A Homeowner's Guide to Replacement Doors: From Entry to Patio

Replacing your home's doors is a significant investment that impacts curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency. But the best replacement door for a home in Phoenix, Arizona, isn't necessarily the best for a home on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Your local climate plays a critical role in determining which door will perform best for years to come.

What are the best entry doors for extreme heat?

For homeowners in sun-drenched areas like Phoenix or Las Vegas, the primary challenge is combating relentless heat. Surface temperatures can exceed 160°F, causing standard doors to warp. The best replacement entry doors for these climates are insulated fiberglass doors, such as the Renewal by Andersen® Ensemble™ series. These doors are engineered for dimensional stability and feature a polyurethane foam core for superior insulation. When paired with High-Performance Low-E4® glass, these doors significantly reduce solar heat gain.

How do I protect my coastal home doors from salt air damage?

Homes along the coasts of Rhode Island or Cape Cod face salt-air corrosion. To protect your home, you need a replacement door specifically designed for coastal conditions. For entry doors, our Ensemble™ series features durable finishes that resist the pitting and fading common in salt-air environments. For patio doors, our Perma-Shield® systems feature a protective exterior sheath that guards the unit against the corrosive effects of salt spray.

Which patio doors are most energy efficient for Colorado?

In high-altitude markets like Denver or Boulder, homeowners face significant heating and cooling loads. The most energy-efficient replacement patio doors utilize multi-pane glass systems filled with argon gas. A critical feature is a "thermal break," which reduces temperature transfer. Combined with High-Performance Low-E4® glass coatings, these doors provide year-round comfort.

Are fiberglass or steel entry doors better for my climate?

• Fiberglass Doors: Superior for extreme climates with significant temperature fluctuations. They offer excellent insulation and resist warping.
• Steel Doors: Known for security and strength, making them a strong choice for homeowners prioritizing security in areas like Dallas or Philadelphia.

How much can energy efficient doors save on cooling costs in Texas?

In Texas markets, an ENERGY STAR® certified replacement door with High-Performance Low-E4® glass technology can block up to 70% of solar heat gain.¹ This directly reduces the strain on your air conditioning system and improves overall comfort during long, hot summers.

What's the best patio door material for moisture and humidity?

For regions with high humidity, such as coastal Connecticut, the best patio door materials are those that resist water damage and rot. Renewal by Andersen’s Perma-Shield® system, which encases a stable wood core in a protective, low-maintenance exterior sheath, is highly effective at repelling water and preventing the moisture damage that plagues traditional wood doors.

Which doors have the highest UV protection for high altitude homes?

Homes in high-altitude locations experience up to 36% more intense UV radiation. To protect your home's interior, Renewal by Andersen's advanced glass options, including our SmartSun™ glass, are engineered to block up to 99% of harmful UV rays without sacrificing natural light.

Do hurricane-rated doors provide insurance discounts?

Yes. For homeowners in hurricane-prone regions like Rhode Island, installing impact-rated replacement doors—such as our patio doors with Stormwatch® protection—can lead to significant reductions in insurance premiums.

How do I choose between sliding and Frenchwood® patio doors?

• Sliding Patio Doors: Ideal for areas where you don't have room for a swinging door. They offer a clean look with large glass panels.
• Frenchwood® Patio Doors: These offer a classic, elegant aesthetic and can swing either inward or outward, creating a grand opening.

How can I tell if my current door is failing due to climate stress?

• Difficulty Operating: Warping from heat/humidity or frame misalignment from freeze-thaw cycles.
• Visible Damage: Cracking, peeling paint, or rust on hinges in coastal areas.
• Drafts: Failed weatherstripping.
• Condensation: Fog or moisture between glass panes indicating seal failure.

What's the return on investment for replacing old doors?

Replacing old, inefficient doors with new, energy-efficient models offers a strong return on investment (ROI), often reaching **70% at resale.**² This project enhances curb appeal and security while lowering monthly utility bills.

Which ENERGY STAR® doors qualify for federal tax credits?

Replacement doors must meet specific ratings that vary by zone—from the cooling-dominated climate of San Antonio to the heating-dominated climate of Philadelphia. A Project Consultant can help you select a qualifying door that maximizes both energy savings and tax credit eligibility.

Your Home is in Good Hands

Choosing the right replacement door is about finding the perfect balance of style and performance for your specific climate. Schedule a free, in-home consultation today to explore your options.

Footnotes ¹ [Source: ENERGY STAR® data regarding solar heat gain reduction for certified door glass packages.] ² [Source: JLC Cost vs. Value Report for entry/patio door replacement projects.]