4 things to consider to 'go green' when installing energy-efficient windows
The energy efficiency of your house is a big concern in 2022 for any homeowner. Not only do governments promote the idea of going green, but they also issue many programs to support homeowners on their way toward increased energy efficiency financially.
But with so many home renovations focused on making your house more energy efficient, you might get confused about which one to go with. Any “green” home improvement usually requires sustainable investments with undefined returns on investment.
Fortunately, there are a few tested ways to make your home greener — with eco-friendly window installation being one of the most profitable.
Windows reported accounting for a lot of wasted energy. They’re often left open during the summer, allowing for fresh air; during cold seasons, they have to be closed to keep warm air in.
In fact, total heat loss through windows accounted for 25% to 30%, which leads to wasting energy and decreasing your home’s efficiency.
Ecoline Windows & Doors knows what to consider when installing eco-friendly windows and why it is the perfect solution to save on energy bills, qualify for government rebates and make your house go green.
Interested? Read on for more information.
Go with Triple Glazing
All windows can be compared by their corresponding Energy Rating (ER), which is an overall measure of window energy efficiency performance, based on three factors:
• Solar heat gains
• Air leakage
• Heat loss through frames, insulating glass units, and glass
Long story short: triple-glazed windows save you money in the long term while keeping your house in comfort throughout the year. Because triple-pane windows come with two chambers, both can be filled with Argon or Krypton gas. That significantly boosts the energy efficiency performance of your new windows.
For example:
A standard double pane window with one coat of Low-E 180 has an ER rating of 28. On the other hand, a triple pane window that comes with the same configuration has an ER rating of 34. An extra pane of glass with 2 chambers filled with Argon gas will boost the window ER rating by 20%, saving you money on energy bills.
Think about frame material
While you might think that wood is the only eco-friendly material out there that does not harm the environment and makes your house “greener,” this is not entirely true.
While wood is an excellent material to keep the traditional look, it is not the best for energy efficiency.
Many window companies nowadays offer vinyl windows that are much more affordable, eco-friendly and qualify for government rebates for improved energy efficiency.
Install the windows properly
If the window installation is poor, there is little point in investing money to have the most efficient windows made from high-performance materials. Heat can escape through the tiniest openings, so the quality of installation and manufacture plays a vital role in making new windows more eco-friendly.
You should deal with a reliable manufacturer that constructs windows to fit your rough openings perfectly. Moreover, their in-house installers should have demanded expertise and be able to perform a flawless installation, correctly sealing the windows, so the heat loss is further reduced.
We recommend checking Google reviews, BBB rating, HomeStar and similar services to analyze how your preferred installer performed with similar projects. Of course, the best thing is to ask for references among your friends and family and learn who did the installation job for them and how satisfied they are with their current energy savings.
Think about the correct disposal of your old windows
When you are done shopping for new energy-efficient windows and ready for replacement, the last thing to remember is your old windows are recycled. The glazing can be used again to construct more windows; the frames can also be recycled. So ensure your window installer will dispose of your old units responsibly — or better still, some recyclers will even pay you for your old units!
Takeaway
For homeowners, installing eco-friendly windows is a fantastic way to go green and make your property more energy efficient. These units not only significantly reduce your home’s energy costs and save on heating and cooling, but they also add aesthetics. So if new energy-efficient windows were not on your list of green home renovations, it is high time to consider this replacement project as soon as possible.
This has been a paid article submitted by our content partner.
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