Minutes with Meg! : Making first impressions with Energy Efficiency

When selecting new exterior doors
New exterior doors will often fit/ insulate
better than older types. Replacing might be a good investment if looking to save money in the long run in lower heating and cooling costs.

​You can compare energy performance levels by looking at the National
Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label. It is also important that you purchase an
ENERGY STAR rated product specific to your geographical location. 

Doors, to me, are extremely important for many reasons.

They are the first thing a person sees and walks through when being welcomed into your home.
​
It is kind of like a first impression into what
awaits inside. Though some may view the
door as a decorative piece, your homes
exterior doors can contribute significantly to air leakage, and can also waste energy
through conduction.

In order for a door to be qualified for an ENERGY STAR rating it must:

• Have tight weather-stripping. Some frames include a magnetic seal.
• Windows on doors must have double or triple paned glass which are insulated.
• The material of the door must be internally insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
•  Fiberglass, wood fiber, and polyurethane foam provide great insulation.

Installing new exterior doors
Most new doors will probably be pre-hung.
Pre-hung doors usually come with wood or steel frames. This frame needs to fit tightly into the jam in order to operate
appropriately and seal tightly.

Before applying the trim, caulk should be used carefully to seal the new doorframe in place. It also helps create an even better
seal to help prevent air from getting in or
out of the house. New pre-hung doors
should have weather-stripping already
installed.

How to make your old doors more energy
efficient

Exterior doors can be pretty expensive. Due to this, sometimes it can be better to fix what you already have. Checking the weather-stripping annually to see if it needs replacement is the best way to insure your doors are up to par.

Energy efficiency in your home starts within the first few steps inside.
Until Next Time, That's Minutes with Meg!

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