You may not notice it, but your patio doors are one of the largest contributors to energy efficiency into your home. If you invest in one that’s ENERGY STAR®-rated, you not only make your home a cozier and more comfortable place to live, but you can also save money on energy bills every month.
The key to the energy efficiency of your chosen patio doors is its different ratings. Here’s what you need to know about them:
U-Factor
The U-factor of a door measures the rate of heat transfer. This is also a measure of how well your door insulates the heat. Make sure that your patio door has a low U-factor between 0.25 to 1.25. The lower the U-factor, the better your door insulates.
SHGC
The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) measures how well your door is able to prevent the sun’s heat from passing through. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat the door lets in. It’s best to find a patio door with a lower SHGC rating – preferably between 0.25 to 0.80 – especially if you are looking to install it in an area that faces the sun.
Glazing Level
The glazing level refers to the amount of glass area your patio doors have. French and sliding patio doors mostly have glass and have higher glazing levels.
Other Factors to Consider
When it comes to choosing your patio doors, it’s important to look at the components of the glass. To ensure better energy efficiency, consider ones with low-emissivity (low-e) glass coatings to let sunlight indoors while keeping the heat out.
When looking for energy-efficient patio doors, make sure to take their features into account. Apart from multiple panes of glass filled with gasses to boost the doors’ insulation, they should come with high-grade weatherstripping to improve their seals and keep heated or cool air indoors.
As highly trained patio door installation consultants, you can rest easy knowing each and every door we craft is precisely fit to your home. What you get each time from your top window company in Wyoming is a perfect fit with a weather tight seal for long-lasting value. Call Renewal by Andersen® of Wyoming today at (307) 472-2199, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. We serve clients in Casper and Douglas, WY.
