Automated gate systems can do more than control access; they can also help homes and businesses reduce energy costs. In Canada, where weather extremes are common, the right automated energy-efficient gate or door can make a real difference in controlling heating and cooling expenses. Understanding the options available helps you make informed decisions for your business.
How Energy-Efficient Gates Make a Difference
Automated gate systems can do more than control access; they can also help homes and businesses reduce energy costs. In Canada, where weather extremes are common, the right automated energy-efficient gate or door can make a real difference in controlling heating and cooling expenses. Understanding the options available helps you make informed decisions for your business.
How Energy-Efficient Gates Make a Difference
Energy-efficient gates play a crucial role in improving a building’s overall energy performance. By minimizing heat loss during Canada’s cold winters and reducing heat gain throughout the hot summer months, these doors help maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
This reduces the strain on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, leading to lower energy consumption and decreased utility costs. Additionally, well-insulated, tightly sealed doors can improve indoor comfort, reduce drafts, and contribute to a more environmentally sustainable home or building.
Automatic Sliding Doors
Automatic sliding doors are common in retail stores, shopping centres, and hospitals. They offer smooth pedestrian access while helping to control indoor temperatures.
Energy Savings: Sliding doors open only when necessary, limiting air exchange between indoor and outdoor environments. This reduces the strain on heating and cooling systems, especially during peak seasons.
Consideration: They are less suitable for areas with extreme cold, as heat loss can still occur during prolonged openings.
Rolling Steel Doors
Rolling steel doors provide strong security and thermal insulation. In Canada, where many warehouses handle temperature-sensitive goods, these doors can help reduce energy consumption.
Energy Savings: These doors offer excellent insulation and quick open-close cycles, reducing heat or cool air loss. By minimizing the exposure of indoor air to outdoor temperatures, they keep climate control systems from working overtime, which lowers utility costs.
Consideration: Their upfront cost can be higher, but long-term energy savings often offset the investment.
Barrier Gates
Barrier gates are typically installed at parking lots, garages, and secured entry points where vehicles need regulated access.
Energy Savings: Though not directly related to building energy costs, barrier arm systems reduce idling times for vehicles, lowering overall fuel consumption and contributing to a reduction in overall operational costs.
Consideration: They work best when combined with other gate systems for complete access control.
Security Doors
Security doors are built for facilities requiring advanced access control and protection.
Energy Savings: Many security doors include insulation layers that prevent air leakage, contributing to stable indoor temperatures. In addition, airtight seals reduce drafts, which lowers the burden on heating and air conditioning units.
Consideration: These doors require professional installation and regular maintenance to ensure long-term performance.
Comparative Overview
| Door Type | Energy Savings Benefit |
| Automatic Sliding | Moderate (limited air exchange) |
| Rolling Steel | High (excellent insulation) |
| Barrier Gates | Indirect (reduced vehicle idling) |
| Security Doors | High (insulated and sealed) |
WEAGA – Your Partner for Automated Solutions
At WEAGA (Wilson Electric and Automatic Gate), we help with reliable commercial gate automation, as well as rolling steel doors and barrier arm installation in Vancouver. Our expert automatic gate installers in Vancouver can help you select and install the best electric gate systems for your business needs. Contact us today to start lowering your energy bills while improving access and security!
