The history of energy-efficient garage doors dates to the 1970s, with the energy crisis due to the oil embargo.
This crisis made people aware of the need to conserve energy and reduce their dependence on foreign oil. As a result, the US government launched a series of initiatives to promote energy conservation in buildings and homes. [[1]]
Garage door manufacturers began developing products to help people save on their heating and cooling costs. With better insulation and seals against drafts, less energy loss occurred.
Over the past five decades, the technology in this space has experienced significant development. If your garage door is even ten years old, your property could benefit from an upgrade to a more energy-efficient design. [[2]]
Why Should You Choose an Energy-Efficient Garage Door?
Energy-efficient garage doors offer several advantages over traditional designs. Here’s a closer look at why this investment might make sense for your property today.
1. Lower Energy Costs
An energy-efficient garage door can help reduce your utility bills by keeping the temperature inside your garage stable.
The average utility bill for Illinois residents is about $140 per month, which becomes approximately $1,700 per year. Although that’s better than the national average, an energy-efficient garage door can help you pay even less. [[3]]
Depending on your current utility costs, some energy-efficient garage doors can eventually pay for themselves.
2. Better Comfort
When indoor environment fluctuations happen less often, an energy-efficient garage door makes the area more manageable to use. Even during a hot summer or a cold winter, you can work on projects or create extra usable spaces for different activities with this investment.
3. Environmental Benefits
Since the garage environment requires less modification to remain comfortable, you use less energy daily. That means you’re reducing your carbon footprint, especially if the resources from your home come from coal-fired facilities. [[4]]
The amount saved by an energy-efficient garage door can vary depending on several factors, including its size, the climate at your property, and the insulation used in the door.
Most energy-efficient garage doors save up to 15% of the energy used to heat or cool this space compared to one without those features.
4. Longer Lifespan
Energy-efficient garage doors are made from high-quality materials. They’re built to last, making you less likely to need a replacement in the coming years.
Generally, energy-efficient garage doors provide support for 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance and care. Many models can exceed that rating, especially if exposure to extreme conditions is limited.
5. Property Value Increases
Garage doors are one of the most attractive features found in homes today. Whether you have a single opening, a two-car space, or something more extensive, you receive value in two ways with this investment. [[5]]
First, you have the added security of a modern garage door. It becomes a secure mechanism that effectively prevents unauthorized entry.
Secondly, an energy-efficient garage door adds curb appeal to a property. You can recoup up to 90% of your overall equity with this investment, especially when the initial impression the home receives becomes significantly more positive.
[[2]] https://www.ul.com/news/behind-door-evolution-convenience-and-safety-garage-door-openers
[[3]] https://www.energysage.com/local-data/electricity-cost/il/
[[5]] https://www.moving.com/tips/what-is-curb-appeal-and-why-does-it-matter/