What Makes a Patio Door Energy-Efficient?

There are specific factors that make your windows energy-efficient. Basic knowledge about these elements will guide you in selecting the right patio door for your home.

Keep reading to learn more about energy-efficient patio doors.

ENERGY STAR® Ratings

Your patio door must meet certain requirements in order to be considered energy-efficient. In general, it should be manufactured by an official ENERGY STAR partner. It must also be tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council and should comply with the U.S. Department of Energy guidelines. 

Here are NFRC’s ratings:

• Glazing ” A patio door’s glazing level refers to how much glass is in your door’s design. For instance, an opaque door has no glass, while a door greater than or equal to half-lite is made of half glass or less. A door that is greater than half-lite is mostly glass, and sliding glass and French doors are good examples of this.

• U-Factor “ Ranging from 0.25 to 1.25, the U-factor is a measurement of the rate of heat transfer in windows and doors. Generally, a lower U-factor indicates better insulation.

• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient “ SHGC is a measurement of the capacity of a door to prevent solar heat gain. It ranges from 0.25 to 0.80 on a scale of 0 to 1.

Much like the other parts of your home, the materials you choose for your patio door will influence its energy efficiency. Patio door design also matters. 

Request a Free Estimate Today!

If you’re planning to upgrade your patio door to an energy-efficient one, contact Renewal by Andersen® of Central Pennsylvania! We have a wide selection of replacement windows and doors to suit different types of homes. Call us at (717) 929-8610 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.