When it comes to keeping your home comfortable and your energy bills in check, your front door plays a bigger role than you might think. At Love That Door® , we’re often asked: How do I know if my door is energy efficient?
Desiree from our Frisco showroom breaks it down in simple terms because understanding your door’s energy performance can help you make smarter upgrades.
Look for the NFRC and ENERGY STAR Ratings
One of the first things to check is whether your door carries an NFRC rating. This label, provided by the National Fenestration Rating Council, is the first step toward earning an ENERGY STAR certification.
- NFRC labels measure key metrics like U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.
- A door must have an NFRC rating to qualify for the ENERGY STAR program, which means it meets strict government-backed standards for energy performance.
Doors with a lot of glass (like many iron, steel, or fiberglass doors) can still qualify if the glazing is properly rated for efficiency. Keep an eye out for that label, it’s a strong sign your door was built with energy performance in mind.
Insulated Door Cores Make a Big Difference
Another essential factor? What’s inside your door.
At Love That Door® , we use a closed-cell polyurethane foam core inside our custom doors. This insulation is injected through the door slabs and jamb, creating a powerful thermal barrier that:
- Reduces heat and cold transfer between inside and outside
- Enhances overall comfort in all seasons
- Supports lower heating and cooling costs year-round
This insulated core makes a noticeable difference, especially in the hot Texas climate.
Got Glass? You’ll Want Low-E Protection
If your door features glass (and most of ours do), make sure it’s equipped with Low-E glass. This stands for low emissivity, and it works by:
- Reflecting infrared and ultraviolet rays
- Reducing heat gain from sunlight
- Protecting your interior from UV-related fading
Low-E glass is especially helpful in homes with large glass panels, sidelights, or transoms, it improves efficiency while maintaining the aesthetic impact of a beautifully designed entry.
Final Thoughts
Wood doors may look great, but they often fall short when it comes to energy performance. If you’re upgrading to an iron, steel, or fiberglass door, don’t just think about style, consider the ratings, insulation, and glazing that make a door truly energy efficient.
Have More Questions?
We’ve got answers. Visit www.lovethatdoor.com to explore energy-efficient custom doors, browse helpful blogs, or connect with our team for personalized recommendations.