“Sorry for this stupid question, but what makes a door energy efficient? Is it its size? The materials used? The length? The width? Although I understand that this is to comply with the new bill announced in the United States, I myself am clueless about the doors itself.”

If you are just a consumer, you don’t really have to go deeply into this. Just look for the energy star compliant logo. If it’s there, then you can be assured that the company providing the product received the necessary licensing to make sure that their manufacturing meets up all the standards required in keeping the product energy efficient.

However, I do understand that it’s also good to know why it’s got the energy star compliant label. Still, if the product or salesman declares that it’s energy efficient but doesn’t carry the label, then you shouldn’t really bother with it.

Thanks!

The first thing you should keep in mind when shopping for a new energy efficient door, would be to start with the type of window glass ( door-panes) that may or might not be installed on your door. Older doors most likely has only a single pane of glass, so basically, the more layers, or panes of glass in between your door the more overall energy efficient the door should be. Look to see if the glass has low-E coating on the window panes

Second, to fully maximize your overall door energy efficiency, would be to purchase a fiberglass door. Fiber glass doors are designed to mimic the look and feel of wood doors without the hassle of expanding and contracting. Expansion & contraction are the main culprits of air leakage commonly found in older worn out wood doors.

Finally, if you’re not in the market for a new replacement door, there are some simple and easy steps you can take to give yourself some temporary relief. I would first inspect your doors weather stripping to see if it’s worn out, or needs weather stripping altogether. Furthermore, inspect from the outside of your door to see if your door needs a fresh bead of caulking, or rotted wood to be replaced.

I hope that helps Harry.