Industry News

How to Calculate True Cost of Door Entrance Systems

Jul 29, 2026 | News

LEWISVILLE, TX – Horton Automatics, a global leader in automated pedestrian door systems, has announced the release of its latest Data Analysis Report, “How to Calculate Total Ownership Costs When Specifying Door Entrance Systems.” Designed specifically for architects, specifiers and building owners, the report introduces a data-driven approach to evaluating entrance systems based on long-term performance rather than upfront cost alone.

As energy efficiency and sustainability continue to shape modern building design, selecting the right entrance system has become increasingly complex. Horton’s new report addresses this challenge by outlining a clear, step-by-step process for calculating total ownership costs – including energy consumption, maintenance and lifecycle performance – over a 20-year period.

At the core of the report is a comprehensive analysis comparing three common entrance system types: revolving doors, automatic sliding doors and single swing doors. By examining real-world applications alongside quantifiable data derived from MIT research, the report provides architects with credible insights into how each system performs under varying conditions. The goal: to answer one of the most important questions facing architects and building owners today – “How long does it take for energy savings to offset a higher initial investment”? In other words, where is the breakeven point?

“The industry has traditionally focused on first cost, but that approach often overlooks the long-term financial and environmental impact of entrance systems,” said Elias Campos, Vice President of Marketing at Horton Automatics. “When total ownership costs are calculated accurately before plans are finalized, your project benefits from lower operating expenses and an entrance system that performs reliably and cost effectively for years to come.”

The report’s methodology goes beyond simple cost comparisons. It incorporates key variables that significantly influence performance, including door configuration, building usage patterns and regional climate zones. By factoring in these elements, the analysis provides a more realistic and project-specific understanding of energy savings and return on investment.

The report also addresses environmental impact. Each door type is evaluated not only for its operational efficiency but also for its contribution to overall building sustainability. This holistic perspective allows architects to align design decisions with both performance goals and environmental objectives.

To further support informed decision-making, the report includes one-click access to Horton’s interactive Door System & ROI Calculator. This digital tool enables users to model specific project conditions and compare entrance system options using customized inputs. Architects can adjust variables such as climate zone, traffic volume and building type to generate tailored projections of energy savings and lifecycle costs.

The combination of detailed analysis and interactive tools makes the report a valuable resource for design professionals seeking to balance aesthetics, performance and budget. By providing a structured framework for evaluating entrance systems, Horton Automatics aims to simplify a complex decision-making process and empower architects to specify with confidence.

“With increasing pressure to meet energy codes and sustainability targets, architects need reliable data they can act on,” Campos added. “This report brings clarity to the specification process and helps ensure that the chosen entrance system delivers measurable value over time.”

“How to Calculate Total Ownership Costs When Specifying Door Entrance Systems” is now available through Horton Automatics and can be accessed online here. For technical documentation, architectural files or sales support regarding any of our products, visit hortondoors.com or email care@hortondoors.com.

About Horton Automatics and Horton Pedestrian Access Solutions
Horton Automatics® is the premium access brand of Horton Pedestrian Access Solutions, a division of Overhead Door Corporation. With three manufacturing locations, multiple service locations, and more than 200 value-adding distribution partners across North America, Horton Pedestrian Access Solutions addresses a broad range of specialty door and access applications under the brands Horton Automatics®, Won-Door® and Door Services Corporation. For more information about Horton’s brands and solutions, visit www.HortonAccess.com.

About Overhead Door Corporation
Overhead Door Corporation, based in Lewisville, Texas, is a leading provider of door and access solutions for residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial applications. Operating through three collaborative divisions with respective focus on vehicular, pedestrian, and electronic access solutions, Overhead Door Corporation serves more than 6,000 industry-leading professional distribution partners.

An industry pioneer that invented the first upward-acting door in 1921, the first electric garage door opener in 1926, and the first automatic sliding door in 1954, the company manufactures door and access solutions under some of the most trusted brands in North America including the Overhead Door brand, Wayne Dalton®, Genie®, Horton Automatics®, Won-Door® and TODCO®.

Overhead Door Corporation is a subsidiary of Sanwa Holdings Corporation of Tokyo, Japan. For additional information, visit www.ohdcorporation.com.

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