Hey earth muffins! If you are on a sustainable journey, then saving energy is definitely something that has crossed your mind. Did you know that your windows play a big role in this during the winter? Believe it or not, getting energy efficient windows for your home can actually save energy AND money…
Most of us have felt the draught or the cold radiating from a single-pane window, or windows that are double-glazed but aren’t to the quality you really need. It’s an awful feeling to know that the money you are paying to warm your home (and, of course, the energy that you are using) is being sucked away by ineffective windows. I personally just hate a cold draft because I get cold easily!
The EPA estimates that you can save, on average, $126 to $465 each year just by replacing your single pane windows. If you have double-glazed, then you are likely to save $27 to $111. While this might not seem like a huge monetary savings, it also saves energy – which is the main goal for us earth muffins.
How do energy efficient windows work?
Just like anything, when you understand how it works, you can make better (and more sustainable) choices. In the case of saving money and energy with your windows, it isn’t a complicated process. But, it should go without saying that you should always use a professional company when replacing your windows; Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement is a great one to check out.
When you hear the term “double glazing”, the glazing is just the number of sheets/panes of glass. The more panes of glass in the window, the better the insulation (and energy saved) will be. While the panes are close together, there is actually a small space between them. A gas, such as argon, will often be used to fill the space to help improve the window’s insulation ability.
Are there benefits to getting new windows?
While I’m all about using up what you already have and reusing the resources that have already been consumed in production, sometimes getting something new has a better impact on the environment. If your windows are old, the chances are they have shifted over time. Many people don’t know this but your whole house will shift, actually, which can give you cracks and leaks around the window frame that you didn’t even know were possible.
Another issue with all the glass in windows is that it can have etching and scratches; this can be just from weather damage, but they will also let in the cold.
Will energy efficient windows change the look of my home?
When you work with a professional window fitting company, you will obviously be able to get any style of window that you want. From modern to classic to even country style, there are so many options to choose from.
Make sure that you pick a design that you and your family will love for many years! You want to be able to benefit from the energy savings AND an upgraded style. It should be noted that double glazed windows, just like any style of windows, are easy to look after. As long as you maintain their cleanliness and check for leaks and mold every few months, they should last for quite some time.
Saving energy is the green thing to do, but it does save you money in the long-term. Ideally, we should all be doing our part in order to minimize the amount of energy that we use, and even more so if we cannot use the energy of a green energy company. Getting new windows will reduce your energy usage (yay!), save you money, and make your house look great!
If you want to take a step further into conserving energy, switching to solar energy and renewable power sources is a great place to look into. Simply start by searching for “solar company near me” results online, and you can go from there! It doesn’t have to be an over-the-budget thing you do, but it surely will be a priceless investment, both for saving energy and the planet and also saving money in the long run.
Love,
Jenna ♥
