Should a healthcare facility choose a door that stops heat transfer or a door with a functional design that does not impact foot traffic? A recent study by the Door and Access System Manufacturers Association (DASMA) provides criteria for making this decision, according to an article on the Healthcare Construction + Operations website.
The DASMA research revealed a new perspective in evaluating door energy efficiency and took into consideration common U-factor, air leakage, and motor horsepower values in a comparison of high-speed doors to conventionally operating insulated doors.
The study showed that high-speed doors become more efficient when cycled 55 or more times per day.
Rapid door speed minimizes energy loss by exposing the doorway for just seconds. The ability of high-speed doors to minimize air infiltration when cycled at least 55 times daily can exceed the energy savings of a slow, insulated door, according to the study.