If you’ve ever stood next to a single-paned glass door or window in the winter, you might’ve noticed that the air felt a little colder next to the glass. This is due to the outside temperature affecting the glass—this material is a known weak link when it comes to inhibiting heat transfer through your home’s walls. However, the right type of glass door or window can actually prove quite useful when it comes to making your home more energy-efficient! Keep reading to learn about a few factors that make glass patio doors an excellent option when it comes to regulating temperature, making your home feel cozy, and keeping your energy costs lower.
1. Number of Glass Panes
Most modern energy-efficient patio doors have double-paned glass; some homes in colder regions may even use triple-paned glass! But for most homes, double-paned glass is the standard—when your door is installed, your team will evaluate the local weather conditions and help you select the right type of glass to make your home more energy-efficient.
2. Gas Between the Panes
Multi-paned glass isn’t more energy efficient just because of the additional glass layers—it also has to do with the space between the panes that is filled with gas. The most widely used gas is argon; its thermal conductivity is two-thirds that of air, meaning it can nicely prevent heat loss. Krypton gas is also sometimes used, but since it’s more insulting, it tends to be a pricier option.
3. Type of Coating
To further insulate the glass, it’s often coated with a special type of coating. This coating generally consists of tiny metallic particles that reflect heat, either indoors in the winter or back outside in the summer. The effect is so strong that some experts estimate it’s as impactful as adding another layer of glass to the door. These coatings, called Low Emissivity or Low-E coatings, can be applied to both the outside of the glass or sandwiched between the panes, though putting it inside the panes typically has a more substantial effect.
4. Frame Material
The material used for the frame of the door also makes a noticeable difference. The most insulting frame materials tend to be vinyl and fiberglass. Wood is also a viable option, but it comes with a considerable level of required maintenance. Aluminum is another popular choice; while not as insulating, it boosts impressive strength and durability, especially in areas with inclement weather.
It’s estimated that the right type of glass door can save homeowners around $300 per year in heating and cooling costs! With that in mind, you should strive to pick a door that doesn’t just look great and matches your home’s aesthetic, but also offers unique energy-efficiency benefits!
About Adooring Designs
The team at Adooring Designs has proudly served homeowners in Dallas and the surrounding metroplex for over 15 years, assisting them with a wide variety of customized door and window projects. If you have any questions about the blog or want to set up a FREE in-person estimate to see how their team can make your design goals a reality, you can contact them online or by phone for additional assistance. Telephone: (817) 745-0522.