Have you ever noticed that the tiles in the front entranceway of your home feel colder than the rest of the floors in your home?
Although you are going to get some cold air entering your house every time someone opens the front door, if you feel that part of the house always seems colder, then most likely you’ve got a problem with the way your door is sealed in the frame.
Drafty doors are a major cause of heat loss in many homes. Since the exterior doors of your home are exposed to the elements, they will take a beating from rain, snow, sleet, and constant fluctuation due to expansion and contraction. Sooner or later, they reach the end of their lifespan and are no longer providing a proper seal in the doorframe.
When this happens you will be losing heat through these air leaks and letting warm air spill outside. Your furnace will now work overtime to replace that lost heat – and you will pay extra to keep your home warm.
If you have exterior doors that are providing a gateway to outside air due to leaky seals and doorframes, you have two options to correct the problem and keep that cold air out.
- Door repair: A repair can be simple or complex depending on how much of a leak has developed. Applying caulking or weather stripping to seal cracks is the easiest way to stop an air leak. If your doorframe is warped or has changed shape over time, repairs will be more expensive and complicated.
- Door replacement: The truth of the matter is that a door replacement is your best bet if your home has a few years behind it and the door or doorframe has warped over time. Although a door replacement will have a greater initial cost you will save more in the long run through lower heating and cooling costs.
The U.S. Department of Energy has set standards for doors, windows, and skylights, to meet energy performance guidelines.
The good news is that you may be eligible for tax savings if you select a qualified door replacement.
Choosing an ENERGY STAR approved door will ensure you have a properly sealed entrance that will keep warm air inside your home.
Talk to your local RESNET Qualified EnergySmart Contractor about the best solution to replace a drafty door, which will result in greater home comfort, lower energy bills and added value to your home.