Energy Efficiency: 5 Ways Your Garage Door Can Save You Money

In an age where every penny counts and environmental consciousness is on the rise, finding innovative ways to save money and energy has never been more important. As you diligently switch off lights and optimize your heating systems, there’s an unsung hero in the quest for efficiency that you’re most likely overlooking: your garage door.

Beyond its basic function, it can be a key player in reducing your energy bills and carbon footprint, especially when it integrates innovative technologies and smart design choices. Read on to discover five ways your garage door can contribute to your home’s energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

1. Upgrading to an Insulated Door

Insulated garage doors are designed to maintain temperature control within your garage, reducing heat loss during colder months and keeping it cool during hot summers. This reduced thermal exchange means your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard, leading to lower energy bills. Besides lowering your energy bills, insulation also reduces outside noise, making your garage a more comfortable space.

2. Choosing the Right Motor

Opting for a motor that is appropriately sized for your door’s weight ensures smoother operation and less energy consumption. A well-matched motor reduces strain on the system, leading to lower electricity usage and a prolonged lifespan of the door mechanism.

3. Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your garage door ensures it operates at peak efficiency, preventing energy loss through misalignments or wear and tear. By keeping components like springs, tracks, and seals in optimal condition, you reduce the strain on the door’s motor and insulation effectiveness, leading to lower energy costs.

4. Choosing Energy-Efficient Garage Door Materials

The material of your garage door affects its insulation properties. Materials like steel or aluminum with polyurethane foam insulation offer excellent thermal efficiency. If you’re not sure about the right garage door material, the professionals at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors will work with you to determine the best option that not only enhances your home’s energy efficiency but also complements its aesthetic and fits within your budget.

5. Weather Stripping

Proper sealing around your garage door is crucial to obtaining optimal energy efficiency. Weather stripping prevents air leaks, keeping conditioned air inside and unconditioned air out. This simple fix can significantly reduce energy waste and keep your garage more comfortable.

Maximizing Your Home Efficiency with the Right Garage Door

Optimizing your garage door for energy efficiency is not just a smart choice for the environment; it’s a financially savvy move for your home. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc., we understand the importance of a well-designed, energy-efficient garage door.

Our team is dedicated to helping you select and install a door that meets your needs for beauty, durability, and energy efficiency. Contact us today to explore how we can enhance your home’s energy efficiency with the perfect garage door solution.

Cold Weather and Garage Doors: Common Problems and Solutions

Winter in Pennsylvania can be a beautiful, snowy spectacle, but it’s not always a friend to your home’s mechanisms, especially the garage doors. As temperatures drop, several common problems can arise with garage doors, leading to frustration and inconvenience. However, with the right knowledge and maintenance tips, you can keep your garage door functioning smoothly all winter long.

1. Contracting Metal

If you notice your garage door sticking or becoming misaligned, the culprit could be the contracting metal due to the cold. This common issue happens because low temperatures cause metal components to contract. Regularly lubricate the tracks, hinges, rollers, and pulley system with a silicone-based lubricant. This maintenance step can keep your garage door moving smoothly, regardless of the temperature outside.

2. Worn or Broken Springs

Your garage door may be difficult to open or close during colder months. Often, this is due to garage door springs becoming brittle and breaking in cold weather. Dealing with broken springs is a task for professionals. It’s essential to call a trained expert, like those at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, to repair or replace the affected springs, ensuring your door operates safely and efficiently.

3. Motor Malfunctions

Cold weather can also take a toll on your garage door’s motor. If you’re experiencing a malfunctioning or completely non-working garage door motor, it’s important to have a professional check the motor and wiring for any damage. In such situations, professional repair or replacement of faulty components is crucial to restoring functionality.

4. Ice Formation 

Garage doors with multiple panels are more susceptible to moisture, which can freeze in winter, causing the door to lock up. A quick visual inspection can reveal this issue. If you spot ice in the panels, a simple solution is to use a hairdryer on a moderate setting to melt the ice. Remember to clean up any resulting moisture to prevent refreezing.

5. Brittle Weather Stripping

Another winter challenge is the weather stripping around your garage door becoming brittle and cracking. This can let cold air into your garage. The best approach is to clear away snow and puddles regularly to prevent the weather stripping from freezing to the ground and replace it if it’s damaged.

Get Professional Help Today!

Winter in Pennsylvania doesn’t have to mean trouble for your garage door. With the right care and professional support, you can ensure your garage door remains a reliable and functional part of your home all season long. For expert garage door maintenance and repair, don’t hesitate to contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors. We’re here to help you weather the winter without garage door woes.

Deterring Burglars: 10 Tips for Improved Garage Door Security

Did you know that nearly 9% of burglars gain entry into homes through the garage door? This startling statistic highlights that the garage door is a frequently overlooked aspect of home security. Often considered just a secondary entrance, it can, unfortunately, become a primary target for those with ill intentions.

Ensuring your garage door is fortified against such threats not only protects your belongings but also fortifies your home against unwelcome intruders. Keep reading as we explore ten tips to elevate your garage door security, transforming it from a potential weak spot into a stronghold of safety.

1. Upgrade to a Modern Garage Door

Modern garage doors come equipped with advanced security features like reinforced materials and sophisticated locking and opening mechanisms, making them a formidable barrier against intruders. For a quality upgrade that ensures both safety and aesthetic appeal, consider partnering with reputable companies like Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors.

2. Install Motion-Detecting Lights

Illuminating the area around your garage door can deter potential intruders. Motion-detecting lights are energy-efficient and only activate when they detect movement, startling would-be burglars and alerting you to their presence.

3. Reinforce Door Locks

Enhance your garage door security by installing heavy-duty locks. A sturdy deadbolt or a slide lock can act as an extra layer of defense, especially when you’re away for an extended period.

4. Use a Door Sensor

Door sensors alert you when your garage door is opened unexpectedly. Integrating them into your home security system keeps you informed and ready to act in case of any security breach.

5. Cover Windows to Conceal Contents

If your garage door model has windows, you can prevent burglars from peering inside by covering your garage windows. Use blinds or frost the windows to maintain privacy and reduce the temptation for potential intruders.

6. Regular Maintenance Checks

A broken garage door is a blaring security weakness. Regularly inspect your garage door for any signs of wear and tear. Ensure that all parts are in good working condition to avoid any security vulnerabilities.

7. Secure the Emergency Release

Secure your garage door’s emergency release to prevent burglars from exploiting it. You can use a zip tie or a specialized lock for this purpose without compromising the emergency release functionality.

8. Install a Timer

A garage door timer can automatically close your door after a set period if left open accidentally. This feature ensures your garage remains secure even when you forget to close it.

9. Reinforce the Door Itself

If your garage door is older or made of lightweight material, consider reinforcing it. A sturdy, well-built door is less likely to be breached by force. The team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. will work with you to determine the best reinforcement options for your existing door, including the door materials.

10. Keep Your Garage Door Opener Remote Secure

Never leave your garage door opener remote in your car, especially if parked outside. Treat it like a house key and keep it secure.

Work With Professionals to Boost Your Garage Door Security

Implementing these tips can significantly enhance your garage door’s resilience against potential intrusions. If you’re considering upgrading your garage door or need expert advice on garage door security, look no further than Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc.

Our team is dedicated to ensuring beauty, durability, and safety in every garage door we install. We can help you find the perfect garage door that meets your security needs, complements your home, and fits your budget. Contact us today to secure your home with a garage door that blends seamlessly with your style and security needs.