If you want to find more ways to save energy at home, start with the front door. Energy-efficient doors can have a major impact on your home energy use and while it may be tempting to purchase the most stylish or affordable door, we’ve put together a few tips to help you understand and increase the energy efficiency of your doors.
Are your doors energy-efficient?
Exterior doors come in a variety of materials–each with a different amount of insulation. Old-fashioned wood doors and glass doors have the least insulation. Steel and fiberglass doors are better insulators with layers of foam in their cores.
If you don’t know whether you need energy-efficient doors, consider hiring a professional to audit your home’s energy use. They can give you a precise understanding of where you can get the most value by installing new energy-saving doors and windows or improving your current doors.
How do energy-efficient doors benefit your home?
Door manufacturers have made tremendous advances in designing energy-efficient doors that earn an ENERGY STAR® rating. You can find a variety of styles and materials in energy-efficient front doors that could lower your energy bill. Here are the primary benefits of energy-efficient doors:
1. Lower your energy costs. A properly installed and well-insulated door will not leak or radiate heat in the winter. In the summer, it does a better job of keeping cool air inside. In both cases, you’ll consume less energy
keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
2. Help you earn tax incentives. You can earn an energy efficient home improvement tax credit when you replace old
doors with qualified ENERGY STAR® new ones.
3. Protect your home from the elements. Energy-efficient doors do more than keep drafts down. They also keep out
moisture that can lead to the growth of mold and keep insects and pests out of your home.
4. Reduces your carbon footprint. An energy efficient door lowers your carbon footprint as you use less energy
maintaining a warm–or cool–home.
