Everyone wants lower energy bills in any way possible. Did you know that an insulated garage door is a great way to cut down on those costs? While most people look for other ways to cut their energy costs, they don’t realize there’s another simple solution.
Your garage door one of the largest openings in your home. Protecting the heat and air conditioning from escaping is important. You may not even realize that a large part of your bill is coming from using your garage door. Here are a few ways you can reduce your energy bills with an insulated garage door.
Insulation Saves Energy
Garage doors that are not properly insulated funnel heat and air into rooms that don’t really need it. Heat and air sneak into unfilled gaps and cause you to raise or lower the thermostat unnecessarily. By controlling the temperature in the garage with insulation, you save energy and finances.
Weather-stripping Adds Protection
Applying weather-strip to your garage door allows the gaps to fill in and prevent any heat or cool air from escaping. This greatly reduces energy costs and helps the door work efficiently. Weather-stripping also:
- Limits air flow
- Improves overall insulation throughout your home
- Keeps dust and debris out of the garage
- Regulates your vehicle’s’ temperature
- Prevents unwanted rodents and insects from entering your garage
Wind and rain also enter your garage. The weather-strip creates a secure seal to keep the garage protected and dry. The outside will need a different type of weather-strip than the inside. This process is simple to do and very also inexpensive.
Using Bottom and Threshold Seals
Both of these seal types protect your door in different ways. The bottom seal is a thick vinyl strip that seals along the bottom of the garage door. It is flexible and flattens when the door closes. This action locks any dirt or debris from entering your garage.
The threshold seal does the same the job as the bottom seal but it sticks along the garage floor and not the door. In some cases, it works better than the bottom seal. While it makes sweeping the garage difficult, it gives quality protection.
Choosing Your Materials
When selecting the insulation materials, you want energy-efficient ones. Steer clear of single layer doors that don’t have added layers. Double and triple layer doors have added insulation. Most garage door materials people select from include:
- Wood – this material is not a good insulator but it’s made in a variety of options and designs.
- Composite wood – this is like wood and is also a poor insulator
- Steel – provides average insulation and is low maintenance
- Aluminum – this generally provides poor insulation due to a lack of heat transfer
Call Us for a New Insulated Garage Door
If you want to cut energy costs, insulating your garage door is the best way to start. It creates thermal boundaries and locks in the air which keeps more for your home. Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Orange, CA will help you weigh your options and get you started on quality insulation methods.
