Have your energy bills gotten out of control? Do you feel a draft every time you walk by your front door in the house? It may be time for new entry doors for your home. Not only does this do wonders for your curb appeal, it helps to better insulate your property against the extreme temperatures of summer and winter.

So why are new entry doors so energy efficient? Here’s what to consider when it comes to choosing new front doors.

Placement

If your entry door takes the brunt of brutal summers or has to contend with gale-force winds in winter, the type of door and insulation you choose will have to be able to withstand these factors. If you have a front door that is exposed to the elements constantly, you may be best off with a fiberglass door, because it’s resilient and gives you the best insulation properties.

Material

From wood to fiberglass to steel, the material you choose will affect how energy efficient the door will be. Wooden entry doors are a traditional, beautiful choice but not very energy efficient; fiberglass doors are very strong and low maintenance; steel is also strong and can be painted as needed. Here are some other fun facts:

  • Because fiberglass is a poor conductor of heat and electricity, it provides up to 4x the insulating R-value of wooden doors. This makes them very weather resistant, with minimal rate of heat loss.
  • Vinyl is also an energy efficient material providing good thermal insulation to block external hot and cold air. Vinyl doors also help to retain the inside temperature of the house.
  • Steel doors are also energy efficient but they are a good conductor of heat, meaning you can feel the hot or cold temperature of the door when you touch it.
  • Wooden doors are the least energy efficient out of all the options, as they are poor insulators of heat. This means they absorb heat and allow for heat flow.

U-Factor and R-Value

The U-factor of a door measures heat flow rate through the door. The higher your U-factor is, the less energy-efficient it is. The R-value of a door determines how well it can insulate. A low R-value translates to a poor insulating factor, and vice versa.

Other Considerations

Other factors that contribute to the energy efficiency of a front door include:

  • How much insulation the door has

·      The type of frame

·      How much glass is incorporated into the door

·      The presence of weatherstripping

Ask your local entry door installation pro for advice – we would be happy to point you in the right direction.

Contact Hi-Tech Windows & Siding for the Best Entry Doors in Massachusetts

If you want to do away with those high energy bills and want to update the look of your home at the same time, we can fit you for a new entry door that will achieve both. Just contact us at 800-851-0900 for a free quote!