Maintaining your garage door improves the home's curb appeal and ensures the property is secure. While these are important aspects, you can also take steps to make the installation more efficient, which minimizes the amount of air and humidity that enters the home. This reduces reliance on your HVAC system and helps you save money. Below are several ways you can increase the efficiency of the door.

Install Insulated Doors

The material that your garage door is made out of significantly affects how well it can insulate the home. For example, wood, fiberglass, and thick-gauged steel tend to offer the strongest protection from the elements because they are dense. If you don't prefer these styles, you can also opt for a vinyl or aluminum door that has built-in layers of insulation. They typically feature one, two, or three layers of polyurethane foam injected into the panels. As the foam expands, it fills gaps and creates a thick coating that regulates indoor temperatures and reduces humidity inside the garage.

Seal Openings

Even with a well-insulated garage door, air and moisture may seep through gaps and cracks along the edges. This can occur when weatherstripping, which is a strip of rubber that adheres to the door, deteriorates or becomes dislodged. You might also notice openings between the door panels. This often occurs when the fasteners that hold the panels together start to degrade, loosening their grip on the panel.

A contractor can remove and replace weatherstripping so that your doors form a tight seal on the frame. Additionally, they may adjust screws and bolts to reconnect panels, keeping outdoor air and humidity out of the garage. 

Replace the Opener

A garage door opener is a motorized device that is installed on the ceiling. It uses chains driven by a motor to lift and lower the door when you push the button. Many openers remain in standby mode while not in use, which means they continuously draw power. While this is convenient, it wastes energy and increases your monthly utility bill. Instead, you can replace the opener with a newer model that uses minimal standby power. Some models even have a sleep mode where they don't draw any power, reducing your energy consumption further.

If you need help making your garage more energy efficient, contact Kalispell Overhead Door Service in Flathead County, MT. This licensed and insured company installs, repairs, and maintains garage doors. They also sell a variety of accessories and components. Call (406) 755-4120 to schedule an appointment with a technician, and visit the website to learn more about their services.