Is your old garage door draft and letting cold air inside? An inefficient door could be raising your energy bills more than you realize. But replacing it doesn’t have to mean a huge investment – with the right choices, you can save money while saving energy too. Here are some eco-friendly and affordable garage door replacement options worthy of consideration.
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Insulated Sectional Doors
One of the most impactful swaps is an insulated sectional door. Made of rigid polystyrene insulation sandwiched between sturdy panels, they form a strong barrier to outdoor temperature extremes. Look for a door with an R-value of at least 12 for excellent insulating properties. Many tilt-up models have efficient designs that require less energy to open and close compared to heavy wooden doors as well.
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass is another material that insulates well and is dent, rust and warp resistant. Popular for withstanding high-wind coastal areas, they are also energy smart choices. Their composite construction molds rigid insulation between durable fiberglass facings for maximum protection from drafts. Some models even block out outdoor noise. Garage Door Replacement in Windsor professionals can advise on fiberglass doors suited to your location.
Efficient Openers and Sensors
Of course, the door itself is only half of the efficiency story. An old opener uses more power than needed. Upgrading to a new belt or chain drive model with an energy efficient motor saves on electricity costs over the long run. Look for openers with sensitivity sensors that prevent door movement if an obstruction is detected, increasing safety too.
LED Lighting Kits
Illuminated garage door panels are a handy feature most homeowners appreciate. But typical incandescent bulbs are energy vampires. LED lighting retrofit kits replace bulb sockets with bright, long lasting LEDs that take just pennies a year to run. Installing one ensures your lighting doesn’t drive up usage. Many options work for aluminum, steel and fibreglass doors.
Do Your Research
Reputable distributors and installers offer an array of eco-friendly door options along with expert advice on the best fit. Seek referrals or recommendations from neighbors who have recently upgraded. Reading installation and material reviews online from homeowners in your climate helps pick products suited to withstand local conditions. With some research, an energy saving garage door replacement is within reach even for smaller budgets.
I am Jeffrey Blain and my love is writing about home improvement. I write mostly about home ideas, but also share some tips and tricks that can make your life easier when it comes to getting things done in the house.
