Replacement Doors Can Save You Money

August 28th, 2007

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Consumer Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), old, ill-fitting, and improperly sealed doors can lead to significant air leakage and heat transfer.

Install replacement front and rear doors and you’ll not only improve the exterior appearance of your home, but you will also be rewarded with a lower energy bill.

Buying Replacement Doors

If your home’s exterior doors are old, it may be time to consider purchasing replacement doors. Today’s replacement doors typically have a better fit and are designed to be more energy efficient.

Lower Maintenance Replacement Door

According to the EERE, the most common kind of replacement door available today features a foam insulation core surrounded by a steel skin. This kind of replacement door also features a unique form of weather-stripping in that the door has a magnetic strip that provides a solid seal with the door frame. It is also interesting to note that if these doors are properly installed, and the magnetic strip doesn’t get bent, you many never again need to worry about weather-stripping your doors!

Understanding the Value of Replacement Doors

These steel and foam insulation core doors, which work well as replacement front doors, typically have an R-value (resistance to heat flow) of R-5 or R-6. This means that these replacement doors insulate roughly 5 to 6 times better than a solid wood replacement door. And, while some people prefer the look of replacement front doors that feature a window, it is important to keep in mind that having a window on your replacement front door, may reduce the overall R-value of the door. That is because glass, even low-e glass, is not as effective at providing insulation.

If you are ready to reduce energy costs while enhancing your curb appeal, maybe it’s time to consider replacement doors for your home this summer.

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