New Windows and Shutters Can Reduce Energy UsageThe energy efficiency of your home can be affected by many different factors. Your windows and doors are two of the most important structural features that can influence your home's energy efficiency, for better or for worse. Because they have such a big impact, just replacing the windows can influence efficiency a great deal.
Most people don't realize what an impact windows have on the energy efficiency of a home. High quality windows that provide good insulation reduce heat transfer into and out of the home. When you have windows that provide good insulation, your home will maintain a more even temperature, which means you won't have to run your central air as often. This translates directly into lower energy usage for you.
There are several things that make new windows more efficient. The thickness of the panes, and whether there are two or three layers of glass on each window, helps determine their insulating qualities. Another way that windows can reduce heat transfer is to reduce the amount of solar energy that gets turned into heat when it enters your home. Weather stripping and solid frames also reduce heat loss by improving the seal.
How much light passes through your windows into your home also affects how much energy you use. Windows with poor light allowance make you use indoor lighting, even during the day. Better light transfer means you'll need to use the indoor lighting less often, saving you money on lighting costs as well.
An often overlooked aspect of energy efficiency is good installation. Proper fit in the wall, and the way the window sits in the frame, also affect air leakage. If you aren't sure what to buy, look for windows that carry the Energy Star seal of approval to make sure your new windows will help you reduce your energy usage.
You can also improve the environmental impact of your home by choosing the right window treatments. What your window treatments are made out of influences their environmental impact. Window treatments can often come with harmful coatings or chemical ingredients that can have an adverse effect when inhaled. Look for options that do not contain these hazardous materials.
The process and the materials used to construct the window treatments is another factor. Look for window treatments that are constructed out of renewable materials. Good window treatments can also reduce your energy usage by blocking sun, and thus heat, from entering your home.
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