Windows and doors attribute to roughly 35% of your home’s combined energy loss each year. Upgrading to more eco-friendly solutions can lower energy bills substantially and put more green in your pocket while also working to build a greener environment. Decreasing our carbon footprint plays a huge part in energy conservation. For homeowners this means minimizing the use of electricity, increasing insulation, and installing sustainable doors and windows.
Windows
If you are considering new windows, you will have to make a decision as to which frame and/or glass is most beneficial for your home, your wallet, and Mother Nature.
Framing
Wood is the best eco-friendly option but will likely put the biggest dent in your bank account. These frames require regular maintenance to keep them functioning so paint and sealer will add to the overall cost.
Aluminum is the least expensive option for framing, but because it’s a heat conductor, it’s also the least energy-efficient choice.
Fiberglass frames are relatively low maintenance and rank high where efficiency and longevity is concerned, but they can be costly. The biggest con with this type of frame is that it is not easily recyclable.
Glass
Low-emissivity (also known as low-e) coating is a transparent layer of metallic oxide that when applied to glass minimizes the ultraviolet and infrared light that passes through the glass without affecting the amount of visible light being transmitted. This means, you will have direct sunlight coming through the glass but minimal UV damage, which is responsible for fading furniture and damaging carpet. This coating can significantly reduce utility costs by keeping the heat in during the winter and keeping it out during the summer, depending on which type of coating you choose. There are two types of low-e coatings available:
Passive coatings keep interiors warmer in the winter and reduce heating costs.
Solar control coatings keep the cool air inside while reducing cooling costs.
Insulated glass has an insulated air space sandwiched between two pieces of glass, which keeps your home warm in the winter but cool in the summer. It’s a win-win situation year round. This type of glass also reduces condensation resulting in more consistent thermal performance.
Argon gas is added to double-pane windows where it actually replaces the air in between and creates a thermal insulation that greatly improves energy efficiency.
Doors
Doors that are sustainable have two common denominators. One is the material the door is comprised of and the other is its ability to form a tight seal around the frame. A great part of conserving energy comes from reducing the heat and cold exchange with the outdoors. In other words, keeping the heat inside during winter and outside during summer. No surprise that the most eco-friendly doors are made from some of the same materials as environmentally-friendly window frames.
Wood doors are a great option because of their bold statement and classic beauty, but it’s important to consider type and source when purchasing. Geographical region is a huge factor in the type of wood door you should select. Was the wood locally milled by a forest being properly managed? Is there additional formaldehyde added? Will this particular wood stand up to the elements (snow, rain, storms, excessive heat)? The best wood door choice for various climates is Mahagony. But guess what? You will still have to seal and paint it to prolong its life.
Aluminum or steel is a durable and strong choice for a door. Both these attributes are a must for sustainability. The secure door of choice for harsher climates, they still run the risk of being dented and scratched. They are generally cost-effective and designed with an insulated core but keep in mind that aluminum conducts heat so depending on where you live, they may not be the most energy efficient. One great thing is that many aluminum door companies sell doors made from 100% recycled materials.
Fiberglass doors are lightweight and incredibly energy efficient. They also come in a variety of textures and styles. Homeowners can have the look of wood with the addition of added security they provide. Similar to the window frames of the same material, fiberglass doors are not as easy to recycle as say wood or aluminum.
Sliding glass doors are often chosen by homeowners because the large panels of glass let in a significant amount of light. This is also the reason they were once considered the worst offender in energy efficiency. Not the case, anymore, however. With the advances in low-emissivity coating and Argon gas, you can let the light in without letting the heat or cool out.
MDF (or Medium Density Fiberboard) doors are made from engineered wood fibers and are suited best for the interior areas of your home. For example, the door that leads from the den to the garage, otherwise known as the wind-tunnel. Not only is MDF a cost-effective choice, it is incredibly easy to maintain. Its smooth surface is receptive to many paint finishes, including faux wood. The great thing about these doors is that though they have the sturdiness and strength of wood, they are resistant to rotting and splintering. Also, since these doors are made from left-over wood, they rank high in regards to sustainability.
Replacing doors and windows in your home with more eco-friendly choices will help you cut costs, conserve energy, and leave a smaller carbon footprint in a world where a little more green is always welcome.
Author Bio: Tal Hassid, founder of ETO Doors, is a home decor and door design expert in the industry for 15 years. ETO Doors, one of the largest online marketplace for doors, carries solid wood and fiberglass doors including Interior, Exterior, and French doors.
