Energy Efficient Doors

Being energy efficient is one of the best ways to advance the green initiative. There are several different ways to save energy (and money!) by making small home improvements. One great way to conserve energy involves the use of energy efficient doors.

There are a variety of energy efficient doors that are Energy Star qualified, meaning they are tested and approved for efficiency. These doors come in several different types of materials and do their part in keeping out unwanted air, reducing draft, and making your home air conditioning and heating units more effective.

When choosing energy efficient doors, it is important to take into consideration the pros and cons of each type of material. For example, wooden doors are great insulators in and of themselves; however, they are very expensive and are easily damaged by incremental weather. On the other hand, steel doors are relatively inexpensive and are resistant to warping. These doors require foam insulation in order to be energy efficient. Along the same lines, fiberglass doors are the mid-tier in terms of pricing, but are durable, rust-free, and warp resistant. Like the steel doors, fiberglass models require foam insulation.

Remember when installing energy efficient doors it is important to ensure that the sealing prevents drafts. There are specific doors that are Energy Star qualified that guarantee energy efficiency. Furthermore, most businesses selling these doors will professionally install them for a small fee. Another way to ensure that your newly installed energy efficient doors are properly sealed involves the use of door sills. These sills are ideal for keeping out unwanted air and are incredibly easy to install.

Make sure to keep your receipts and write off your new door (and installation fees) on your taxes to receive government supported federal tax incentives. We also recommend you replace your windows to make your home even more energy efficient—so you can save the environment and save money!

Useful Links:

http://www.makeyourhomeenergyefficient.com/energyefficientdoors.html

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/Publications/infosource/pub/renovate/windowsandDoors/index.cfm

http://www.house-energy.com/Windows/Advanced-Doors.htm