This coming Monday, April 22, 2024, is the 54th anniversary of Earth Day. It is recognized as the beginning of the modern environmental movement. About this time, the first energy-efficient windows were introduced, beginning with multi-pane glass. (Up until this point, the single-pane glass window was almost universal. Since that time, the window industry has increased the energy efficiency of windows with such things as reflective or Low-E coatings.
Coincidentally (or perhaps not so much coincidence) was the emergence of what has come to be called the ‘energy crisis.’ Along with a rising concern for environmental stewardship and conservation, increased cost of energy was hitting consumers, institutions, and businesses hard. And so energy-efficient windows just made sense on multiple levels.
The result? What was once a relatively new product has become the norm. Of course, there are almost limitless energy-efficient items that can be incorporated into homes and commercial buildings, but in our Minneapolis exterior home remodeling company, we’ve chosen to focus on energy-efficient replacement windows and exterior doors. One reason is that window and door openings account for the majority of heat (and cooling) loss in a structure. By replacing your existing windows with more energy-efficient ones, you can make a major impact on your own personal energy consumption, plus you’ll reap the benefits on what you spend on utility costs.
But the energy-efficient windows we install bring other environmental benefits as well. Many of the windows we install are considered ‘green’ in terms of construction. For example, fiberglass windows like the ones manufactured by Minnesota’s own Marvin brand (their Essential Collection®) are made from sustainable materials. And for our climate, fiberglass is a much better alternative to wood for exterior use. Eliminating the need for repainting or re-staining means less chemical use, another environmental plus.
Choosing energy-efficient replacement windows starts with looking for the EnergyStar symbol, your assurance that the window you’re considering meets or exceeds EPA standards. We’re proud to offer EnergyStar rated windows from not only Marvin but also Weather Shield and ProVia, a company that year after year has received the EPA’s EnergyStar Partner of the Year in recognition of their quality and commitment to energy efficiency. Weather Shield is also an EnergyStar Partner. And we are proud to be an authorized/certified installer of all these brands.
If you’re looking to make an environmental impact in your own home, installing energy-efficient replacement windows is a great place to start. Why not contact us to set up a consultation in your home where we can discuss our suggestions for reducing your energy use with new windows.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
