Replacing old, inefficient windows and doors Oshawa with new eco-friendly models is one of the best investments homeowners can make. Not only do energy-efficient windows and doors reduce heating and cooling costs, but they also increase comfort and curb appeal.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right eco-friendly windows and doors? This guide covers everything you need to know, from materials and efficiency ratings to styles and installation. Read on to make the best decision for your project in windows and doors Oshawa.
1. Benefits Of Eco-Friendly Windows And Doors
Before diving into the specifics, let’s overview the main benefits of choosing energy-efficient windows and doors Oshawa.
2. Lower Energy Bills
Eco-friendly windows and doors prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. This saves money on monthly energy bills.
3. Increased Home Value
Replacing old windows and doors with energy-efficient models can increase resale value. Homebuyers are looking for low-maintenance updates like these.
4. Enhanced Durability
Modern materials like vinyl, fiberglass, and composite woods resist rotting, swelling, cracking, and warping better than old wood frames.
5. What Makes A Window Or Door “Eco-Friendly”?
The term “eco-friendly” is used broadly nowadays, but what makes windows and doors environmentally friendly? Three key factors determine how green a product is.
First, eco-friendly materials include vinyl, wood composites, fiberglass, insulated glass units (IGUs), and low-emitting finishes and sealants. These have low embedded carbon footprints compared to materials like PVC and solvent-based paints.
Second, windows and doors carrying ENERGY STAR, NFRC, and other certifications meet strict energy performance criteria for U-factor, R-value, air leakage, and solar heat gain. This reduces the burden on fossil fuel-generated heating and cooling.
Finally, products made in facilities utilizing renewable energy, efficient equipment, and processes that minimize raw material waste and pollution output have smaller cradle-to-gate carbon footprints.
Main Window & Door Materials
Material is one of the first decisions when selecting new windows and doors.
Vinyl (PVC) frames have these advantages: They are affordable compared to wood and fiberglass. Good insulation properties. Low-maintenance exterior never needs paint. Resists moisture, rotting, warping, and pests.
Downsides of vinyl windows and doors include: Can become brittle and discolored over time when exposed to the sun. Limited color options compared to paintable materials. It is not wood; composite and fiberglass are more solid and durable.
Composite wood windows and doors contain blends of recycled hardwood fibers, polymers, resins, and other materials bonded under heat and pressure.
Compared to natural solid wood, its key benefits include resistance to rotting, swelling, cracking, and warping. Consistent strength and durability. Low maintenance exteriors. Customizable with paints and stains.
The drawbacks of composites include that they are generally more expensive than vinyl or wood. They have limited color options without paints/stains. They are offered in fewer styles than vinyl and wood.
Fiberglass window and door frames offer exceptional thermal performance, strength, and durability, rivaling premium woods.
The downsides of fiberglass include Higher cost than vinyl or standard Wood and Limited style availability compared to ubiquitous vinyl.
Energy Efficiency Ratings & Certifications
Whether choosing vinyl, composite, fiberglass, or wood windows and doors, prioritizing energy performance ratings ensures maximum efficiency and savings.
What labels and scores should you look for?
Issued by Natural Resources, the blue ENERGY STAR logo certifies products meeting strict criteria for thermal efficiency, materials, quality, and testing.
ENERGY STAR-qualified models prevent considerable heat transfer compared to standard products.
The Key Ratings To Compare
1. U-Factor
How well does the entire window keep heat inside? The lower the U-factor, the better the insulation.
2. R-Value
Indicates the Resistance to heat flow. Higher R-values equate to better insulation.
3. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (Shgc)
How much solar radiation passes through? Look for an SHGC suited to your location’s heating-dominant climate.
Windows and doors certified under the Energy Performance Verification Protocols for Windows and Doors also adhere to high manufacturing, efficiency, and testing standards on par with ENERGY STAR criteria.
Installation
Professional windows replacement Oshawa makes a big difference in the real-world performance of new energy efficient windows and doors. Work only with reputable local contractors experienced specifically with eco-friendly window and door replacement.