Want to upgrade your home to be more sustainable while looking amazing?
Right now, French doors are everywhere and it’s not just because they’re a major trend.
These days homeowners everywhere are choosing French doors products for their sustainable living projects and here’s why…
French Doors Make Sense For Sustainable Living
First up, a few facts:
Modern French doors are not the energy wasters they used to be. In fact, they’ve been developed specifically for high performance sustainable living spaces.
The global French doors market is estimated to have reached USD 27.9 billion in 2024. But what most people don’t realize is…
French doors products can be just as energy efficient as they are beautiful.
The Best Sustainable French Doors On The Market Today (2024)
Here’s the lowdown on what you need to know about sustainable French doors products, from the advanced materials and glass tech to the smart ways they save you money.
What you’ll learn:
- The science behind energy-efficient French door technology
- The doors with the best U-values
- How much money you can actually save
- All the installation details you need
- The types of glass you need to know about
- Choosing materials for maximum efficiency
Ready to get into it? Let’s go…
Why French Doors Are Perfect For Sustainable Living
French doors have come a long way from their days as energy drainers.
So why are they a smart choice for homeowners who want to live sustainably?
Energy-efficient French doors use advanced materials and technologies that improve energy performance drastically. In fact, they help create more sustainable homes.
Modern French doors with a low U-value give you:
- Natural light maximization
- Better insulation and temperature control
- Long-term durability for decades of use
- Enhanced home value
But the secret is in the energy-efficient technologies in the door.
How Energy Efficient French Doors Technology Works
What makes French doors so energy efficient these days?
The key is in the door’s U-value.
A door’s U-value measures how much heat is lost through it. The lower the U-value the better the door’s insulation.
Here’s the thing:
Average external French door U-values are around 1.8W/m²K, but top models can go as low as 1.4W/m²K.
That’s impressive efficiency for your doors.
French doors with the best U-values use these features:
- Double or triple pane glass with low emissivity coatings
- Insulated frames of uPVC, fiberglass, or thermally-broken aluminum
- Advanced weatherstripping that creates airtight seals
- Argon gas fills between glass panes for insulation
- Warm-edge spacers that reduce heat transfer
The Home Design Group are the leading suppliers and installers of uPVC French doors in Belfast Northern Ireland. Their products use all these energy-saving technologies for the best sustainability performance.
How Much Money You Can Actually Save
Ok, so it’s all well and good saying that you can reduce your energy bills but what about the actual figures?
The Home Design Group can tell you for sure what the real numbers are…
Saving up to 13% on energy bills on heating and cooling is possible with Energy Star certified windows and doors. We’re talking real money back in your pocket every month.
25% of the energy required to heat and cool a building is wasted through windows and doors. That’s why upgrading to energy-efficient French doors is such a big deal for sustainability.
Those figures add up to a lot of money. For a typical home that can mean saving hundreds of pounds each year. Over 20+ years that’s thousands saved on energy bills.
Current energy efficiency tax credits also give up to $250 per door for energy-efficient exterior doors, up to $500 total.
Materials Matter When It Comes To Efficiency
Not all materials for French doors products are created equal when it comes to sustainability.
Here’s your best options for sustainability:
uPVC French Doors
uPVC, or unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, are the sustainable champions. uPVC French doors offer:
- Excellent insulation
- Low maintenance
- Recyclable materials
- Long life (30+ years)
- Great weather resistance
Fiberglass French Doors
Fiberglass doors are incredibly durable and energy-efficient:
- Outstanding thermal performance
- Won’t warp, crack, or rot
- Can be painted or stained
- Extremely low maintenance
Wood French Doors with Thermal Breaks
Old school wood doors with a modern twist:
- Natural insulation
- Renewable material source
- Modern thermal break technology
- Classic look
Fact is…
The materials you choose for French doors have a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency and long-term maintenance costs. uPVC tends to be the best all-round sustainable performer.
Smart Glass Technology Is Changing The Game
French doors glass technology has come a long way in the last few years.
Here’s what’s available to you now:
Low-E Coatings
Low emissivity coatings that reflect heat back into your room in winter and keep it out in summer. They’re like a smart mirror for every season.
Triple Glazing
Three panes of glass with insulating gas between them. Triple glazing can reduce heat loss by up to 60% over single glazing.
Smart Glass Options
Electrochromic smart glass that automatically tints or thermochromic glass that responds to temperature. These doors also have self-cleaning coatings to reduce maintenance.
French Door Installation Details Matter
Even the best energy-efficient French doors won’t work if not installed correctly.
These are the secrets professional installers know:
Proper sealing is the most important installation detail.
Any gaps let air escape. Professionals will do a complete weatherstripping around the door frame, proper caulking of all joints, and adding insulation in the wall cavities.
Frame alignment is also critical.
Doors that don’t hang right won’t seal properly. Professional installation ensures perfect alignment and smooth operation.
Your home’s orientation also affects energy performance:
- South-facing doors get the most winter sun but require shading in summer.
- North-facing doors let in consistent light without overheating.
- East and west-facing doors both require protection from low-angle sun.
Maintain Your Doors For Long-Term Sustainability
Sustainable living is not just about what you buy, but also how you maintain it.
These tips will keep your French doors performing efficiently:
Regular cleaning:
- Monthly glass cleaning
- Annual deep clean of frames
- Check drainage holes
- Inspect weatherstripping
Seasonal maintenance:
- Spring: Check for damage, lubricate hinges
- Summer: Ensure ventilation and check seals
- Fall: Inspect caulking
- Winter: Monitor condensation
An annual professional inspection will catch any problems before they become big (and expensive) repairs.
Wrapping It Up
Energy-efficient French doors are no longer a choice between style or sustainable living.
Thanks to modern technology, you can have both beautiful aesthetics and top energy performance.
Look for French doors products with low U-values, advanced glass technology, and the right installation details. You’ll enjoy:
- Lower energy bills every month
- Comfortable home all year round
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Added value to your home from quality upgrades
The French doors market is booming for a reason. Homeowners know that sustainable living doesn’t have to mean giving up style. With the right energy-efficient French doors, you can create gorgeous, comfortable spaces that work with the environment instead of against it.
Remember, the most sustainable choice is always the one that lasts the longest and performs the best. Energy-efficient French doors are an investment that you’ll reap the benefits from for decades to come.