Is Your Front Door Energy Efficient?
/As winter approaches, it's important to ensure your home is well-insulated so you can stay warm and comfortable throughout the season. Aside from having argon-filled triple-pane windows, an energy-efficient front door can help do the trick!
A poorly insulated door means heat loss, drafts, and higher energy bills. To prevent this, check to see if your door is well-insulated or needs replacing.
Here are a few steps to start the process!
Step 1: Check for Drafts
On a cold day, stand next to your door and feel for any air coming through. If you feel a cold draft, your door is not well sealed, and you're losing heat.
Step 2: Conduct the Paper Test
Close your door and place a piece of paper between the door and its frame. If you can easily pull out the paper without tearing it, there is a gap between the door and the frame. Again, this means heat is leaving and cold air is coming in!
Step 3: Check for Light
Close your door and look for any light coming in around the edges. If light is coming through that means cold air is, too.
Tips to Improve Energy Efficiency
If you've identified any drafts or gaps around your front door, here are some tips to improve its energy efficiency:
Install weatherstripping around the door to seal any gaps and prevent drafts.
Apply caulk around the door frame to seal any cracks or gaps between the frame and the wall.
Install a draft stopper or door sweep at the bottom of the door to prevent cold air from coming in.
When to Replace Your Entry Door
If your entry door is old or damaged, it may be time to upgrade to help you save money on heating and cooling costs—not to mention enhance your home's security.
Best Energy-Efficient Front Doors
There are different types of entry doors that are highly energy efficient, including:
Fiberglass Doors: Fiberglass doors are made of composite materials that are highly durable and provide excellent insulation. They also include an engineered composite bottom rail that prevents moisture from seeping into the door.
Steel Doors: Steel doors are another great option. They include adjustable thresholds to prevent drafts and can be designed with a foam core that provides superior insulation.
What Makes Doors Energy Efficient?
Energy-efficient front doors are designed to minimize heat transfer between the interior and exterior of your home. To achieve this, they are typically made with materials that have good insulation properties, such as fiberglass or steel.
They also have multiple layers, high-performing weatherstripping, and insulated glass to prevent drafts and heat loss. Additionally, when energy-efficient doors are installed with proper sealing and framing, they fit more tightly within the doorway, preventing any gaps that could allow cold air to enter the home.
All of these features work together to reduce energy usage and maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs.
Is Your Front Door Letting In Cold Air?
Are you looking for the perfect front door option to improve insulation, energy efficiency, and comfort during winter? We've got you covered!
As experts in all things windows and doors, we can help you find the right front door option for your home. Our team will assess your current entry door and provide recommendations on the best energy-efficient front doors that match your style and budget.
Don't let a poorly insulated front door ruin your winter. Contact us today to schedule an estimate and stay cozy all season long.
Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted to the 10th largest* remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.
We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.
*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2019.
