Many Michigan home owners wish they had big, glass patio doors that opened into their backyard, but they steer away from this goal because they fear the doors will drive up their energy bills. This is an understandable concern in Michigan where the winters are painfully cold and the summers are hot. The good news is, modern patio doors are made with energy-efficiency in mind. As long as you shop smartly, you can find energy efficient options that allow you to enjoy outdoor beauty without emptying your wallet when the energy bill comes. Here are five qualities to look for in an efficient patio door.
1. Continuous Weatherstripping
One of the reasons older patio doors are so inefficient is a lack of good weatherstripping. As the weatherstripping ages, it peels away from the door, creating air gaps and letting cold air seep in. The most efficient patio door styles are now made with continuous weatherstripping to minimize this problem. What this means is that the weatherstripping, which runs along the edge of the door where it fits into the frame, is one long, continuous piece. This setup decreases the likelihood of air leaks.
2. Advanced Locking System
The way that the doors lock into the frame is also important. Older doors may only lock loosely, allowing air to seep in between the door and the frame. Plus, if doors are hard to lock, homeowners — or even kids in the home — may leave them open, leading to greater inefficiency. More efficient doors, like those from Renewal by Andersen, feature advanced locking systems that pull the door more tightly into the frame, reducing air leaks. These doors are also very easy to lock, which means you’re less likely to forget to lock them. As an added bonus, the advanced locking system makes your home more secure!
3. Low-E Glass
Glass is a notoriously poor insulator, so naturally, adding plain glass doors to your patio will let a lot of heat escape through the glass. However, door manufacturers are addressing this problem by making patio doors with low-e glass, like Andersen’s SmartSun™ glass. This type of glass is coated in a very thin layer of silver, which causes it to reflect heat waves. Instead of passing through the glass, heat is reflected right back. Low-e glass keeps your Michigan home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reducing your energy costs.
4. Efficient Frame Materials
Our patio doors are made with an energy efficient design. Continuous weatherstripping and interlocking design features help keep your home draft-free and provide energy savings, too. We also make our doors with solid, secure construction. Our 5-point locking system improves energy efficiency and offers an increased level of security.
Andersen® Narroline® sliding patio doors feature a stainable natural pine interior and our Perma-Shield® doors have a low-maintenance, rigid vinyl surface that protects the sturdy, engineered wood core.
5. Professional Installation
The way the doors are installed makes all the difference, too. Even the most efficiently made doors, when installed incorrectly, may leak. If you hire professionals to install your doors, you can be confident they will install them properly and with efficiency in mind.
So, are you ready for a new patio door? Contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free consultation in your Michigan home. We’ll help you choose an attractive, efficient style you love.
Topics: Patio Doors, Michigan home
