Today, environmental consciousness is more important than ever. Due to global climate change, making sustainable choices for your home has never been more crucial. One oft-overlooked aspect of home sustainability is the selection of doors and windows. These simple components of your home play a vital role in comfort, energy efficiency, and your environmental footprint. Keep reading to learn six tips for choosing windows and doors that will enhance your home’s sustainability.
#1. Opt for High-Quality Insulation
As your home’s main points of heat exchange, the right doors and windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency by reducing the need for constant heating and cooling. Look for windows and doors that offer superior insulative properties and reduce the amount of heat exchanged.
Double- or triple-paned windows with air between the panes are effective barriers against temperature fluctuations. Additionally, doors with solid cores, along with proper weatherstripping, prevent drafts from entering your home, which ensures your home maintains a comfortable temperature year-round.
#2. Embrace Energy-Efficient Glazing
Another way to increase your home’s energy efficiency is by using glass with energy-efficient glazing. Low-emissivity coatings reflect infrared light, which prevents heat from escaping your home during the colder months and minimizing heat gained during the warmer months. This means your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, reducing your energy usage and improving your home’s sustainability.
#3. Window Placement Matters
If you’re building a new home, there are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to window placement. Windows are a great way to incorporate passive solar design into your home. Passive solar design involves harnessing the energy of the sun for heating and lighting.
Choosing larger windows lets in lots of natural light, and placing them strategically to maximize the sunlight your home receives decreases the need for artificial light during the day. Plus, natural light provides many benefits to both physical and mental health.
#4. Prioritize Sustainable Materials
The materials used in windows and doors significantly impact their overall sustainability. When choosing products for your home, look for products made from responsibly sourced wood or recycled materials. Window and door frames are especially important. Wood, vinyl, and fiberglass frames offer increased insulative properties, while aluminum frames conduct more heat. If you choose aluminum frames, make sure it has a thermal break to decrease heat transfer.
Additionally, look for products with Energy Star certification. This indicates the product’s compliance with energy efficiency and sustainability standards.
#5. Consider Proper Ventilation
In addition to providing insulation and natural light, windows and doors also influence indoor air quality. Good air quality is an essential part of ensuring your family’s health and wellness, and too many particulates such as dust and allergens circulating throughout your home can lead to respiratory health issues.
Choosing products that allow proper ventilation promotes healthy airflow and reduces the need for mechanical ventilation systems, which can consume a lot of energy.
#6. Professional Installation is Key
If your windows and doors are installed improperly, even the most energy-efficient, high-quality products cannot perform optimally. Improper installation can lead to air leaks, decreased insulative properties, condensation on the glass, and reduced energy efficiency.
To ensure your windows are installed properly, enlist the help of experienced professionals who adhere to high standards and provide high-quality services.
Improve Your Home’s Sustainability With Products and Services From Peak Windows
If you want the job to be done the right way, you need products and services from a professional, experienced window and door installation company. At Peak Windows, we prioritize honesty and integrity, so you can count on us to provide excellent service and high-quality products. Plus, all our products are covered by a lifetime warranty, so if anything goes wrong, you can count on us to make it right.
We value sustainability and want to provide eco-friendly solutions for our customers, which is why we offer many Energy Star products that can contribute to your home’s sustainability and save you money on your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, our convenient financing options make new windows and doors more affordable for everyone.
If you’ve been dreaming of new windows and doors for your home, now is the time to take action! Give us a call at (385) 770-4635, come visit us in Logan or Farmington, Utah, or fill out our online contact form. We’re excited to hear from you!