The concept of energy efficiency is one that many homeowners want to centrally prioritize anytime they’re making a significant home upgrade or change, and door replacement or door installation is a great example. There are many energy-efficient exterior doors available these days – what are their key purposes and components, and what should you be thinking about within these areas if you’re considering upgrading any of your exterior doors to an energy-efficient product?
At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we’re proud to offer a huge range of door replacement and exterior door installation services to clients around Utah, bringing you numerous high end door options to consider. Here are some basics from our professionals on energy-efficient doors and what you should be thinking about if you’re considering such a product for door replacement.
What is An Energy-Efficient Door?
Let’s start out with a broad definition: An energy-efficient door is one that has been designed with features specifically aimed at reducing the amount of heat or cold air transfer between your home’s interior and exterior. This concept is similar to other energy-efficient products like windows, insulation and others – it’s all about minimizing lost heat or cool air during seasonal extremes while also lowering your energy bills.
Some doors may be more visually appealing than others, but few are as practical as an energy-efficient door in both the short- and long-term. And unlike some such products out there, which sometimes have limited upside beyond their cost savings benefits, a quality energy-efficient door will also keep you comfortable while cutting costs.
Key Components
There are multiple components that will often or always be part of an energy-efficient door. These need to be considered closely as you’re looking into your options. These components include:
- Insulating material: All energy-efficient doors have insulating material, and this is typically one of the largest factors to consider. Insulating materials can include fiberglass, composite or various insulated wood options – all of which help prevent heat or cool air transfer. As you’re considering options, ask about any R-value ratings or other insulation specifics.
- Weatherstripping: This may be found around the door frame, and it’s essentially a seal that helps stop air movement along gaps. Combined with insulating material, this will help prevent cool air from seeping in during winter months or warm air leaking out of your home during summer.
- Energy-efficient glass: Many energy-efficient doors include some form of glass – often more than traditional doors. These come in several modern forms noted for their energy efficiency, such as double-pane or triple-pane glass. There are also numerous coatings that can be applied to the surface of this glass to reduce heat transfer.
- Low-E coating: When we talk about coatings, one of the most common is Low-E. This stands for “low-emissivity,” and it’s applied to window or door glass – in fact, it was originally designed specifically to cut down on heat loss through windows. It helps reflect UV rays away from your home for improved efficiency.
- Tight seals: Some form of rubber or other synthetic material is often used to create an airtight seal entirely around the door frame. This will help prevent air from moving in or out, saving you plenty on energy costs.
- Threshold: Finally, thresholds are important for preventing drafts and insulating your home. There are several options here based on where the primary leak risk has been identified. For example, some thresholds include weatherstripping along their bottom edge specifically to stop water leaks.
Over time, these key components can save significant amounts of money and improve your overall comfort inside the home. But what else should you be thinking about when choosing an energy-efficient exterior door?
Energy Star Certification
One major consideration for energy-efficient doors is Energy Star certification. This is a program run by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) to certify products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Choosing an Energy Star certified door means you can trust its performance and expect significant savings on your energy bills.
To find out if a door is Energy Star certified, look for the blue logo on its packaging or ask your local door installation company for a list of available certified products.
Choosing the Right Frame
Another important factor to consider is the door frame itself. Many energy-efficient doors come with frames made from materials such as fiberglass, steel, or composite, which provide better insulation than traditional wood frames. These frames also have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.
Matching Existing Home Style
Aesthetics shouldn’t be overlooked when choosing an energy-efficient door. There are a variety of styles and designs available, so you can choose one that not only maximizes energy efficiency but also matches the existing style and aesthetic of your home. This way, you won’t have to sacrifice style for functionality.
Importance of Quality Installation
For any kind of door replacement or installation, professional services are usually important. But with an energy-efficient door, this is even more critical in some cases.
For one, these doors can have specific needs around the way they’re installed to ensure their full benefits are realized. For another, many homeowners considering such a product may also be interested in being connected to local or national tax incentives for reducing your carbon footprint – but these will often first require proper installation by qualified professionals.
As you can see, there are many important considerations when it comes to choosing an energy-efficient door. From materials and components to certifications and installation, taking the time to research and make informed decisions can lead to significant savings on your energy bills and a more comfortable home. So when it’s time for a new exterior door, consider going with an energy-efficient option – you won’t regret it!
And at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we offer a wide selection of energy-efficient, high end doors and professional installation services to help you choose the best option for your home. Contact us today to learn more or schedule door replacement services around Utah!