Saving energy has several benefits. You can save on electric bills and help protect the environment by reducing your household’s carbon footprint. With a clean environment, you can also protect yourself your family, and the community. The less harmful elements are hovering around you, the fewer risks you’re exposing yourself to. That said, it’s no longer a question of why you should do it, but how.
Whether you are in the Kansas City area or anywhere in the U.S., you can improve your windows and switch to alternative energy sources when you can. Here’s how.
Use energy efficient window frames
Whether you are replacing your windows to meet your current aesthetic requirements or you’re changing it to get rid of the damage, you should choose energy efficient replacements. Start with the materials.
Among all the window frames, wood is the most common option because it is energy efficient and cost saving. Wooden frames are also aesthetically pleasing. However, they are susceptible to termites and other pests, so you need to apply chemicals to keep the pests away.
If you like the wooden frames’ look but don’t like the fact that they’re susceptible to pests, try the composite windows. They look similar to wood but they are pre-finished, so they have a fighting chance against termites.
Another option is a vinyl frame because of its high moisture resistance and energy efficiency when insulated. They also last longer and termites will no longer bug you if you opt for this material. The only thing you need to think about is how to make its color stay.
Perhaps the most durable and energy efficient option is fiberglass, as long as you find the right type (not all fiberglass are energy saving). But it may also be more expensive than the other options.
The last on your list should be the aluminum frames because they are heat conductors and frost promoters. Nonetheless, they are the most reliable when it comes to durability.
For the windows themselves, ask your supplier for glass with Low-E coating. This coating regulates the heat in your home by making sure the UV rays from the outside are reflected.
Turn to renewable energy
Solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, biomass, and hydroelectricity are by far the most recommended alternative sources of energy. The most efficient of these is wind energy.
Currently, the U.S. consumption of renewable energy is estimated at 10%, but experts say it could rise in the following years because the country will be relying on these sources more. Wind energy production, for example, is estimated to be at 35% by 2050. Geothermal energy is expected to rise from 44.2 terawatts to 18.4 gigawatts by 2021. Solar energy is estimated to make up 25% of the energy market by 2050. Biomass energy is expected to increase to 5 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) from 4.2 Btu.
Aside from saving on traditional energy consumption, you can also be sure that your energy source will never run out.
Energy saving is beneficial not just for our pockets but for our and our nature’s health as well. The good news is that there are simple ways to start incorporating this practice into your lifestyle. Start by changing your windows and adding a supplementary energy source.