Unveiling Sustainable Windows: The Green Choice for Every Home

As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners are looking for long-term solutions to lower their electricity bills. When it comes to home improvement projects, replacing your windows with sustainable windows is a great way to invest in your home energy efficiency.

In 2024, words like “eco-friendly,” “energy efficient,” and “sustainable” are familiar terms. These terms are often used interchangeably but do have their own specific contributions to the overall green initiative.

• “Eco-friendly” describes products or practices that minimize the harm to the environment rather than improve its existing condition. For instance, investing in energy efficient products is considered an eco-friendly practice.
• “Energy efficient” refers to using less energy without lowering your standard of living. It emphasizes using resources like electricity or fuel more effectively and reducing overall energy consumption.
• Sustainable products and practices often focus on long-term improvements for the environment for future generations. This could include planting trees or using renewable energy.

Sustainable windows can incorporate reclaimed materials, a low-emissive glazed window, and tight seals to keep out air or moisture. It’s not only important to look at the physical window itself, but homeowners will also look at how the window is manufactured.

Manufacturing Sustainable Windows

Sustainable windows manufacturing refers to the process of creating windows with a focus on minimizing environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle of the window, from raw material extraction to disposal.

At Renewal by Andersen, renewable energy has become a primary focus for our factory in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. From manufacturing to the administrative offices, our property is powered by 100% renewable energy.

What is Renewable Electricity?

Renewable energy is energy that comes from sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, like sunlight or wind. This means we can use them without worrying about them running out in the foreseeable future, unlike fossil fuels which take millions of years to form.

Renewable energy sources are also considered clean energy because they produce little to no harmful emissions when used to create electricity. A popular way to use renewable energy in your everyday life is installing solar panels to reduce energy consumption and lower monthly expenses.

As technology continues to develop, renewable energy sources are becoming more affordable and efficient, making them a more attractive option for both individuals and countries worldwide.

Benefits of Renewable Energy Manufacturing

Renewable energy is a rapidly growing sector, and it is playing an increasingly important role in meeting our energy needs. With this growth, we can expect more job opportunities and environmental protection.

In 2022, the Department of Energy reported that clean energy jobs had an increase of 3.9%, resulting in 114,000 jobs for Americans. Growth was seen in every state and included jobs in clean energy technologies and zero energy vehicles. West Virginia was reported as a leader in clean energy job opportunities.

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind don’t produce harmful emissions during electricity generation, unlike fossil fuels which contribute to climate change. Manufacturing renewable energy technologies typically involves less air and water pollution compared to traditional energy production methods.

Eco-Friendly Tips for a More Sustainable Home

1. Know Your State Government

States like Texas, California, and New Jersey are deregulated states. That means that homeowners have multiple energy providers to choose from. This gives them the opportunity to choose a company with rates that suit their budget and needs.

In states like Minnesota, South Carolina, and Oregon, homeowners are located in regulated states. Regulated states means that you have one energy provider, and you pay a fixed price for energy consumption. If you’re located in a regulated state, the best chance you have to reduce your energy use and costs is through better insulation and sustainable windows.

Not sure whether your state is regulated or deregulated? Check with your local energy providers or view this map provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

2. Know Your Window

It’s important to know your window! Sustainable window materials usually refer to the window frame and the glass. Naturally, your windows will warp or shift with your home’s foundation over time. That means you want a durable and warp-resistant window material.

Fibrex® material is a composite material that combines wood and polymer. This composite is twice as strong and lasts twice as long as vinyl. Our exclusive Fibrex® material stays strong, even after 20 years of exposure to severe hot and cold temperatures.

Also, Renewal by Andersen® replacement windows earned recycled content certification from SCS Global Services. Much of the wood fiber used to make our exclusive Fibrex® material is reclaimed from Andersen Corporation’s wood window manufacturing facilities. Andersen’s exclusive Fibrex® material contains 40% reclaimed wood fiber by weight.

In states that experience intense summer temperatures, like Texas or Arizona, Renewal by Andersen glasses can significantly boost your energy efficiency. High-Performance Low-E4® glass is 56% more energy efficient in summer as compared to ordinary dual-pane glass. Improving your energy efficiency leads to lower electric bills and enhanced comfort in your living space.

If you experience mild summers and bitter winters, High-Performance Low-E4® glass is 47% more energy efficient in winter as compared to ordinary dual-pane glass. Renewal by Andersen offers double pane windows filled with argon gas to protect your home from heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

3. Know The Signs

As your house shifts and settles, your existing window may get distorted in its opening. When the window gets adjusted, you can find that gaps appear in between the frame and the opening. You may start feeling drafts when you’re sitting by your window or finding water damage weeks after a rainstorm.

With hot or cold air leaking into your home, your HVAC system begins working harder to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the room. This is why homeowners will find energy costs rising when usage hasn’t changed.

It’s important to repair or replace the window seal and weatherstripping as a short-term solution. However, you will ultimately need to replace the window to avoid further damage long-term.

4. Know Local Experts

Replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR certified windows lowers household energy bills by an average of 12% nationwide. Renewal by Andersen delivers full-service window replacement services and ENERGY STAR® certified windows..

First, our team of experts helps homeowners custom design sustainable windows. After precise measurement to avoid gaps, master craftsmen build your windows in our Cottage Grove factory using 100% renewable energy. Then, our Certified Master Installers replace your existing windows, following our proven process. Finally, you get to enjoy your new windows and energy savings for years to come!

Get Started Today!

When choosing window replacement service, choose a company that aligns with your goals for sustainable living. Contact Renewal by Andersen near you for a free energy analysis.