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If you try to maintain a green lifestyle, you might not be sure whether replacing your windows is a smart move. Picturing all of your old windows being trucked off to a landfill certainly does not seem very sustainable. However, window replacement can be a very green, earth-friendly choice. Here is a closer look at the green benefits of replacing the windows on your Dayton home.
In an area like Dayton where winter is synonymous with “ice cold,” heating bills can creep up quickly if your windows are old and leaky. The more heat you use, the more natural gas (or oil) your furnace burns. These are both fossil fuels available in limited supply, and burning them releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses. The less heat you use, the better it is for the planet. And new windows can greatly decrease your heat use because they won’t leak. Plus, today’s more energy-efficient glass options reduce heat loss through the glass, keeping your Dayton home even warmer.
Having to replace your carpet and furniture prematurely because they’ve been bleached out by the sun is certainly not green. Most of these items are made from synthetic materials that are not easily recyclable. Today’s custom replacement windows can be made with UV-blocking glass, like Renewal by Andersen’s SmartSun™ glass. SmartSun glass blocks 95% of harmful UV rays, so your carpet, furniture, and other items last longer. SmartSun glass still lets in plenty of daylight, so you can enjoy a brightly lit room without the risk of UV exposure. With natural sunlight shining in, you don’t have to rely so much on light bulbs — which is another green benefit.
If you shop carefully, you’ll find replacement windows made from eco-friendly materials. Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex® material is a good example. It’s made with reclaimed wood fibers, thus reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill. Fibrex is Green Seal Certified. It seals very tightly to the window glass, reducing the risk of leaks over time as your windows age. This means your new windows will stay green and energy-efficient for years to come.
Replacing your windows may generate a lot less waste than you imagine. If your old windows are framed in wood, the wood will just break down naturally if it is send to a landfill. Many older windows are also framed in aluminum, which is often recyclable. If you hire a window replacement company, your window technicians will dispose of the old windows for you. They can let you know what will become of your old windows and whether or not they can recycle them.
Replacing your aging windows is one of the greenest choices you can make for your Dayton, Ohio home. New windows will lower your heating and cooling costs and make your other furnishings last longer. Thanks to new, earth-friendly materials, they generate less waste and pollution, too. Contact Renewal by Andersen to learn more about our energy-efficient, green windows replacement services or to schedule a free, in-home consultation.