Be More Energy-Efficient With a Fiberglass Front Door

When summer hits in Arizona, you dread the electric bill. Sometimes, even early spring and fall are bad. So how can you reduce your energy use without compromising comfort? Purchasing energy-efficient windows and doors can save you quite a bit of money, and you might get to turn the A/C down a few degrees more every summer without blinking an eye! 

What Makes Something Energy Efficient? 

Understanding energy efficiency is essential because you might not purchase installations that are actually energy efficient! There are a few factors that affect a product’s energy efficiency. Some companies will tell you that their doors are energy efficient, but they are only fitted to the door frame. This is important as it helps keep temperatures controlled inside your home, but the actual materials of the products are even more critical. For example, having fiberglass entry doors is much more efficient than having wooden ones because of the materials they are made of. This is why most modern homes have exterior metal or exterior fiberglass doors rather than wooden ones. Materials that conduct more heat, like wood, are not good options for the Phoenix heat.

The Importance of Energy Efficiency in Phoenix 

Here in the Phoenix area, energy efficiency is more important than ever. It helps you in your home to save electricity, but it also helps the environment and the people living here in the valley. Energy-efficient homes help lower the production of greenhouse gases and pollutants and help decrease water use. Reducing electricity use helps stabilize electricity prices for everyone in the valley. It can help risk management in utility resources, which can reduce the price of fuel and other products. This is not only a win for you and your home but for everyone around you! 

Fiberglass Doors

A fiberglass front door is an excellent investment as they are one of the most energy-efficient options available. These are often chosen as exterior fiberglass doors because fiberglass is so good at not conducting heat or cold. Fiberglass is made of long glass fibers that are bound together with resin. A fiberglass door usually has panels of fiberglass and foam that have a painted exterior shell. These doors are clean, easy to install, and last many years. If you have fiberglass entry doors, they need to be fitted appropriately so that they aren’t offset and let in any excess air. If your door isn’t correctly fitted, it won’t be as energy efficient. So if you have a fiberglass front door but aren’t getting the energy efficiency you planned for, check to see if your door is fitted correctly. 

Fiberglass vs. Steel Doors

Fiberglass vs. steel doors is a debate that many people have to face. Fiberglass entry doors are very energy efficient. Steel doors are more energy efficient than wood, but fiberglass doors are still more energy efficient than they are, especially in warm places like Phoenix. A fiberglass front door does not shrink in the cold or expand in heat as a metal door might. However, metal doors are incredibly sturdy and can last longer than fiberglass doors. This depends on care, as steel doors can rust easily, especially if the paint is scratched. The main difference when it comes to fiberglass vs. steel doors (especially in Phoenix) is that metal doors heat up significantly more than fiberglass, especially if they are directly exposed to sunlight. In Phoenix, you could burn your skin on a steel door in the summer. Take that into consideration when looking at these options! 

Energy Efficient Windows

If you are looking at getting exterior fiberglass doors to save money on energy, you should also look into energy-efficient windows. There are so many options, and many of these have fiberglass frames that help insulate and provide better heat deflections. Energy-efficient windows are a must-have in Phoenix, as windows are the primary way that energy escapes from the home and the most common way that light and heat come into the home. You could save hundreds of dollars each year on your electric bill by replacing your windows with more energy-efficient options, and there are many options to choose from that will beautify your home.

Other Ways to Save Energy 

If you have a fiberglass front door and energy-efficient windows but are looking for other ways to improve your energy efficiency, there is still more you can do! 

• Close your doors! When entering, lock your doors and try to open and close them quickly. For example, when carrying your groceries into the house from the car, keep the door closed in between. 
• Get insulation tape, foam, or covers for your windows and doors. You can even get insulation apparatuses under the door to keep a more airtight seal. 
• Turn off your lights and unplug appliances you don’t use. They still use electricity! 
• Get a better thermostat to control the heat and cooling while you aren’t at home, saving electricity when you’re away. 
• Avoid cooking in the oven for long periods, as it heats your house. Use a crockpot or instant pot instead. 

Get a Quote

If you aren’t sure how to equip your home for the Arizona summers, give us a call! We can help you find the right windows and doors for your home. We can help you decide the best plan for making your home more energy-efficient, so you can enjoy a lovely summer and have a beautiful home.