If you care about shrinking your carbon footprint and going green, you should start off your new commitment by making changes at home. Before you plan for big renovations like attaching solar panels to your roof, you should think about replacing your old windows as soon as you can.
Your home will become more sustainable when you resolve any issue of energy waste—this is the unnecessary consumption of energy for heating, cooling, lighting and powering appliances. It’s easy to recognize the waste of certain forms of energy, like leaving the lights on when the room isn’t in use, but there are some instances that are more difficult to identify. Energy is often wasted on heating and cooling a property, which increases the homeowner’s carbon footprint along with the costs of their hydro bills. It is often wasted because of air drafts sneaking through windows that are improperly sealed and made of low-quality materials — the only way to fix the issue of air leaks and energy loss is to replace the old windows in your home with high-quality, energy-efficient ones right away.
The energy-efficient windows that you get should have the following qualities:
- Low-emissivity glass for strategic insulation and protection from outdoor temperatures
- Warm Edge Technology spacers for superior thermal performance
- High-quality window frames to guard against moisture damage and air leaks
- Professionally installed, sealed with caulking and weather-stripped
- Purchased from a distributor that cares about sustainability and energy-efficiency
Find a company that has a strong environmental commitment like the Ontario-based manufacturer and distributor Golden Windows. They are an active participant with the Energy Star organization, which advocates for improving energy consumption in Canadian homes. They work to recycle many of their materials, maximize their resources and reduce any waste that they produce. They primarily focus on customers in their local area, to limit any fuel consumption caused by traveling long distances. You should get your energy-efficient replacements from this company because they promote greener living through their products and through their responsible manufacturing.
After you have new energy-efficient windows professionally installed in your home, you will reap the benefits right away. First and foremost, your property will be protected from pesky air drafts, making the room temperature comfortable without the extra help of a furnace or air conditioner. Another unexpected benefit is that you can save money with this sustainable investment — this happens mainly through provincial rebate programs and lower hydro bills. The most important benefit is that it will shrink your carbon footprint by reducing your energy consumption — this will bring you one step closer to having a completely sustainable and environmentally-friendly residence.
Take the first major step to going green by getting rid of your old drafty windows and replacing them with energy-efficient ones from an environmentally-committed company. Getting this sustainable investment is a commendable change that will inspire you to find more ways to whittle down your carbon footprint and make the world a greener space.