As energy costs continue to rise and environmental concerns become increasingly pressing, homeowners across the UK are focusing on making their properties more energy-efficient.
While insulting your home and making sure your windows are thermally efficient is crucial, another common area of for heat loss within homes is your front door.
A well-chosen front door can significantly reduce heat loss, lower heating bills, and provide excellent security whilst maintaining your home’s kerb appeal.
At Tyneside Home Improvements, we offer a range of uPVC and composite front doors, all of which are designed to keep your home comfortable, and your energy bills low!
Understanding door energy ratings
Just like windows, front doors come with energy ratings that indicate their thermal performance. These ratings, ranging from G to A+, help homeowners make informed decisions about their door products.
The rating system takes into account several important factors.
First, it considers how effectively the door prevents heat loss from your home through its U-value measurement. Air leakage is another crucial element that’s measured, alongside the door’s ability to harness warmth from the sun.
These elements combine to determine the overall energy efficiency rating of the door.
Another way in which energy efficiency is measured and expressed is through U-values. U-values are a measurement of heat transfer; for your home to stay warm and comfortable, doors and windows should slow and minimise heat transfer from inside your home to the outside.
The lower the U-value, the better the door’s insulation properties.
The Building Regulations in England and Wales specify minimum standards for thermal performance, ensuring that new door installations contribute positively to a home’s energy efficiency. As per modern Building Regulations, new door installations must reach U-values of 1.8 W/m²K or lower.
Material choices for energy efficient doors
Different materials offer varying levels of thermal performance and benefits. At Tyneside, we offer a range of thermally efficient doors to help keep your home comfortable and minimise heat loss.
uPVC doors
When it comes to uPVC doors, homeowners can expect a cost-effective solution that delivers excellent energy efficiency.
uPVC doors, like the ones we offer at Tyneside Home Improvements, are crafted with frames that contain insulating air pockets – this slows down the transfer of valuable heat from inside your home. Our uPVC doors are made with double glazed elements, which also works to keep your home thermally efficient.
The benefits don’t stop there – these doors require minimal maintenance and are particularly effective at preventing draughts thanks to their advanced weathersealing.
Composite doors
Composite doors are an excellent choice for those looking for optimal thermal efficiency. Made with several different insulating materials, composite doors are slightly more expensive generally than standard uPVC, but are some of the most thermally efficient doors for homeowners.
Many composite doors, like those we offer, incorporate a core of insulating foam, which creates an excellent barrier against heat loss. This is then combined with an outer skin of GRP (glass reinforced plastic) to prevent weather damage and increase security.
Security is paramount with composite doors, which combine robust construction with advanced locking mechanisms. Whether you prefer traditional or contemporary styling, composite doors can be customised to suit your taste while requiring minimal upkeep.
Energy efficient doors from Tyneside Home Improvements
At THI, we take pride in offering homeowners across the North East a variety of thermally insulating front door choices to suit any style and budget.
- For classic versatility and cost-effective insulation, our uPVC front doors are an ideal choice.
A-rated for energy efficiency, our high-performance uPVC doors come in an extensive range of styles and colours, and can also be finished with decorative glass and a choice of hardware to suit your unique style.
- As well as uPVC styles, we offer a range of premium composite front doors. These doors are A+ rated for energy efficiency, offering supreme protection against the elements and reducing heat loss.
Available in a range of modern and traditional styles, our composite doors also offer excellent security and durability.
Composite or uPVC: which is right for me?
The ideal choice of door for you and your home will depend on your budget, property style, and priorities. While composite styles offer the best levels of efficiency, uPVC is more cost-effective. At THI, we are more than happy to discuss your options and help you make an informed decision!
The impact on your energy bills
Installing an energy-efficient front door can make a notable difference to your heating costs, potentially saving hundreds of pounds annually on energy bills.
By reducing heat loss and preventing draughts, these doors help maintain consistent indoor temperatures during colder months. This leads to reduced reliance on central heating, resulting in lower overall energy consumption, lowering both your carbon footprint and your energy bills.
Homeowners can also benefit from more comfortable living spaces and better temperature control throughout the year. The elimination of cold spots near entrance ways is particularly noticeable, creating a more comfortable environment in hallways and adjacent rooms.
Style options and customisation
Energy efficiency doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetics.
Our composite and uPVC door designs range from traditional panelled styles to contemporary minimalist options, with decorative glazing patterns available to add character and personality. Hardware choices include classic knockers and letterplates in various finishes, from polished chrome to antique brass.
Choosing expert installers
As well as selecting the perfect energy efficient door, choosing an expert team to install your door is crucial.
At Tyneside, our expert team takes care to install your new door with precision, ensuring your door will continue to protect your home for years to come. We also provide detailed aftercare advice to help maintain your door’s performance over its lifetime!
Whether you choose a versatile uPVC door or a stylish composite, we are here to bring the very best thermally efficient solutions to you and your home.
Energy efficient front doors in the North East: contact THI today
If you’re considering upgrading your front door to improve your home’s energy efficiency, Tyneside Home Improvements can help.
Our expert team can guide you through the options available and help you choose the perfect door for your property.
To discuss your requirements or arrange a consultation, you can contact us online, reach us by phone on 0191 489 5063 or email us at sales@thi.uk.com.
Let us help you make your home more energy-efficient with a high-quality, secure, and stylish front door that will serve you well for years to come.