Types of Energy Efficient Doors and Windows

Energy efficient doors and windows are beneficial because they decrease energy bills and keep a home cooler or warmer depending on the season. These types of doors and windows have different features such as low-e glass, airtight frames and double insulated glass.

Energy efficient door and window performance depends on the temperature. The glass coating blocks wavelengths of energy. One type has low thermal transmission, or the U-factor. It keeps a large amount of heat from escaping and works well in high climates. Solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, should be low in warm climates and high in cool climates. Choose according to the climate zone where you live.

Energy efficient doors and windows have glazing or layers of glass. There are single, double or triple glazed. The triple glazed is the most energy efficient. Doors insulate better than windows even if they have a lot of glass. Energy efficient doors usually have double or triple pane insulating glass. Some types of doors are fiberglass, wood cladding and steel with polyurethane foam core.

Look for doors and windows with a tight seal or low air leakage because they’ll be more energy efficient. Ask the dealer or manufacturer about air infiltration results of windows and doors. Most manufacturers have different window seal results but there are certain industry standards. For windows it is 0.375 cfm/ft and for doors it is 0.50 cfm/ft2 for total glass. A low air leaking rating is the tightest. Make sure the tests were done at 25 mph.