5 Ways To Make Your Front Door Energy Efficient

Cut down on your annual energy bills by checking your entryway doors for damage, drafts, and signs that it's time for a new model

Catherine Falls Commercial/Moment via Getty Images
Catherine Falls Commercial/Moment via Getty Images
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

Do you find yourself frequently announcing, "Where is that draft coming from?" From worn-down weatherstripping to poorly aligned hinges, the culprit could be your front door. The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that an incorrectly installed door can lose significant heating and cooling energy each year. In other words, it's worth giving your front door a look to lower your energy bill.

How To Weatherproof Your Front Door

Depending on your home style, your front door—or other main entry doors—may be made of wood, steel, or even glass. Today you have the option to install insulated doors that come with similar protection as your walls, attics, and basements.

When checking your door for energy efficiency, start by feeling around its frame for a warm or cold draft, depending on the weather. You can also bring up the design of your door during a home energy audit from a local pro.

Once you determine the cause of the draft, here are five main steps to protect your home from energy loss.

1. Replace the Weatherstripping

The edge of your entryway doors has a layer of either rubber, vinyl, or metal stripping. The layer protects air, water, dirt, and debris from flying into your home. It also plays a large role in preventing hot or cool air from changing the temperature of your home.

Weatherstripping wears down over time and can easily lead to poor performance. Rubber weatherstripping tape only costs between $8 and $15, but metal barriers and professional installation can run a bit higher.

Rubber weatherstripping is a relatively easy DIY project which adheres with an included adhesive. For a longer-term fix, call in the help of a contractor to help install the metal or vinyl stripping that often has a trickier fastening.

2. Install a Storm Door

Do you have a screen door outside your major entryway? When the temperatures fall in the winter, replace your screens with a glass storm door to keep out drafts. Even with your door closed and secure, a storm door offers an extra layer of protection during an extreme cold snap.

3. Repair Your Door

A busy family coming and going all week means that your door sees a lot of wear and tear over time. After several years, a door can slowly adjust off its hinges, leaving small gaps around the frame. Even if you have a well-installed door, houses settle over time—particularly newer ones—causing gaps as well.

If you suspect a problem with your connection between the door and your home, call a local front door repair specialist to take a look. They can also check out the caulking around its edges, which can also break down over time.

4. Add Curtains to Glass Doors

Large windows on your door—or doors entirely made of glass—can significantly affect the temperature of your home in both seasons. Install curtains or long drapes to either let in the sunlight or keep it out. Open them up in the winter to let in the hot sun or close them up during the peak of a summer afternoon to hold in the AC.

5. Replace Your Front Door

The exterior of a house with a double front door
Kathleen Finlay/Image Source via Getty Images

In the most extreme cases, consider installing a new, more energy-efficient front door. This step is often only necessary if your current door is beyond repair and too old to hold in the heat.

When you upgrade your door, you'll encounter two technical terms: the U-factor and the R-value. While they may sound like something from your high school algebra class, the terms dictate how a door, window, or skylight holds in heat.

The U-factor ranges from zero to one. The lower the number, the better the door holds temperatures inside your home. Insulated vinyl and steel doors are the norm these days and come with a rating of either R-4, R-5, or R-6. In this case, the higher the number, the better its insulating power.

If you opt for a glass door, choose a model with a low-emissivity coating (Low-E coating) for between 30% and 50% more energy efficiency. 

While you can install doors yourself, it’s usually best to opt for a professional's help if you have to replace the whole door frame. Materials and labor to install a new door can cost between $475 and $1,560, but the long-term investment of a strong new door pays off in decades of energy savings.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to door services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Beige house exterior with brick columns, a black storm door with decorative glass, and red geraniums in a window box.
•
Aug 14, 2025
Aug 14, 2025
A storm door can protect your front door and let in more fresh air. Find out how much storm door installation costs for materials, labor, and more.
A family walks through front door
•
Aug 7, 2025
Aug 7, 2025
The frame is a crucial part of a door’s looks and proper functioning. Here’s how much you can expect to pay to replace a door frame in your home.
Entrance to the apartment with a modern door
•
Aug 15, 2025
Aug 15, 2025
Discover fire door cost data, including installation, materials, and tips to save. Learn what impacts fire door pricing and how to budget for your project.
A porch with a white front door
•
May 13, 2025
May 13, 2025
Compare the pros and cons of steel doors to determine if steel is the best option for your home's entryway.
Scandinavian style apartment interior with hardwood floor
•
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
Opening up a wall and installing a door can be a daunting task unless you know how to frame a door. This comprehensive DIY guide has you covered.
Woman and a dog sitting by the entry door
•
Jun 2, 2025
Jun 2, 2025
Are you wondering how to fix a door that your dog clawed? Follow this guide to fix dog scratches on wood doors and learn how to repair the damage.