What Are the Most Energy-Efficient Doors?
Is your entry door old-fashioned-looking? Is it easy to jimmy the lock? Does the door have poor insulating qualities? Each of these faults is reason enough to consider replacing your entry door.
While you’re at it, you might as well choose from the most energy-efficient doors available today. The results of your investment are a more stylish home entrance, greater security, and built-in energy efficiency.
What separates energy-efficient doors different from ordinary doors? Here’s what to look for when completing this home improvement project.
The Most Energy-Efficient Type of Door Money Can Buy
The two most popular types of energy-efficient doors are:
- Fiberglass doors: With the right texture and finish, this material mimics the look of wood without the maintenance issues. Fiberglass is also five times more insulating than wood. Plus, it doesn’t warp, rot, split, or crack the way wood can. The material is resistant to rust and scratching, and you can paint it any color you wish.
- Insulated steel doors: This is the strongest material used for residential entry doors. Steel can also be manufactured to mimic wood while thermal barriers and interior foam provide maximum energy efficiency. The zinc coating allows you to apply paint.
Make Sure the Glass in Your Door Is Energy-Efficient
Windows, sidelights, and transoms are popular for letting natural light into the entryway. If you select one or all of these for your front door, you need to decide on the glass.
While textured, tempered, and obscure glass are all aesthetic options, these differences don’t affect efficiency. It’s the number of panes that make the difference.
- Double-pane glass: Two panes of glass with an insulating argon layer between the panes provide better insulation than single-pane windows.
- Triple-pane glass: This option offers yet another layer of glass between the indoors and the outside. The extra investment could certainly be worthwhile in Maryland’s climate, where the winters can get quite cold.
Install ENERGY STAR®-Certified Doors in Maryland With Potomac View Energy
You can buy with confidence when you select an ENERGY STAR-certified entry door. This certification means the door exceeds standards to deliver a higher level of energy efficiency.
ENERGY STAR® takes a number of factors into consideration when certifying doors, including:
- Glass: Multiple panes are required.
- Core materials: Fiberglass and steel with a polyurethane core qualify for the ENERGY STAR label.
- Proper fit: Magnetic strips create a tighter seal and less air leakage for better energy efficiency.
For more information about choosing energy-efficient doors for your Maryland home, contact Potomac View Energy for a free, in-home consultation.
