Buying & Installing the Best Replacement Windows for Your Eco-Friendly House

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If you’re looking to improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce your carbon footprint, replacing your old inefficient windows with eco-friendly models is a great way to start. 

Eco-friendly windows are made from sustainable materials designed to reduce your home’s energy usage while increasing its value. But how do you choose the best replacement windows for your environmentally friendly house? 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eco-friendly windows, show the Ecoline Windows reviews, and analyze everything from their construction to their advantages and what to consider when installing them.

What Is an Eco-Friendly Window? 

Eco-friendly windows are made from sustainable and environmentally friendly materials and are designed to reduce energy usage in the home. They are typically more energy-efficient than traditional windows and can be customized to meet specific energy requirements.

Components of Eco-Friendly Replacement Windows

When looking for eco-friendly replacement windows, it’s important to consider the entire window unit, which includes the window frame, panes, and glass coatings.

Window Panes

Double-pane windows are a common choice for eco-efficient windows because they help retain more heat than single-pane windows. However, triple-pane windows are even more energy-efficient. 

  • Triple-pane windows feature three glass panes with Argon or Krypton gas injected into the sealed glass unit, which limits heat transfer more efficiently than double-pane windows, reducing heating and cooling costs by up to 20%. 
  • Although they are more expensive, triple-pane windows provide maximum energy efficiency and save money in the long run.

Glass Coating 

Low-E glass windows are the standard when it comes to eco-friendly windows. These windows have an added layer of silver oxide coating on the glass, which helps increase insulation while reducing the intensity of ultraviolet light that passes through the glass. Low-E glass reflects sun rays away from your house, keeping it comfortable, and stopping heat from escaping during the winter, reducing heating costs.

Frame Material 

The materials used to construct the window frame also play a role in determining whether a window unit is eco-friendly or not. Eco-friendly window frames are made from low-heat transfer materials like vinyl, composite, or wood. 

  • Vinyl is recyclable, lightweight, and durable, and when combined with wood and fibreglass, its durability and efficiency go up. 
  • Wood is the most sustainable and renewable window frame material available and easily customized. Still, Ecoline Windows complaints pinpoint that wood windows require regular maintenance to prevent deterioration, so it has become a less popular choice among homeowners.

Advantages of Eco-Friendly Windows: What to Know Before Purchase

There are several benefits to installing eco-friendly windows in your home, including the following:

  • Increased insulation: Eco-friendly windows help retain heat and limit heat transfer, keeping your home cozy during the cold months.
  • Cost-effectiveness: By reducing heat transfer, eco-friendly windows help lower the cost of your utility bills. On average, energy-efficient windows lower your utility bills by 12%.
  • Noise reduction: Eco-friendly windows help reduce outside noise and are a great option for bedrooms to guarantee good quality sleep at night.
  • Increased resale value: Eco-friendly windows are highly sought after by new homeowners and can increase the resale value of your home by around 75%.

Choosing Eco-Friendly Replacement Windows The Right Way

Choosing the right eco-friendly replacement windows for your home is essential to reduce your energy consumption and living a more sustainable lifestyle. There are several factors to consider when selecting eco-friendly replacement windows, including the window style, energy-efficient rating, and the room’s purpose. Here are some tips to help you choose your home’s most energy-efficient eco-friendly replacement windows.

Consider Window Style

The window style is an essential factor to consider when selecting eco-friendly replacement windows. Some window styles are more energy-efficient than others, and you want to choose a style that will help you conserve energy. For instance, sliding windows may not be the best option, as their sliding panes can leak air and reduce energy efficiency. On the other hand, picture windows are fixed and do not cause air leakages, but they may not suit your preferences if you want to open your windows to let in the fresh air.

Experts recommend casement windows as the most common choice for energy-efficient units. They have hinges on the sides, making it easy to open them. They also do not cause air leakages since they can be firmly pressed against window frames when shut.

Consider Energy-Efficient Ratings

Another crucial factor to consider when selecting eco-friendly replacement windows is their energy-efficient rating. Different energy-efficient ratings provide information on how much non-solar heat and solar energy pass through the window. Here are some important ratings to consider:

  • U-factor: This rating measures the rate at which non-solar heat passes through the window. The lower the U-factor, the more energy-efficient the window.
  • Solar Heat-Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This rating is based on how much solar energy passes through the window and is subsequently released as heat inside your home. A window with a high SHGC rating is more effective at collecting solar heat during the winter, while a window with a low SHGC rating is more effective at reducing cooling loads during the summer by blocking heat from the sun. The optimal SHGC for a particular window depends on where your home is located, what direction your windows are facing, and how much shade your home gets.
  • Visible Transmittance rating: This rating measures how much visible light passes through the window. A window with a higher Visible Transmittance rating transmits more visible light. Your needs for a particular window should be determined by your home’s daylight requirements and whether you need to reduce interior glare in a certain space.

Consider the Room’s Purpose 

When selecting eco-friendly replacement windows, you should also consider the room’s purpose and where you want to install the windows. Different rooms may have different lighting and insulation needs. For instance, you may want more visible light to pass through your living room or kitchen windows. In contrast, you may want to reduce glare and prevent heat gain in a bedroom or study.

If you are still determining which eco-friendly replacement windows are best for your home, contact a local window company and book a consultation. They can listen to your wants, needs, and concerns and evaluate what would work best for your home.

To Conclude

Choosing the right eco-friendly replacement windows can be overwhelming, but you can make an informed decision by considering the window style, energy-efficient rating, and the room’s purpose. Energy-efficient windows may require a significant initial investment, but they pay dividends in the long run, reduce your energy consumption, and help you live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Written by Megan Taylor
Megan is a beauty expert who is passionate about all things makeup and glam! Her love for makeup has brought her to become a beauty pro at Glamour Garden Cosmetics.