Energy saver: fiberglass entry doors

Critics argue that we are in the midst of an energy crisis and rapidly rising costs of gas and electricity support that claim. Consumers are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption in all areas. No matter if it is to be environmentally responsible or to simply lower costly bills, saving energy is a smart plan to have.

The average person may not realize that residential exterior doors can contribute greatly to the energy usage of a house. In fact, old or improperly installed doors can be responsible for more than 40% of air leaking from a house. The primary leakage occurs around the door, depending on the type of door you have. Insulated fiberglass entry doors are the best choice for a proper seal, while wood doors with glass windows will have lower insulation. If you desire a door with a glass window, it is a good option to check its insulation factors, and in some cases, you can even request extra treatments to the window portion. These include low-e coatings, multiple glazing layers, and low conductivity gases applied between the panes of glass.

Since most energy loss occurs around the door, it is imperative that you check the weatherstripping around your entryway. Some fiberglass entry doors even have a magnetic strip as their weatherstripping. This is the optimal choice for the tightest seal, as it acts the same way the seal around your refrigerator or freezer does. Regardless of what type of door you choose to install, make sure your residential exterior doors have a tight seal and swings properly. Check the weatherstripping every year or even every season to see if the seal is still efficient. If it is not, you may be able to just replace the weatherstripping or it just may be time for a new door. By keeping up and maintaining your entryway's insulation, you will save money on your energy bills and also help out the environment.