If you’re wondering what the most energy efficient sliding glass doors are, then look no further! Sliding glass doors are attractive for a reason. There’s the gorgeous influx of natural light and the quiet, smooth glide for an easy entry and exit. They are not only perfect for your home, but also for the environment. Here is a guide to the benefits, methods, and tips for getting your home the most energy efficient sliding glass doors.
Why Go Energy Efficient With Your Sliding Glass Doors?
Not only can sliding glass doors provide a beautiful view with seamless entry and exit from your home, but they can also serve the environment while saving you energy costs.
Protect the environment with the most energy efficient sliding glass doors. Staying energy-efficient is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to protect the environment. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy reports that energy efficiency is “one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to combat climate change, reduce energy costs for consumers, and improve the competitiveness of U.S. businesses.”
Reduce energy costs with the most energy efficient sliding glass doors. Energy-efficient products will use less energy to perform the same result. This means that it will cost less to monitor the heating and cooling inside your house. In addition, energy-efficient products themselves can cost less from their industry and manufacturing plants, which also reduces fuel use and costs.
Choose the Most Energy Efficient Sliding Glass Doors
Products that are energy-efficient won’t shy away from showing it. Here are some labels to look out for as well as materials you should take into consideration to optimize energy efficiency.
Look for the ENERGY STARⓇ label. To get the most energy efficient sliding glass doors, the key is to check the labels on your product. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that upholds very high energy performance standards. The ENERGY STAR symbol tells us that a product is government-backed for energy efficiency.
Similarly, the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) label lets you compare the energy performance of doors. Also set by the EPA, the NFRC label provides performance ratings in 5 categories.
Compare R-values to find the best material. An R-value measures how well a material can insulate temperature. The higher the R-value, the more resistant the material is to heat transfer. This means less heat gain in the summer and less heat loss in the winter. Take this as an example: Fiberglass typically has an R-value of R-6 while wood typically has an R-value around an R-2. Fiberglass, steel, and wood doors would offer little insulation if left hollow. It’s thanks to the insulating foam inside a material that offers better insulation.
Considering the door frame material. Door framing is key to keeping a well-insulated home. This is particularly important for energy efficiency. Materials with a polyurethane foam core have particularly great insulating capabilities. You can often find polyurethane foam in fiberglass doors, but steel doors can consist of this material as well. Choose the framing for your sliding glass door with intention and in the best interest for your needs.
- Wood – Wood framing is the most natural option, making it no surprise that its embodied energy footprint is the lowest. When compared to uninsulated steel or fiberglass doors, wood framing provides better insulation–it has a higher R-value.
- Steel – Steel has a higher embodied energy footprint, but it also has a higher capacity for insulation. The strength of this material allows for a hollow build, which can be stuffed with insulation material.
- Fiberglass – Like steel, fiberglass has high insulation capabilities–especially because of its polyurethane foam.
Tips for Achieving the Most Energy Efficient Sliding Glass Doors
Besides the labels and build of your door, there are a few additional factors that can take your doors’ energy efficiency to the next level.
Consider the number of glass panes. Our sliding doors are available in 2-panel, 3-panel, and 4-panel configurations. When choosing how many panes to use, consider the differences between the number of glass panes you use.
- A single-pane glass insert can actually reduce your door’s energy efficiency. While adding glass inserts may enhance the beauty and natural light in your home, a single-pane glass insert can reduce the thermal performance of your door dramatically. The R-value for a quarter of an inch of glass is around 0.90.
- A double-paned glass is less likely to leak cold air outside during warmer temperatures, and it is more likely to keep warm air inside during cooler temperatures.
Other insulating factors include:
- Low e-glass coatings – Adding these coatings can either maximize solar heat gain into your home (for warmth) or limit the amount of solar heat that passes into your home (for cooling).
- Weatherstripping – Applying weatherstripping helps your patio doors seal tightly and eliminate any drafts. At Acadian, weatherstripping is a given with our patio doors.
Ultimately, the first step when ensuring the most energy-efficient sliding glass doors is to install them correctly. Installation has a huge impact on their energy efficiency. Without installing your doors correctly, it can cause gaps in framing or fixtures that let in external air and allow heat to escape your home.
Get the Most Energy Efficient Sliding Glass Doors With Acadian Windows
Protect your home while protecting the environment! When replacing your patio doors, keep these tips in mind to achieve the most energy efficient sliding glass doors. Acadian Windows has the best doors in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mississippi. From project discovery and completion, we’ll keep your home’s best interest at the forefront. Our expert employees follow a documented process that is unique to your needs.
Your energy-efficient sliding glass doors are not too far away! To get a quote, fill out our online form and be sure to ask your sales consultant about your financing options.
