Many of Masonite's exterior doors, including both fiberglass and steel constructions, are ENERGY STAR-certified. Here are some of our favorites.
It's common to see energy efficiency or ENERGY STAR messaging across everything from appliances to light bulbs in a home, but what about your exterior doors?
Many factors contribute to a front door's energy efficiency. When doors are poorly made or installed, it can result in air and even water leaks, which can hike up heating and cooling costs. Conversely, energy-efficient doors can increase overall comfort in your home and even lower heating and cooling costs.
The best way to ensure that your home is maximizing energy efficiency is by using ENERGY STAR–certified products.
ENERGY STAR is a government program that helps consumers save money on energy costs and protect the environment with products that provide superior energy efficiency. The ENERGY STAR program also offers residential energy deductions and tax credits to incentivize homeowners to make the switch.
According to energystar.gov, products must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. Specifically, exterior doors may include multiple glass panes to reduce heat flow, weatherstripping to reduce air leakage, and/or use high-quality materials such as fiberglass or steel to meet these specifications.
Not all energy-efficient doors are ENERGY STAR-certified; they must meet the criteria above to receive the appropriate certification.
Many Masonite exterior doors qualify for ENERGY STAR. Both steel and fiberglass doors offer added levels of protection that aid in ENERGY STAR qualifications. While fiberglass is often the more energy efficient and durable option between the two, steel doors still offer significant improvements in climate protection from the outdoors compared to traditional wooden exterior doors. Additionally, steel doors hold up the best to burglary run ins, being virtually indestructible against the most common break in tools.
Here are our top five picks for ENERGY STAR-certified front doors that both look great and can optimize your home’s energy efficiency.
For those searching for an entry door with a modern look, the VistaGrande Flush-Glazed ¾ Lite offers a sleek design that allows up to 18% more light than doors with traditional glass frames. The ¾ lite glass allows for natural light to transform your front entrance, and it also can withstand harsh weather conditions.
As a door style option available as part of the Masonite Performance Door System, this VistaGrande ¾ lite is 64% better at keeping air and water out than the leading competitor. Overall, this door is your best option if you are looking for lots of natural light in your space. Plus, the fiberglass construction means your door will be lower maintenance over the years while still offering high-quality durability and protection from the elements.
Similar to the VistaGrande, the 2 Panel Hollister lets in light and offers weather resistance. However, it has a more classic look, as standard fiberglass doors feature a raised frame around the glass. Overall, this is the perfect option if you want a timeless look without sacrificing performance.
One Shaker-style option is the Lincoln Park 1 Panel Door. This door has more Craftsman-inspired characteristics, and with its fiberglass material it can be smooth or textured, so whether you prefer a wood appearance or a smooth painted finish, you have options to suit your style. If you’re looking for an authentic artisan look without the maintenance, the Lincoln Park 1 Panel front door is the perfect fit.
Another Craftsman-style door is the Flush-Glazed Winslow 3 Panel Door. Similar to other fiberglass solutions, the Winslow is available in textured or smooth options. Additionally, Winslow can be customized with various glass and grid designs to choose from. This fiberglass door is the perfect front-door option, no matter the style of your home.
The 3 Panel Equal door offers purposeful minimalism, while still maximizing light flow. Made of steel, this option is oftentimes more affordable of an option. Plus, it offers a strong defense against inclement weather.
Like the above options, this style is available as an ENERGY STAR–certified door, but unlike the other doors, it does not come as a Masonite Performance Door System. While all other doors have a limited lifetime warranty, this door is backed by a minimum 15-year limited warranty.
All the above options are ENERGY STAR–certified and most are available as part of the Masonite Performance Door System. Fiberglass door options, such as the VistaGrande, 2 Panel Hollister, Winslow and Lincoln Park 1 Panel allow for performance that is both durable and low maintenance. All these options can withstand harsh weather conditions and provide long-lasting protection from the elements. Steel, wood-edge doors like the 3 Panel Equal also safeguard your home during inclement weather and from other substantial impacts.
There is one other bonus to installing an energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR-certified door: the Exterior Doors Tax Credit. To reward residential homeowners who prioritize energy efficiency, the government is providing a tax credit to those who install ENERGY STAR-certified doors in their homes. However, you must install them in your principal residence (so not something like an investment property), and new construction and rentals do not apply. Visit the ENERGY STAR website to find out more about the exterior doors tax credit.
Fiberglass exterior doors are a great investment because they are durable, low maintenance and stylish.
Whether you want to keep the air in or out of your home, fiberglass exterior doors from Masonite can help.
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