Factors to Consider with Green Windows

Here are a few factors to consider when selecting green windows to replace your home’s existing windows:

Number of Window Panes – Going from a single pane window to a double pane window can reduce your heating bills by as much as 15 percent. Over the life of the window, that can add up to almost $2,000, which is more than the added cost of the window in the first place. Selecting triple paned windows or super windows, or adding gas fill between the panes, can increase efficiency even more, but there may be a tradeoff between how much more efficient they are in comparison to the extra cost. This is a place where you can compromise if budget is an issue, as long as you at least go with a double paned window.

Window Frames – Some frames are more energy efficient than others. Stick with wood, fiberglass or vinyl window frames over aluminum or steel frames. If available, you may even be able to choose insulated frames which will add to the efficiency of the window.

Coatings – Low-e coatings can make a significant difference in the energy efficiency of a window. Low-e coatings prevent heat from entering your home through the window in the heat of the summer and reduce the amount of heat lost during the colder winter months. There are different types of low-e coatings that are appropriate depending on the climate in which you live, but having the right coating on your windows will keep your home more comfortable all year round and the cost of adding the coating will typically pay for itself in reduced energy bills within a few years.

There are other ways as well to make your windows more energy efficient. Consider the types of window coverings you place over your windows and the landscaping outside your home. Exterior blinds and window awnings can limit the amount of sun, and therefore the heat that enters your home during the summer. Planting trees outside of your window will also make your home more energy efficient by reducing the wind and sun that hits your windows. Interior insulated window shades are a great way to keep the heat in your home during the winter and will help to reduce the amount of heat loss that occurs through your windows.

Another aspect that makes windows green is how much they reduce your reliance on electricity because they reduce your need to turn on the lights. If the design of your windows is optimized to absorb natural light within your home, you can keep your lights off as much as possible, thus reducing your electric bills.

The true value of green windows cannot be simply measured by the cost of the windows or the reduction in your utility bills. In addition to any financial impact, green windows can also make your home more comfortable and healthier and can require less maintenance. The value of green windows far surpasses what you see in your checkbook.