Eco-Friendly Windows: Materials and Designs for the Environmentally Conscious Homeowner
Many of us do our best to protect the environment by recycling cardboard, plastics, aluminum, and glass, picking up and throwing away trash, opting for hybrid or electric vehicles, etc. Some of us go further to protect the environment by installing eco-friendly items in our homes. Those who are eco-friendly may also swap chemical cleaners for eco-friendly ones, like kitchen counter cleaners and laundry detergents.
If you’re environmentally conscious and want to do everything you can to protect our environment, you’re probably wondering if there are any eco-friendly home components. Luckily, there are eco-friendly windows that help save the environment and decrease your energy bills! Keep reading to learn about eco-friendly materials and designs for the environmentally-conscious homeowner.
What are Eco-friendly Windows?
Sometimes being eco-friendly gets confused with energy efficiency. Energy efficiency focuses solely on saving homes energy and reducing electric, heating, and cooling bills. Eco-friendly focuses on things that can save the environment, rather than choosing cleaners, vehicles, cups, dinnerware, and windows that can harm the environment.
Eco-friendly windows are made from materials that don’t harm the environment. Some windows use certain glass or frame materials that can be harmful to the environment. However, eco-friendly windows don’t harm the environment and are safe to install on your home while helping improve our environment.
What Window Materials are Eco-friendly?
How can windows harm the environment? For one, there are some window frames and glass materials that can be harmful, emitting dangerous chemicals. Luckily, many window manufacturers have made eco-friendly materials to help our environment. Below are a few eco-friendly window materials/frames:
Low-E Glass
Ordinary glass windows are one of the most common window glasses installed in homes and businesses. They’re not usually treated with gasses to help retain heat and are usually harmful to the environment. Some ordinary glass windows have dangerous coatings that have chemicals and gases in them, producing high emissivity. Emissivity ratings refer to a rating that a window receives based on how much reflection vs. radiation it produces on a window’s surface.
Low-E glass windows are different than ordinary window glass because they have a low emissivity rating, meaning they produce less reflection vs. radiation ratios than other windows. Therefore, Low-E windows are less harmful to the environment and our families.
Aluminum
Aluminum is an excellent material that doesn’t hurt the environment. Why? For one, aluminum is recyclable, so once a window frame with aluminum is removed and replaced, the old aluminum window frame can be recycled without harming the environment. Aluminum also doesn’t end up in landfills, which are very harmful to the environment.
Vinyl/uPVC Windows
PVC is plasticized polyvinyl chloride, a material that is flexible and sturdy, yet it contains plastics. uPVC windows are very durable yet don’t contain any plastics, BPA, or phthalate. All of these plastics and harmful materials can cause health issues and are harmful to the environment.
Along with being environmentally friendly, there are a few other reasons homeowners may choose to install uPVC windows. First, they’re durable, withstanding all sorts of severe weather threats and humidity. Next, they’re waterproof, making them a better choice for climates that produce high levels of precipitation and humidity, like Lynchburg and surrounding cities. uPVC windows also provide excellent protection against heat loss and drafts.
For homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint, installing eco-friendly windows is a great start. Luckily, Home Evolutions VA has many eco-friendly replacement windows to choose from that will complement your home’s unique beauty while protecting the environment!
One Stop Home Improvement Shop’s Replacement Windows are Eco-Friendly
Our window frame selection at Home Evolutions VA is the best in Lynchburg, offering a variety of styles to complement your home’s unique style while offering eco-friendly benefits. Our window replacement service is easy, starting with a free estimate.
We’ll assess your current windows, offer suggestions for window replacement, and give you a detailed estimate based on your needs. Finding the perfect window fit is easy when hiring Home Evolutions VA. We’ll help you with your window frame selection and choosing the right style for your home.
Our MountainView Windows offers superior energy efficiency, meeting and exceeding all ENERGY STAR® standards. With a multi-chambered frame design and premium glass packages and glass fills, there are plenty of options. Our Low-E windows and durable materials will protect your home while never harming our environment. We also have vinyl windows made from uPVC, a great eco-friendly option.
No matter your budget, we have replacement windows that perfectly fit your home and offer superior protection while eliminating drafts. Our MountainView replacement options are available in various styles, including slider, casement, awning, double-hung, and more to complement your home’s style.
Home Evolutions VA can help with all your home improvement needs, whether you need help with an insurance claim or a quote for installing a new roof or gutter system. We’re here to help every step of the way throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free consultation!
