What Are The Benefits of Installing Energy-Efficient Doors?

Energy efficiency is very important for keeping your home warm and cozy. While you might not think of them immediately, your doors are one of the most important elements for maintaining the security and comfort of your living space. 

When we talk specifically about energy-efficient doors, they bring numerous benefits to your home. 

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we have made many homes more energy-efficient with quality doors, windows, and roof installations.

In today's article, we will walk you through the benefits of energy-efficient doors that you should know about as a homeowner.

What Are The Benefits Of Installing Energy-Efficient Doors?

Starting with today's topic, we will discuss some benefits of installing energy-efficient doors in your home. 

#1 Savings On Energy Bills

Perhaps the most obvious reason to invest in energy-efficient doors is the number on your energy bills. 

When you install energy-efficient exterior doors, you're likely to see immediate improvements in your home's heating and cooling efficiency. 

Homeowners may notice savings of up to 15% on their energy bills after upgrading to energy-efficient doors and windows, making this investment particularly attractive for long-term cost reduction.

#2 More Comfortable Interiors

Moving beyond economics, energy-efficient doors play a crucial role in maintaining consistent indoor temperatures throughout your home. 

You'll likely notice the difference immediately, with no more uncomfortable drafts or temperature fluctuations near your doorways. 

This improved temperature control means your heating and cooling systems will work more efficiently, maintaining your desired comfort level with less effort.

#3 Improved Sound Insulation 

While the primary focus mostly falls on temperature control, energy-efficient doors provide an additional benefit that many homeowners find valuable: sound insulation. 

The same materials and construction design of energy-efficient doors that keep your conditioned air inside also work effectively to keep unwanted noise outside, creating a more peaceful living environment for you and your family.

#4 Increased Resale Value Of Your Home

Homebuyers nowadays often look for energy-efficient features, which makes energy-efficient entry doors a valuable selling point. 

Real estate experts generally cite energy-efficient upgrades as offering some of the best returns on investment in home improvements.

#5 Environmental Impact and Sustainability

By choosing energy-saving doors, you're making an eco-friendly decision.

The reduced energy consumption translates directly into a lower carbon footprint, and this makes energy-efficient doors an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. 

When you consider that residential energy use accounts for a good portion of overall energy consumption, every improvement in efficiency makes a meaningful difference.

#6 Reduced Maintenance Requirements 

Modern energy-efficient doors often require less maintenance than their traditional counterparts. The durable materials used in these doors resist warping, cracking, and other common issues that plague conventional doors.

This durability means you'll spend less time and money on upkeep while maintaining optimal energy efficiency performance.

#7 Advanced Security Features

Good quality energy-efficient exterior doors generally also incorporate improved security features into their design. 

The strong materials and construction methods used in energy-efficient doors provide improved security, providing an additional layer of protection for your home and family.

What Are Door Efficiency Ratings?

When choosing the right energy-efficient door for your home, you should know about two common measurements. These measurements are important to determine the energy efficiency of a door. Here, we will quickly go over them.

👉 U-factor: It measures how well the door prevents heat from escaping

👉 R-value: It indicates the effectiveness of the insulation of your door. 

For the most energy-efficient doors, look for a low U-factor (ideally below 0.30) and a high R-value (preferably above R-5).

What Are The Common Materials Used To Make Energy-Efficient Doors?

There are a few different materials that you will find when looking for energy-efficient door options. We will discuss them below so that you can choose the best fit for your home. 

#1 Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors are among the most energy-efficient options available. These doors provide nice insulation because of their construction with a polyurethane foam core inside a strong fiberglass exterior. 

The material itself resists heat transfer effectively, and you'll find that fiberglass holds up well against various weather conditions without losing its energy-efficient properties over time.

#2 Steel 

Steel doors are another effective energy-efficient option. When manufacturers fill these doors with high-density foam insulation, they provide valuable energy-saving benefits. 

The steel's strength and the insulating foam core create a very effective barrier that prevents heat transfer.

However, you should know that the metal itself can get cold in winter and warm in summer. That's why the insulation inside steel doors is very important for maintaining their overall energy efficiency.

#3 Wood

Wood doors provide comparatively lower energy efficiency than fiberglass or steel options. 

The natural properties of wood make it less effective at preventing heat transfer, and its tendency to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes can affect its long-term energy performance.

When combined with proper weatherstripping and seals, wood doors can maintain your home's internal temperature.

How To Choose The Right Energy-Efficient Door For Your Home

To choose the right energy-efficient door for your home, you should check the door's R-value, the higher this number, the better it keeps heat in or out. Then, consider your local weather to decide how high an R-value you need.

As we said in the last section, you have three main choices for materials: fiberglass, steel, or wood. They are all good at saving energy in areas with extreme temperatures. 

Fiberglass looks nice and handles weather well, while steel is very strong and secure. Make sure whatever you choose has foam insulation inside. This helps keep your home's temperature consistent, no matter the weather.

You should look for doors with good seals around the edges to stop drafts. Having weatherstripping is also important to prevent air leaks.

While these doors may cost more at first, they can help save money on your energy bills over time. They also make your home more comfortable by keeping the temperature steady.

For the best results, have professionals install your new door. This ensures it works properly and seals completely when closed.  

Professional Door Installations In Pennsylvania

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we are your local door installation company serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. 

Our team can help you choose the best energy-efficient door for your property. We provide free consultations to assess your current doors and recommend the best energy-efficient options for your specific home and budget. 

We work with trusted manufacturers to offer a wide selection of energy-efficient doors in various styles, colors, and finishes to complement your home's architecture.

Beyond doors, we're your complete home efficiency experts, offering window replacements, roofing solutions, and insulation services that work together to create a more comfortable, energy-efficient living space. 

Contact us today at (412) 353-5660 for a no-obligation quote and take the first step toward a more energy-efficient home. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions and help you make the best choice for your home's efficiency needs. 

We understand that choosing the right doors for your home is an important investment. Our certified professionals take pride in providing free in-home consultations where we evaluate your current setup and discuss options that best suit your needs and budget.