Sliding Vs Bi-Fold Patio Doors: Which Is More Energy Efficient?

If you're planning on installing new doors for your house, choosing the right one is important. You may be debating between purchasing your first sliding or bi-fold door or even considering if it is worth the cost to replace patio sliders with bi-fold doors. One important consideration when choosing a door is energy efficiency. House Digest spoke exclusively with Matt DiBara, fourth-generation contractor and co-founder of The Contractor Consultants, who shared the pros and cons of the two doors and which is more energy efficient.

According to DiBara, the main difference between bi-fold and sliding patio doors is the way they open. Bi-fold doors allow you to fold the doors to the side, allowing the space to be completely open to the outdoors. However, this benefit does cause the door to take up additional space. On the other hand, sliding doors move along a track, which doesn't allow for the full indoor-outdoor effect, but is more space-friendly. When thinking about energy efficiency though, DiBara shared that sliding doors are usually the way to go. 

"Sliding doors usually have fewer gaps and tighter seals, which helps keep the warm or cool air inside," DiBara said. "With bi-fold doors, there are more moving parts and panels, which can make it harder to get that same level of insulation. That said, the actual energy efficiency of either type really depends on the quality of the materials, the type of glass, and how well the doors are installed. But overall, sliding doors tend to be better at keeping your home more energy-efficient."

There are many ways to help reduce your energy costs at home. According to House Digest's exclusive interview with DiBara, sliding doors are usually better than bi-fold doors when it comes to energy efficiency. But how much money will you actually save?

During his interview with House Digest, DiBara shared that your savings will depend on different factors. "The amount you could save on energy bills by choosing a more energy-efficient patio door really depends on a few factors, like where you live, your home's insulation, and how much you use your heating or cooling," DiBara said. "On average, though, upgrading to an energy-efficient door could save you anywhere from 10% to 20% on your energy bills over time. It might not feel like a huge change month-to-month, but it definitely adds up over the years, especially in extreme climates where heating and cooling costs are higher. Plus, you'll likely notice a more comfortable temperature in your home, which is a nice bonus!"

Any door that you choose will come with both benefits and drawbacks. When DiBara spoke exclusively with House Digest, he shared that while bifold doors are great for letting in natural light and creating a modern look, they require space and regular maintenance to keep the doors moving properly. Sliding patio doors are nice because they don't require additional space and are low maintenance. However, they can only open one side at a time and often accumulate dirt that needs to be cleaned.

So which door does DiBara recommend? His answer is that it depends on your space. "Honestly, the type of patio door I'd recommend depends on your specific needs and space. If you're looking for something simple, space-saving, and generally more energy-efficient, a sliding door is probably the way to go. It's easy to use, doesn't take up any extra room when opening, and can give you a great view of the outdoors. But if you're after that wow factor and want to open up your entire wall to create a really open, indoor-outdoor flow, bi-fold doors are an amazing option. 

They're perfect for entertaining or just enjoying that wide-open feel, but they do need more space and tend to be pricier. In the end, it's all about what fits your lifestyle and home best!" No matter which patio door you choose, pick the one that works best for you. When you're done with that project, look at these other trendy ideas for designing your perfect patio!