With energy bills set to rise further over the coming year, ensuring the thermal efficiency of your home has never been more important. Your external doors represent a gap in your home’s thermal envelope and account for around 15% of its heat loss. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to make sure all your doors are as energy efficient as possible; this can help you save money on your bills in the long run, and you may even recoup the cost of your investment.
With so many styles available, it can be difficult to know which door is best for your property. Luckily, the team at Bridgewater Glass are industry experts and have written this article to explore which doors offer the best energy efficiency.
What are the minimum energy efficiency standards?
The energy efficiency of your door is categorised by the DER (Door Energy Rating) system. The BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) introduced these ratings back in 2011, to help consumers make an informed choice on the best door for their home. This traffic-light style classification system ranks doors from A to G, taking into accountthe material, U-value and air leakage. An A grade represents the maximum energy efficiency rating that can be achieved.
U-value measures the ability of a material to retain heat; a lower U-value is indicative of excellent insulation properties. Current UK building regulations state that all external doors must have a minimum U-value of 1.8W/m²K. However, for all homes completed after June 2023, this figure has been reduced to 1.4W/m²K, highlighting the critical role that doors play in maintaining a building’s energy efficiency.
How can you prevent heat loss from a front door?
There are several methods you can implement to minimise the heat lost from your front door, including:
Weatherstripping – Material is adhered to the edges of the door, forming a seal between the frame and the door. This will reduce the cold air infiltrating your home.
Draught excluder – Offering a simple and hassle-free way to insulate your home, a draught excluder is usually a long, filled fabric tube that is placed at the door frame base.
New frame – If your door frame is constructed from a material that offers poor heat retention, such as aluminium or steel, you may want to consider replacing it with an energy efficient material that offers increased insulation.
Door upgrade – In some cases, there may be more long-term benefits to replacing your external door. Carefully consider the material, U-value and DER of the door before making any purchase and consult a reputable company for assistance if you’re not sure.
So, what are the most energy efficient doors?
When it comes to energy efficiency, composite doors tend to lead the way. They offer almost double the thickness of many standard doors, and their unique blend of materials – including foam, timber, GRP and uPVC – makes them exceptional insulators.
If you’re looking for a combination of energy efficiency and affordability, uPVC doors could be the perfect choice for you. Made from lightweight materials, they typically feature an insulating core which helps to reduce heat loss. Plus, they offer enhanced security and durability to last you for years to come.
Whilst the glass elements in your door can enhance its appearance, it’s vital to consider their impact on energy efficiency. For optimal results, double or triple glazing is an effective choice that ensures your door doesn’t allow precious heat to escape. You should consult a glazing specialist for the best results.
Do you need a replacement door to improve the energy efficiency of your home? Bridgewater Glass are your local, leading supplier of external doors, with a variety of styles available to suit every property. We operate in homes and businesses across St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and beyond. Not sure which style to pick? Our knowledgeable professionals are always on hand to offer advice on the best choice for your property. You can even view our quality products up close at our Watford showroom.
Don’t delay – get in touch with our friendly team today to book a free consultation.
