How Your Garage Door Can Help You With Energy Savings

An energy-efficient garage door is a smart investment for your home. Garage doors are usually the largest ‘point of entry’ in your building, which also makes them potentially large points of energy loss & waste! Energy efficient garage doors are designed to minimize heat transfer, keeping your garage cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In many buildings, like a residential home, garages are often as long as the width of the home so creating a more energy efficient garage is also an added buffer against energy waste for your whole home! Let's dive deeper into what makes a garage door energy-efficient and how it can benefit your home.

An energy-efficient garage door is specially designed to reduce energy consumption. These doors are constructed with materials that provide excellent insulation, preventing outdoor temperatures from affecting your indoor space. They help maintain a stable and comfortable environment inside your garage, which can impact your overall home energy efficiency.

To gauge the energy efficiency of garage doors, two essential metrics are used: U-factor and R-value.

The U-factor measures how well a garage door insulates against heat transfer. Lower U-factor values indicate better insulation. Energy-efficient garage doors have a lower U-factor, which means they minimize heat transfer, keeping your garage at a consistent temperature.

R-value measures the resistance to heat flow. Higher R-values indicate better insulation properties. Garage doors with a higher R-value can effectively reduce the heat flow between the garage and your home, leading to significant energy savings.

Source: Constellation.com

Now that we understand the importance of an energy-efficient garage door, let's delve into the factors that contribute to reducing your energy costs. 

• Material Selection: Opt for garage doors made of insulated materials like steel, wood, or fiberglass.
• Proper Installation: Ensure your garage door is correctly installed to eliminate gaps and drafts.
• Sealing and Weatherstripping: Regularly check and replace weatherstripping to prevent air leakage.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your garage door in top condition with routine maintenance.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting: Use energy-efficient lighting fixtures in your garage to further reduce energy consumption.
• Programmable Thermostat: If your garage uses a separate climate control, space heaters or portable air conditioning, consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your garage.