Doors not only beautify our homes, Energy Efficient Doors that are properly installed also save us Energy and Money! When shopping for exterior doors, remember these tips for maximum Energy Efficiency.

1. Look for Energy Star.

This is a government-backed program helping individuals and businesses protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. All Energy Star products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines and save energy and money.

Note: all Energy Star Doors are Energy Efficient. Still, some are better than others so compare them carefully.

2. Choose an Energy Efficient Material.

Wood, Steel and Fiberglass are all good insulating materials. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages so there is no one material that is right for everyone.

Wood is a sustainable material and produces beautiful doors. It is susceptible to weather damage and is fairly expensive.

Steel is strong, affordable and resists warping.

Fiberglass is more expensive than steel, less expensive than wood and is resistant to warping, denting and rusting.

3. Choose Energy Efficient Glass.

If you are buying a patio door or other types of doors that have glass in them, you want the glass to be as Energy Efficient as the door. Here's what to look for:

U value tells you how much heat passes through the glass. A lower U value means less heat gets through.

R Value tells you how resistant to heat the glass is. The higher the R value, the more resistant the glass.

Notice U Value and R Value are direct opposites.

Low Emmissivity or Low E Coating

A Low E coating limits the amount of heat that passes through the glass. The lower the rating, the better the insullation.

Note: low E coatings do not prevent your drapes and furniture from fading.

4. Look for Double Paned Glass.

The double panes offer better insullation than single panes.

5. Have the Doors Properly Installed.

Once you've got the right Energy Efficient Door for your home, it's very important to have it installed properly. You'll want to have a good seal so air doesn't leak in and out. When that happens, energy is being wasted which could increase your energy bill. It's not a bad idea to check all your door and window seals periodically.

6. Install Door Sweeps.

Door Sweeps are used to seal the gap between the door and the threshold or door sill. Attached to the bottom of the door, they offer increased energy efficiency by blocking air from passing through. They also keep out debris and little critters that might wonder into your home. Door Sweeps come in a variety of colors and materials including vinyl and aluminum and are very easy to install.

Be aware that aluminum conducts heat and cold.

Once you've got your Energy Efficient Door properly installed you can enjoy the beauty and energy savings it will provide for years to come.

Article Source: http://www.energyefficienthomearticles.com

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