Go Green with Energy Efficient Windows

We use massive amounts of oil, gas and electricity derived from fossil fuels to heat and light our homes. While these energy sources are not renewable and we run the risk of depleting them very rapidly, they also pose environmental hazards due to emission of greenhouse gases like carbon-dioxide and pollutants like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide when they release energy. Scientists dread the fallout from burning such fuels. Global warming is one such consequence.

As responsible citizens of this world, we need to take steps to conserve our environment. While using renewable sources of energy like solar and wind power is the best way to go green, the simple first step is to use energy wisely in our homes - this itself will go a long way in helping our eco-system.

One way to have an energy-efficient home is to have energy-efficient windows installed in it. There are two ways in which such windows decrease your energy consumption. Firstly, they help in creating an air-tight blanket around your home. Well-crafted vinyl or fiberglass frames make your home air-tight. Cutting down hot or cold drafts from outside implies less heating and cooling demands on your HVAC.

Energy-efficient windows also provide excellent insulation. Good insulation ensures that the warmth inside the house does not radiate to the outside and the heat outside does not radiate into the house. A window may have two or more panes with colorless non-toxic gasses like argon and krypton filled between the panes. Unlike air, these gases are efficient insulators. Some energy efficient windows also come with special coatings on the glass and insulating spacers between the panes to enhance insulation.

A window with more insulation features will be more expensive. When you shop for energy-efficient windows, look for the energy-star logo on your product. Find out the components and features of the windows and their energy efficiency ratings. When going green, you should also consider upgrading your sky lights and doors to get the maximum benefits from your upgrades.

Popular home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes offer an huge range of energy efficient windows.
You can also find more information about going green on Efficient Windows which is a site supported by the US Department of Energy and many industry leaders in green innovation.

An energy-efficient home also means smaller electricity and heating bills. As an additional incentive to go green, the government is offering tax credits to those who install energy efficient windows, door and appliances. In 2009 and 2010, you can get 30% of the cost of your energy-efficient upgrades, with the maximum credit capped at $1,500. With all your savings, you can expect your investment on energy-efficient windows to pay back in 2-3 years.