As a homeowner in St. Louis, you’re no stranger to the constant battle against rising energy bills, especially during those sweltering summers and frigid winters. Your garage door can be a key player in reducing energy bills. It’s the largest moving part of your home. Plus, it protects the items inside your garage from the elements. Therefore, you want to make sure your next garage door operates smoothly and can withstand fluctuating temperatures. Let’s take a closer look at how a garage door can enhance energy efficiency and why you should consider a new door for your garage!
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How to Know If A Garage Door Is Energy-Efficient
When it comes to choosing an energy-efficient garage door, there are two key factors to keep in mind. First, look at the R-value. The R-value tells you how well the garage door insulates. The higher the R-value, the better it keeps heat in or out.
Energy-efficient garage doors typically have R-values between 6 and 20. A 10 or higher is recommended for doors where garages are connected to your house, as cold or hot air can enter your living space.
The second consideration is the U-factor. The U-factor measures heat transfer through the door.
Unlike with the R-value, a lower number is better for a U-factor. Well-insulated double-pane windows typically range from 0.15 to 0.30.
R-values and U-factors matter because an energy-efficient garage door can make a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy costs. It helps maintain a more stable temperature in your garage and adjacent rooms, protecting stored items from extreme temperatures and reducing the workload on your heating and cooling system. As a bonus, insulated doors are often quieter and more durable!
Types of Energy-Efficient Garage Doors
Choosing the right garage door material is crucial for matching aesthetics and ensuring energy efficiency. The material not only affects the door’s insulation properties but also its durability, maintenance requirements, and overall aesthetic appeal. In St. Louis, temperatures can swing from scorching summers to freezing winters. Therefore, selecting an energy-efficient garage door can make a significant difference in your home’s comfort and energy bills.
Here are some common energy-efficient garage door options:
- Insulated steel doors: These doors offer excellent durability and insulation, with multiple layers of galvanized steel sandwiching insulating material.
- Aluminum doors with polyurethane foam: Lightweight yet sturdy, these doors provide superior insulation thanks to the polyurethane foam core.
- Wood composite doors: Combining the classic look of wood with modern insulation technology, these doors offer both style and energy efficiency.
Each of these options brings its own set of advantages to the table, catering to different needs and preferences. However, the material is just one piece of the energy efficiency puzzle. When shopping for an energy-efficient garage door in St. Louis, there are several key features you’ll want to keep an eye out for to ensure you’re making the smartest choice for your home.
What to Look for When Shopping for Garage Doors in St. Louis
Knowing what features contribute to energy efficiency in a garage door can help you make an informed decision that will benefit your home for years to come. With the city’s varied climate, choosing the right garage door can significantly impact your home’s comfort and energy consumption.
Here are three key features to look for:
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- Weatherstripping: Quality weatherstripping around the edges of the door creates a tight seal when closed, preventing drafts and keeping out moisture, dust, and pests. This is particularly important in St. Louis, where weather conditions can change rapidly.
- Thermal breaks: These are non-conductive separators between the inner and outer skins of the door that prevent heat transfer. Thermal breaks are especially crucial for metal doors, as they significantly enhance the door’s insulating capabilities.
- High R-value: Look for doors with an R-value of at least 10 for attached garages. The higher the R-value, the better the door’s insulating properties, which help maintain a consistent temperature in your garage and adjacent living spaces.
- Low U-factor: A low U-factor of 0.15 – 0.30 in garage doors is crucial for maximizing energy efficiency and comfort in your home. By minimizing heat transfer, doors with lower U-factors help maintain consistent temperatures in your garage and adjacent living spaces.
By focusing on these features, you can ensure that your new garage door will contribute to your home’s overall energy efficiency. However, it’s important to remember that even the most energy-efficient door requires proper maintenance to perform at its best. Regular upkeep not only extends the life of your garage door but also helps maintain its energy-saving properties, ensuring you get the best return on your investment.
How to Maintain A Garage Door for Optimal Energy Efficiency
Maintaining your garage door is crucial for preserving its energy efficiency and extending its lifespan.
A comprehensive maintenance strategy involves three key approaches:
- Regular inspection and lubrication
- Sealing gaps and cracks
- Replacing worn weatherstripping
Lubricate moving parts like rollers, hinges, and springs with a silicone or lithium-based lubricant at least twice a year. Look for signs of wear, such as unusual noises or resistance in movement.
Preventing air leaks is equally important for maintaining energy efficiency, which means carefully sealing any gaps around the door’s perimeter using heavy-duty sealant or silicone caulk. Pay special attention to the weatherstripping, replacing it when you notice visible wear, gaps between the door and frame, or reduced sealing capabilities.
Regular care ensures your garage door remains an effective barrier against temperature fluctuations and energy loss, ultimately supporting your home’s overall energy conservation efforts.
Smart Technology and Garages
Modern garages are becoming increasingly smart and connected, offering homeowners unprecedented convenience, security, and energy efficiency. New garages should incorporate smart technology to keep up with the latest trends and maximize functionality.
Some key features of smart garages include remote control capabilities, allowing homeowners to operate their garage doors from anywhere using smartphone apps or voice commands through virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
Advanced security features are also essential, with AI-powered monitoring systems that provide real-time alerts, motion detection, and even integration with home security cameras.
Energy efficiency is another crucial aspect, with smart garage doors featuring insulation and automated climate control to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, smart garages often include features like geofencing technology for automatic opening and closing, integrated storage solutions, and maintenance alerts to keep the system running smoothly.
Get A New Garage in St. Louis
Looking to cut energy costs with a new energy-efficient garage door? Reach out to your friends at the Tried and True Mosby Blue!
As the official Raynor garage door installer in St. Louis, our team at Mosby offers a wide range of options to create the perfect garage door for your home. Whether you’re looking for exceptional durability, energy efficiency, or a unique design that complements your home’s architecture, our experts can bring your vision to life.
Contact us or call 314.909.1800 today!