- March 2, 2026|
- News
Searching for energy efficient patio doors?
You’re right to be prioritising thermal performance in your hunt, as it can have a major impact on your home’s value, energy costs and sustainability.
Luckily, there are a few tell-tale signs that a product will meet your needs. These include looking out for thermally broken aluminium profiles, low U-values and high performance double/triple glazing.
At ClearView, our aluminium sliding patio doors are designed with exactly this in mind. Manufactured in our Yorkshire-facility using premium systems like Cortizo and Smart, they’re designed to have everything you expect like slim frames, smooth operation and leading natural light intake, but also leading thermal performance. We’ll explore them in more detail in this blog.
Why is it so important to find energy efficient patio doors?
Thermal efficiency simply refers to how well your doors prevent heat from escaping your home. Poorly insulated patio doors allow heat transfer, which means warm air escapes in winter and excess heat enters in summer.
Choosing energy efficient patio doors helps you:
- Reduce energy bills by keeping heat inside for longer
- Improve comfort with fewer cold spots and draughts
- Lower your carbon footprint by reducing energy consumption
- Enjoy better insulation properties throughout the year
- Increase overall energy efficiency of your home
What makes an energy efficient patio doors?
Not all patio doors offer the same level of thermal performance. When comparing options, it’s important to understand the key features that influence efficiency.
Glazing options
Glass makes up most of any sliding patio door, so it plays a major role in insulation.
Look for:
- Double glazing as standard for good insulation
- Triple glazing for even better energy savings
- Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings to reflect heat back inside
- Multiple layers of glass with insulating gas between panes
These features reduce heat loss while still allowing plenty of natural light to flood your home.
Thermal breaks
Aluminium is strong and durable, though it’s naturally conductive. That’s where thermal breaks come in.
A thermal break is a barrier within the frame that stops heat passing through the metal. At ClearView, all our aluminium patio doors include thermally broken frames to:
- Improve thermal efficiency
- Reduce heat transfer
- Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature
Airtight seals
Even the best glazing won’t perform properly without effective sealing.
High-quality airtight seals:
- Prevent draughts
- Stop warm air escaping
- Improve overall energy performance
This is especially important for external doors exposed to changing weather conditions.
Frame performance and U-values
The U-value measures how much heat passes through a door. The lower the number, the better the insulation.
Typical ranges for aluminium sliding doors:
- Around 1.5 W/m²K for standard double glazing
- As low as 0.88 W/m²K with premium systems and triple glazing
Our COR Vision sliding doors, for example, achieve some of the most energy efficient results available, making them a popular choice for modern homes.
How do external doors compare?
Different types of doors offer different benefits when it comes to thermal efficiency and everyday use.
Sliding patio doors
Sliding doors glide along a track, making them ideal for large openings and uninterrupted views.
Benefits:
- Large glass panels for maximum natural light
- Slim frames for a modern aesthetic appeal
- Excellent thermal performance with advanced glazing
- Space-saving design with smooth operation
French doors
French patio doors open outwards or inwards from the centre, offering a more traditional style.
Benefits:
- Classic design suited to period homes
- Good energy efficiency with double glazing
- Wide opening for ventilation
- Strong insulation with modern aluminium frames
Bi-fold doors
Bi-fold doors, also referred to as sliding doors, concertina to one side to fully open your space.
Benefits:
- Open up entire walls to your outdoor space
- Slim frames and large glass panels
- Strong thermal performance with thermally broken frames
- Great for creating flexible living spaces
What is the most energy efficient type of patio door?
Sliding, French and bi-fold doors can all achieve excellent thermal efficiency when built with quality materials. The most efficient option depends on glazing, frame design and installation, rather than the opening style alone.
Energy efficient patio doors from ClearView
At ClearView, we manufacture a wide range of aluminium patio doors designed to deliver excellent insulation and long-term performance.
Our sliding patio door systems include:
- Smart Visoglide: A cost-effective option with solid thermal performance
- Cortizo 4700: A versatile system balancing price and efficiency
- COR Vision: A premium solution with ultra-slim sightlines and outstanding energy ratings
All our aluminium sliding doors feature:
- Thermally broken aluminium frames
- High-performance double glazing as standard
- Options for triple glazing
- Slim sightlines for maximum natural light
- Over 100 RAL colour choices, including dual colour options
Because we manufacture everything in-house at our Huddersfield facility, we maintain full control over quality, ensuring every installation delivers excellent thermal performance and long-lasting value.
Who are ClearView?
We’re a Yorkshire-based manufacturer and installer of premium aluminium windows and doors, with over 15 years of experience serving homeowners across West Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and beyond.
From our showrooms in Leeds and Huddersfield, we offer a complete in-house service covering survey, design, manufacturing and installation. Every project is managed by a dedicated expert, giving you a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish.
All our products are made in Britain using trusted systems from leading suppliers, and every installation comes with a 10-year guarantee for total peace of mind. As Certass and CPA members, we meet the highest standards for quality, compliance and home security.
If you’re ready to improve your home’s energy efficiency with high-performance aluminium sliding doors, get in touch with our team today on 0800 907 8658 or visit one of our showrooms to see our range in person.
We’re incredibly proud of our five-star average rating on Google, collated from almost 70 reviews! You can read them for yourself here, focusing on a variety of products from stunning bifold installations to new windows.
