According to the US Department of Energy, exterior doors can contribute significantly to the energy efficiency in our homes. This means that in some cases, a superior door product and installation can result in lower energy bills, a comfortable indoor temperature, reduce noise pollution and so much more, while the opposite can lead to headaches for homeowners to deal with, such as constantly running a heating or cooling system.
Midwest Construction is a favored door replacement company throughout Iowa and Southern Minnesota with over six decades of experience to our name. We know what it takes to provide an energy-efficient door installation, and some of the top indicators that your current fixture isn't doing the trick.
Double-Check Your Air Sealing
When you stand by your exterior doors in the winter months, you shouldn't be able to feel any of the cold air from outside, especially if no one has recently opened or closed it! If you notice drafts near your entryways, that's an indicator that your door isn't properly sealed.
Take a look at the weather stripping along the sides and top of your door, and the door sweep along the bottom. Are they worn out or peeling away? While it may not seem like a big deal, these gaps in your door frame are allowing for air to pass freely between your interior and outside, increasing your monthly energy bills to compensate.
To fix this issue, strip away the old materials, remove dirt and debris, apply caulking to the perimeter of your door, and add durable updated weather stripping and a door sweep. This should help keep those drafts away!
Consider the Material of Your Exterior Doors
If you've noticed that you constantly tamper with your HVAC system settings to achieve your ideal indoor temperature, you may want to consider the role your exterior doors may be playing in this problem. One of the ways our doors can either help or hinder energy efficiency in our homes is the materials they're manufactured from. Some materials can provide excellent insulation and naturally prevent some heat transfer from occurring, while others can't offer this sort of superior protection.
Some of the best options for energy-efficient exterior doors are:
- Fiberglass
- Steel
Both of these types of doors should have a foam-filled core, which is where much of the top-tier insulation comes from. While wood isn't considered a very energy-efficient door type, insulating the core can greatly improve its abilities, so an insulated wood door could potentially be a great choice as well.
Did You Utilize a Top-Rated Door Company for Installation?
If all materials seem intact on your exterior doors, then the issue may be the installation. If you remember your last exterior door replacement, take a look at reviews on that contractor's website to see if other customers have experienced a decrease in energy efficiency as well.
Some of the top signs that your door was poorly installed are:
- Noticeable Gaps Around Doorframe
- Difficulty Operating the Door
- Creaking Sounds When Opening and Closing
- Uneven Door Alignment
- Floor Marks from Door Dragging
- Crooked Door Panels
Midwest Construction as been a trusted exterior remodeling company since 1958, and always deliver on precise door installations. We'll customize our products to match the exact doorframe at your residence so you can count on an airtight fit each and every time.
We also source our replacement doors from well-known name brands like ProVia, with a reputation for exceeding Energy Star standards, so that our customers can enjoy a cozy interior without relying on their HVAC systems.
Reach out to Midwest Construction today for a free estimate on a new door, and hear more about how our products and installations can help boost the functionality at your home!
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