Energy Efficient Windows RI

Ask The Energy Experts
Question of the Day:
We are fixing up an older home in Rhode Island, and in the process, we want to make it energy efficient, lower our carbon footprint, and still have the house retain its traditional look. We have already installed energy efficient appliances, and now we’re remodeling. What tips do you have?

The Energy Expert Says:
There’s a lot of talk these days about reducing our “carbon footprints,” through energy efficiency and conscious consumerism. Before I answer your question, let’s define those three terms:

1. Carbon Footprint: Your carbon footprint is a measurement of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions you create each year. Measured in pounds or tons, a carbon footprint takes into account the emissions generated by nearly everything you do or buy: driving your vehicles and using other methods of transportation, using energy in your home, and purchasing products (with regard to their manufacturing, packaging, and distribution processes).

2. Energy Efficiency: This is a term that gets thrown around so much that it’s hard to discern what’s really energy efficient and what’s not. Any product can claim to be “more energy efficient” if it’s being compared to an outdated model. The key is finding products that are not only more efficient than their previous counterparts, but that are truly advanced in saving energy through their proper use. This usually translates to lower long-term user costs and a reduced carbon footprint through less energy usage.

3. Conscious Consumerism: Being a conscious consumer is a pretty simple concept, and it’s basically about making choices that are better for the planet by purchasing items that require less energy to manufacture, distribute, and use. For example, purchasing environmentally friendly, energy efficient products for your home (such as those made at least in part with recycled materials) means you are being a conscious consumer and it lowers your personal carbon emissions.

You’ve already done one big thing to lower your carbon footprint: you’ve chosen to upgrade your home and its appliances with energy efficiency in mind. On average, approximately one quarter of a typical American’s carbon footprint comes from home energy usage. That means increasing the energy efficiency in your home can drastically reduce your carbon footprint overall. And since you are remodeling, this is a great opportunity to do just that.

One of the best ways to lower your carbon footprint at home is by installing energy efficient windows. RI homeowners who switch from traditional dual-pane glass to an energy efficient option, such as Low-E4™ Glass, can see about a 50% increase in energy efficiency. Not only does this lower your carbon footprint, it saves you money. With the right energy efficient windows, RI residents can save as much as 25% on their energy bills. Plus, through the UV ray blocking capability of energy efficient windows, RI homeowners see less fading of furnishings and floor and wall coverings, helping those items last longer, again reducing your carbon footprint.

Even with an older or historic home, it is possible to have energy efficient windows. RI has many qualified, reputable installers who offer custom, energy efficient windows with energy efficient glass and energy efficient frames. These, of course, are the ideal type of energy efficient windows. RI homeowners who opt for an energy efficient frame material can further reduce their carbon footprint through conscious consumerism. For example, Fibrex® window frames are made with at least 40% reclaimed wood fiber (less environmental impact), have extremely high resistance to temperature changes (less heat transfer means lower energy consumption), and they’re low maintenance (fewer paint purchases, less chemical usage, lower carbon footprint).

For more information on energy efficient windows, RI residents can contact us at 800-975-6666 or fill out the form on the right side of this page for a free in-home estimate.