In today’s world, energy efficiency is a primary concern for homeowners. If you’re looking for ways to make your home more energy-efficient, your exterior doors are a great place to start.
Here’s a look at the best energy-efficient exterior door options on the market, including the type of door material and leading exterior door brands with Energy Star-rated exterior door options.
The Best Types of Energy-Efficient Exterior Doors
Fiberglass Exterior Doors
When it comes to energy efficiency, fiberglass exterior doors are one of the best options on the market. Fiberglass exterior doors are manufactured with a solid polyurethane foam core that insulates the door against extreme temperatures. Fiberglass itself is a poor conductor of heat, it’s ultra-durable, and it won’t fade or dent over time.
The added bonus of fiberglass doors is that many options are made to resemble natural wood. A fiberglass exterior door might be right for you if you’re seeking a traditional wood look but want the added energy efficiency.
Steel Exterior Doors
While steel isn’t particularly energy-efficient, many steel exterior doors are also manufactured with an insulated core. Doors like this are almost as energy efficient as fiberglass doors and are often much more affordable. If you’re looking for high-quality energy efficiency without the high investment level of a fiberglass door, then an insulated steel door is a top-notch option.
Are Exterior Wood Doors Be Energy-Efficient?
Fiberglass and insulated steel exterior doors offer the best energy efficiency ratings because they’re manufactured with interior cores designed to reduce energy transfer. While solid wood doors can provide energy efficiency, it’s important to know that if you’re looking for the highest energy efficiency level, a wood exterior door shouldn’t be your first choice.
Are Exterior Doors with Glass Panels Energy-Efficient?
With all this talk of exterior door materials, you may wonder if doors with glass panels can be energy efficient, too. It’s important to know that you’ll get the best energy efficiency from a solid door with no glass.
If you have your heart set on a door with glass panels, you’ll be relieved to know that there are some good options on the market. We recommend choosing a door built with Low-E glass window panels.
Also known as low emissivity, Low-E windows contain glass coated in an invisible layer of metallic oxide, allowing natural light to enter the home while deflecting UV rays and infrared light back into the environment.
Top Brands for Energy-Efficient Exterior Doors
If you’ve decided an energy-efficient exterior door is right for you, you’ll discover a vast range of options to choose from. How can you determine what brands you can trust?
Zeeland Lumber & Supply is here to help. Our experts work with these brands daily and highly recommend ThermaTru and Masonite if you’re looking for energy-efficient exterior doors.
Therma-Tru Exterior Doors
When it comes to exterior doors, Therma-Tru is well-known as an industry leader. Their top-of-the-line fiberglass doors effortlessly mimic the look of natural wood, and many of their options are Energy Star-rated for the best energy efficiency. Available in solid and glass-paneled styles, you can’t go wrong with a Therma-Tru door for both style and function.
Masonite Exterior Doors
Masonite is another well-known brand that consistently delivers when it comes to energy-efficient exterior doors. Though Masonite has fiberglass door selections, they also supply a range of steel outer doors with exceptional energy efficiency ratings. No matter what style of door suits your style, Masonite has got you covered.
Ready To Upgrade Your Exterior Doors?
Are you ready to replace your exterior door with a more energy-efficient option? Zeeland Lumber & Supply carries doors from Therma-Tru, Masonite, and more. Whether you’re interested in fiberglass or steel, you can be sure you’ll find the exterior door you’re looking for at Zeeland Lumber & Supply. Stop into one of our locations or contact our team online today.
