The world has become more environmentally conscious than ever. Many homeowners are also looking into transforming their houses into more eco-friendly homes, whether to reduce their environmental footprint or save money on utility bills. One of the best areas to incorporate eco-friendly options is your windows and doors, as both are responsible for the highest amount of heat transfer to and from your home. A strategic investment into new, energy-efficient windows and doors can go a long way.
So, let’s examine some options, such as eco-friendly windows and sustainable doors, as well as certifications and ratings that can help you determine how eco-friendly the available options are.
Eco-Friendly Window Options
Let’s first look at windows. They can be responsible for anywhere between 10% and 30% of your home’s energy loss, so there’s a lot of opportunity to reduce heat transfer.
Window Frames
The window frames are crucial for energy efficiency and environmental impact. Here are some sustainable window frame materials:
- Vinyl: Vinyl frames are energy-efficient and require minimal maintenance. They have a long lifespan and are often made from recycled materials, keeping them out of landfills. Vinyl is also resistant to moisture and pests, which helps maintain the windows’ integrity and insulation properties over time.
- Wood: Wood is probably the poster child of sustainability, and window frames offer excellent insulation and aesthetic appeal. To ensure it’s an eco-friendly choice, ensure it’s sustainably sourced (you can check for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification). Wood frames can be treated with environmentally friendly sealants and finishes to boost their durability and resistance to weathering without compromising sustainability.
- Fibreglass: Fibreglass frames are highly durable and have superior thermal performance as well. Check for the source of the fibreglass as they can be made from recycled glass fibres, making them an environmentally responsible option. Additionally, fibreglass frames are also resistant to expansion and contraction due to seasonal temperature changes, which helps maintain a tight seal and boosts their energy efficiency.
- Composite: Composite frames are made from a blend of materials, often with a high percentage of recycled content. They often offer a good balance between strength, durability, and good insulation. They can be made to mimic the appearance of wood but with better resistance to moisture and decay.
Window Glass Options
The type of glass used in your windows also plays a significant role in energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. When doing your research, you have likely come across the term double or triple glazing. This means these windows have two or three layers of glass with insulating gas in between, providing outstanding thermal insulation and reducing energy loss. The additional layers of glass and insulating gas act as a buffer that reduces heat transfer, making your home more energy-efficient.
Additionally, you can opt for low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, which has a special coating that reflects heat while allowing natural light to pass through. This helps maintain indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption. Low-E coatings can be applied to different surfaces of the glass, so depending on your climate, you can promote solar heat gain or loss.
If you want to boost thermal insulation even more, consider using argon gas between the window panes. Argon is a better insulator than air and can help improve the overall energy efficiency of your windows even more.
Sustainable Doors
While your house likely has fewer external doors than windows, they can still be a source of thermal transfer due to their size. The material of your doors also affects sustainability and energy efficiency.
Fibreglass Doors
Fibreglass doors are an excellent eco-friendly option thanks to their high durability and energy efficiency. They offer outstanding insulation, reduce heat transfer and help maintain indoor temperatures. Fibreglass doors are also resistant to warping, cracking, and rusting, so you’ll be able to enjoy their benefits over a long lifespan and with minimal maintenance. They can be designed to mimic the look of wood without the associated maintenance requirements, giving you the best of both worlds between aesthetic and practical benefits.
Steel Doors
Steel doors are highly durable and can be insulated with a foam core to boost energy efficiency. They are recyclable and often made from recycled steel, making them a sustainable choice. Additionally, steel doors provide excellent security and weather resistance. They are less prone to shrinking or swelling than wooden doors so that they can maintain their energy efficiency over time even with minimal maintenance.
Wood Doors
Wood doors are a beautiful and eco-friendly option when sourced from sustainably managed forests. They offer natural insulation properties and can be customized to match pretty much any architectural style. Look for certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure the wood is sustainably harvested. Properly treated and maintained, wood doors can last for many years, providing a timeless and elegant entryway.
Eco-Friendliness Certifications & Ratings
As it can be challenging to figure out how eco-friendly a window or door actually is, especially if you look into add-ons, there are a few certifications and ratings that can help you.
The Energy Star certification is a trusted symbol of energy efficiency. Products with this certification must meet strict energy performance standards set by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Energy Star-certified windows and doors help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy bills. So, when choosing new windows and doors, look for the Energy Star label to ensure you’re selecting products that will deliver the most energy savings.
Two other values to check are the R-value and U-value of windows and doors, which can give you a great idea of their energy efficiency. The R-value measures the resistance to heat flow, with higher values indicating better insulation. The U-value measures the rate of heat transfer, with lower values indicating better insulating properties. What’s important to note is that even in the same house, you might want to prioritize them differently. For example, if you have south-facing windows in your home, you might want to look for low heat transfer, while for a cabin in the woods, you may prefer a higher heat flow to allow more natural heat to enter. So, it’s best to consider both values together, as they’ll give you a comprehensive understanding of a product’s thermal performance.
Get a Quote on Eco-Friendly Windows & Doors
Investing in eco-friendly windows and doors is a smart investment whether you’re looking to lower your energy bills or boost your property value. If you can do it with sustainable materials, even better. To find the best options for your home, get a quote on eco-friendly and energy-efficient windows and doors from Eco Choice Windows & Doors today.
Eco Choice Windows & Doors is a leading supplier and installer of quality windows and doors. We have been in business for over 15 years, installing windows and doors for many satisfied customers across the province.
We have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to recommend the windows and doors that best suit your needs. Simply put, we supply the highest-quality products, expertly installed and built to enhance energy efficiency throughout the home.
Call us today at (416) 690-9992 or complete our convenient online form to book your free, no-obligation consultation!
