Energy efficiency is the new black for windows
Eco-friendly homes are becoming a popular trend for good reason! Not only are they helping save the planet, but they are saving homeowners heaps of money both short-term and long-term. Even the Canadian government has created a number of rebate initiatives to push towards a greener future.
We understand that navigating through how exactly to achieve an eco-friendly home might be overwhelming, so we have created a guide to make it easy!
What is an eco-friendly home?
The textbook definition of an eco-friendly home is, “a house which respects the environment, is made from non-toxic materials, and is energy-efficient both in its construction and use.” The aim is to minimize the environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and prioritizing sustainability. There are many aspects to consider when looking to create or build an eco-friendly home such as the design, construction and appliances.
You are going to want to look for products that are labeled ENERGY STAR® certified or ENERGY STAR® “Most-Efficient”. This does not mean you have to sacrifice your style goals in the process. Many companies are taking aesthetics into consideration in the design of eco-friendly products.
What type of renovations can make your home eco-friendly?
It all starts with renovating the exterior of your home. A good place to begin is with your windows as they will have the most overall impact. While upgrading the quality is the main goal, it is also the perfect opportunity to give your home a makeover by choosing popular window colours such as black. Selecting ENERGY STAR certified windows will guarantee a reduction in energy consumption and save you money along the way.
JELD-WEN’s Northern Tri-Pane Collection™ are ENERGY STAR certified and are the perfect windows to achieve an eco-friendly home. Not only will you be saving energy, but JELD-WEN also chooses suppliers that use recycled materials to create high-quality windows. With over 35,000 windows to choose from, there is a product for every design style. Installing Tri-Pane windows will allow you to enjoy more time at home without having to turn on your air conditioning or heating systems as much as you would be compared to dual-pane windows. Tri-Pane window made with Low-E glass repels ultraviolet rays that cause heat during summer months but absorbs them and lets the heat in during winter. This type of glass can help you significantly lower your energy bills all year long. Find out how much you can save by using JELD-WEN’s energy savings and purchase rebate calculator.
How much does it cost to be eco-friendly?
We should state, with any renovation, it is not free and can be a costly expense. This is an investment in your home that has the unique benefit of helping you save energy and in turn, costs, down the road.
While the upfront cost can be a little high, there are cost savings that will allow you to put money back into your pockets with available rebates! The Canada Greener Homes Grant will award you up to $5,000 for upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors. There are also several provincial rebates that can be stacked on top of the Greener Homes Grant.
It is also great to note that by upgrading your windows and doors you are increasing the resale value of your home on average by 72 per cent. To put it into perspective, if you were to spend $5,000 on your renovation, you would see a $3,600 return when it comes time to sell.
You can feel confident that your windows are making a positive impact on the environment when choosing JELD-WEN as sustainability and energy efficiency is a top priority.
