember that replacing the entire unit is the most effective approach. Choose a door material that suits your style, budget, and desired level of energy efficiency. Open the door to a more comfortable and sustainable home today!

Other Energy-Efficiency Considerations 

For getting an energy-efficient entrance door,' it's not just the door slab that matters, but the door itself is the largest surface area to consider. Moreover, a few other components, including the frame, frame insulation, weatherstripping, and glass efficiency should be considered because all these parts work together to offer you the desired energy efficiency. If any of these components lack proper insulation, they can reduce the door's overall U-factor and R-value. So, when you're looking for energy-efficient doors, make sure to consider the following factors:

Frame Design: The design of the door frame plays a significant role in energy efficiency. Look for frames with thermal breaks or insulating materials to minimize heat transfer and improve insulation. A well-designed frame helps to create a tight seal when the door is closed, reducing drafts and energy loss.

Frame Insulation: Insulation within the door frame is crucial for preventing heat transfer. Insulated frames can reduce thermal bridging, where heat moves through the frame, and help maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Check for frames with insulating materials, such as foam or composite materials.

Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping ensures a tight seal around the door, preventing air leaks and reducing energy loss. Look for doors with high-quality weatherstripping materials such as rubber, vinyl, or magnetic strips. Properly installed and maintained weatherstripping helps keep the elements out and the desired temperature in.

Glass Efficiency: If your door features glass panels, then consider their energy efficiency. Look for doors with double or triple glazing, which provides an extra layer of insulation. Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings on the glass can also help to reflect heat and block harmful UV rays, improving overall energy efficiency.

However, a few factors may improve insulation value. Glass with higher low-E coating reflects temperatures back, aiding energy efficiency. Thicker glass improves window efficiency. Multiple glass panes with low-conductive gases enhance insulation. Low-conductivity gases between glass panels hinder heat transfer. Plastic thermal frame breaks insulate, reducing temperature transfer.

U-Factor and R-Value: The U-factor measures the door's ability to conduct heat, while the R-value indicates its resistance to heat flow. Lower U-factor and higher R-value values signify better insulation. Check the door's U-factor and R-value ratings to ensure optimal energy efficiency.

Professional Installation: The most energy-efficient door can underperform if not installed properly. Improper installation can lead to gaps, air leaks, and reduced energy efficiency. Hire a professional installer who understands the importance of airtight seals and follows best practices for installation.

Two key organizations are involved in rating the performance of windows and doors: the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and Energy Star®. While Canadian manufacturers often use Energy Star® rating labels, some companies may use either NFRC or both labels, depending on their origin and market destinations, including the United States.

In the United States, the NFRC is responsible for testing and rating windows, doors, and skylights. Once a product meets the NFRC's criteria, Energy Star® provides certification to indicate that it meets or exceeds government specifications. The NFRC's focus is on continuous improvement, making buildings more comfortable and energy-efficient.

In Canada, the process differs. Windows, doors, and skylights are tested and rated by independent testers authorized by Natural Resources Canada (NRC). The results of eligible products meeting Energy Star® criteria, which are known as Energy Efficiency Ratings, are posted on the Canadian Government's website under Natural Resources Canada's Certified Products Directory.

 Focus on products that are Energy Star® rated if you are in Canada and looking for comparisons between doors.

Briefly, while the NFRC and Energy Star® are involved in rating windows and doors, their specific roles and certification processes vary between the United States and Canada. In Canada, Energy Star® ratings are commonly used to make them a useful reference point by comparing the energy efficiency of doors sold in the country.

French Door

Common Size:

36 inch / 48 inch / 72 inch

5 ft / 6 ft / 8 ft