Nowadays, energy saving is not just a trend, but it is a necessity in the world we live in. With energy costs increasing and the shift towards sustainable living becoming more popular, homeowners are seeking ways to improve their home’s energy efficiency to use of overhead garage doors.
One of the places where people don’t pay much attention in terms of energy loss is the garage. An energy-efficient overhead garage door can make a lot of difference in energy consumption and the comfort and value of the home. It is time to get to the basics of energy-efficient overhead garage doors and why they are worth the investment.
The Importance of Energy-Efficient Garage Doors
Your garage door is the largest entryway in your house and, therefore, a common cause of heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. A regular garage door can let cold air into the house during the winter and hot air out during the summer, which causes a house to use a lot of energy and thus incur high energy bills. An energy-efficient garage door, on the other hand, is designed to reduce these losses through offering better insulation and sealing.
Key Benefits of Energy-Efficient Garage Doors
1. Lower Energy Bills: Well-insulated garage doors assist in regulating the temperatures in your garage so that you do not have to spend significantly on heating or cooling. This results in saving on the energy bills and this is especially so if your garage is connected to your house or if you use the garage for other uses apart from parking your car.
2. Enhanced Comfort: If you use your garage as a workshop, gym, or the kids playroom, an energy-efficient door will help make the space comfortable throughout the year. Besides controlling drafts, these doors can help transform your garage into a more comfortable and usable space in your home by providing a better climate control.
3. Increased Home Value: One of the primary concerns that homeowners have at the moment is the specific aspect of energy efficiency. The benefits of an overhead garage door include enhancing your home’s energy performance and adding value to your home’s market worth. The intended consumers will appreciate the efficiency and warmth that comes with having a well-insulated garage door.
4. Environmental Impact: Energy conservation is wise for your pocket and the earth. An energy-efficient garage door contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from your home since it consumes less energy to regulate the indoor temperature of your garage and the rest of your house.
Key Features of Energy-Efficient Garage Doors
When shopping for an energy-efficient overhead garage door, it’s important to know what features to look for to ensure you’re making the best choice for your home.
1. Insulation Quality: The best thing that influences the energy efficiency of a garage door is its insulation. Garage doors normally contain an insulating material of polystyrene or polyurethane. Polyurethane insulation is normally better because it is more compact and has a greater R-value than fiberglass. A door with a high R-value will provide better insulation and will be more energy efficient.
2. Weather Seals: Weatherstripping is especially important because it seals gaps and prevents air from coming in and out of the garage. Seek out garage doors with weather stripping at the bottom, the sides, and between sections of the door. These seals also assist in providing a tight barrier against the wind, rain, and snow, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of your garage.
3. Material and Construction: Another factor that is related to the energy efficiency of your garage is the material of the garage door. Steel and fiberglass doors are well known because they are heavy-duty and can be filled with insulating foam. It is also possible to insulate wooden garage doors, although they are likely to need more care to remain in good order. Also, whether the door is single-layered or multi-layered, the construction does influence the degree of insulation.
4. Thermal Breaks: A thermal break is an insulating material placed in the structure of the garage door so as to minimize heat or cold transfer from the door interior to the exterior. It is a very useful feature when it comes to energy conservation and is vital in areas with very cold or very hot climates.
Choosing the Right Energy-Efficient Garage Door
Selecting the right energy-efficient overhead garage door for your home involves considering several factors, including your climate, budget, and the specific needs of your garage.
1. Assess Your Climate: When it comes to cold regions of the country, one needs a garage door that has a higher R-value and quality insulation to keep the cold outside and the warm inside. In warmer climates, insulation can be vital, but you might want to use UV-resistant coatings so that the door does not become hot and warped from the sun.
2. Consider Your Garage’s Usage: When a garage is converted into a living space or a workshop, it is very beneficial to spend more on a door that is insulated and energy efficient. Nonetheless, if you use your garage solely for parking your car, you might opt for a solution with moderate insulation at a lower cost.
3. Set Your Budget: Depending on the material, insulation, and other bonuses, energy-efficient garage doors are available at various prices. Choosing the cheapest option may not be the most cost-effective solution, as a high-quality door will save more on energy bills and increase home value in the long run.
Maintaining Your Energy-Efficient Garage Door
Once you’ve installed your energy-efficient overhead garage door, proper maintenance is key to ensuring it continues to perform at its best.
1. Regular Inspections: Check the door’s insulation and weather seals regularly for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn-out weatherstripping or insulation to maintain the door’s energy efficiency.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts: Keep the door’s moving parts, such as hinges, springs, and rollers, well-lubricated to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear and tear that could affect the door’s seal and insulation.
3. Clean and Repaint: If you have a steel or wooden garage door, cleaning and repainting it periodically will help maintain its insulation properties and protect it from the elements.
Conclusion
Energy-efficient overhead garage doors are a smart investment for any homeowner looking to reduce energy costs, enhance comfort, and increase home value. By choosing a door with high-quality insulation, weather seals, and durable construction, you can significantly improve your garage’s energy efficiency. Remember, regular maintenance is crucial to keep your garage door functioning at its best and ensuring it continues to provide energy savings for years to come.
Trust the experts at Experts Garage Doors for professional advice and Overhead garage door installation services. We’re here to help you select and maintain the perfect energy-efficient garage door for your home.