Tired of drafty hallways or rooms that never seem to stay warm? Your door might be the reason.
Old or poorly installed doors let in outside air, leak your heating or cooling, and drive up energy bills without you noticing. A new door, if installed right, can seal those gaps, cut waste, and keep your home more comfortable year-round.
Before you schedule a door installation, here’s what you need to know to make sure it actually improves your home’s energy efficiency.
Why Energy Efficiency Starts at the Door
Your door is part of your home’s thermal barrier. If it’s outdated, damaged, or poorly installed, it becomes a weak spot where air slips in or out. Even a small gap can:
- Raise heating and cooling costs year-round
- Let in outdoor moisture and pests
- Create uneven temperatures inside the home
Many homeowners focus on windows and attic insulation but overlook the door. A tight, well-insulated door reduces this loss significantly.
Signs Your Current Door Is Costing You Money
Some signs are easy to miss because they happen gradually. Take a closer look if you’ve noticed:
- Sunlight peeking through the edges
If you can see light coming in around the doorframe, air is getting through too. That means warm air escapes in winter and hot air gets in during summer, making your HVAC system work harder.
- Drafts when standing nearby
Feeling cold air while the door is shut means the seal isn’t tight. Even a small draft can create uncomfortable temperature swings and raise your heating costs.
- A door that drags or sticks
When a door doesn’t open smoothly, it could mean the frame has shifted or the door has warped. Misalignment leads to poor sealing, allowing air leaks and moisture to slip in.
- Energy bills that rise year after year
If your usage hasn’t changed but your bill keeps climbing, the problem could be escaping air. Doors are often overlooked, but they play a big role in energy loss—especially older ones.
- Old weatherstripping is falling apart
Cracked or missing weatherstripping breaks the seal around your door. This creates gaps that let heat escape quickly, reducing energy efficiency and comfort.
Focus on these over decorative features. They make a real difference in performance.
What Makes a Door Energy Efficient?
A door’s energy performance depends on more than its appearance or price tag. The right features work together to reduce heat loss and block outdoor air.
- Insulated Core: Foam-filled cores help keep indoor temperatures stable.
- Strong Weatherstripping: Seals around the edges keep air and moisture from slipping through.
- Accurate Fit: A properly sized and hung door eliminates gaps that cause energy waste.
- Low-E or Double-pane Glass: These glass options reduce heat gain and block harmful UV rays.
- Energy Star Certification: This confirms the door meets federal standards for energy efficiency.
What Type of Door Should You Choose?
The right door for your home depends on what you care about most. Are you looking for better insulation, less upkeep, or just something that looks good and lasts?
Before you decide, here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of the most common door types.
Fiberglass Doors
Pros:
✅ Good insulator
✅ Durable and low-maintenance
✅ Won’t warp or rot
✅ Versatile appearance
Cons:
❌ Higher upfront cost than steel
❌ May crack under severe impact
❌ Color matching repairs can be tricky
Steel Doors
Pros:
✅ Strong and secure
✅ Affordable
✅ Fire-resistant and weather-resistant
✅ Low maintenance
Cons:
❌ Requires a thermal break to reduce heat loss
❌ May dent or scratch easily
❌ Can rust over time, especially in coastal climates
❌ Feels cold to the touch in w
Wood Doors
Pros:
✅ Classic, high-end appearance
✅ Customizable
✅ Solid and heavy
Cons:
❌ Sensitive to moisture
❌ High maintenance
❌ Less efficient unless built with insulation
❌ Typically more expensive
Glass Doors (Sliding or Patio Door)
Pros:
✅ Brings in natural light
✅ Modern styles available
✅ Energy-efficient options
Cons:
❌ Poor insulation without upgraded glass
❌ Frame material affects efficiency
❌ Easier to break without reinforced glass
❌ Requires frequent cleaning
The Role of Proper Door Installation
Even the best-rated door won’t save energy if it’s installed poorly. The way the door is set, sealed, and insulated matters just as much as the door itself.
Here’s what a proper install includes:
- Measuring the frame and door slab precisely
Accurate measurements ensure a snug fit, reducing the chance of gaps or uneven spacing around the frame.
- Shimming the door so it sits square and plumb
Shims are placed behind the hinges and frame to keep the door level and aligned, so it closes tightly every time.
- Adding foam insulation around the frame
Expanding foam fills in the space between the door frame and wall studs, blocking drafts and helping retain indoor temperatures.
- Sealing with weatherproof caulk
High-quality exterior caulk is used to seal the outer edges, protecting against wind, moisture, and air leaks.
- Replacing worn or missing threshold seals
A tight seal at the bottom of the door keeps cold air and pests from sneaking in underfoot.
Skipping any of these steps can lead to performance issues, wasted energy, and premature wear. Proper installation helps your door last longer and perform as intended from day one.
Common Door Installation Mistakes That Waste Energy
Even a high-quality door can fail to perform if the installation is rushed or incomplete. These common mistakes cause most of the energy loss homeowners deal with after a new door is put in.
Watch out for:
- Too much space between the frame and the wall
Large gaps around the frame let air flow in and out, especially if they’re not insulated or sealed properly.
- No foam or insulation around the frame
Leaving this step out means outside air can move freely through the open space around the door frame.
- Improper hinge alignment
If the hinges aren’t positioned correctly, the door may not sit flush, creating uneven gaps along the edges.
- Missing sill pan or threshold seal
Without these, water can seep under the door, leading to moisture damage, mold, and cold drafts.
- Using interior caulk outdoors
Interior-grade caulk can crack and peel when exposed to the sun and weather, making it useless for sealing exterior doors.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Door Installer
Make sure you hire someone who takes energy efficiency seriously. Ask:
- What materials do you use to insulate the frame?
- Do you seal around the door with foam and exterior caulk?
- Will you replace the threshold and weatherstripping?
- Do you test for air leaks after installation?
- Do you guarantee your work in writing?
If the installer skips insulation or cuts corners, it defeats the purpose of the door upgrade.
Don’t Delay If Your Door Is a Problem
Energy loss gets worse over time. So do drafts, swelling, and sticking. If you’re already noticing signs like:
- Cold spots near the door
- Spikes in energy bills
- Visible damage to the door or frame
…you’re already losing money and comfort. A new energy-efficient door, when installed properly, can fix those problems now.
Ameritech Windows offers professional door installation that’s built for Colorado’s climate and designed to reduce energy waste. Ask for a free consultation if you’re ready to improve your home’s performance.
