By Karoline Gore
In 2006 there were only 296 certified green building projects in the United States, but that number rose to 65,000 in 2017 according to a report published on The Statistics Portal. You don’t have to have the biggest solar panels on your roof to be inducted into the “eco-friendly design hall of fame”. Something as simple as turning your windows eco-friendly is a great place to start for environmental protection. Windows contribute to the aesthetics of your home but they can also impact your heating and cooling costs significantly. Fortunately, you can make your windows more energy efficient without it changing the overall design or look of your home.
Temperature in your living room
The living room is where you focus most of your interior design charm because that is where you entertain guests. Guests may not be able to take in all your antique pieces and china, or even appreciate the intricate patterns you painted on the floor if the room is sweltering. It turns out that your windows are responsible for 25%-30% of your home’s heating and cooling energy use. They can make temperatures unbearable in your home during hot days and quickly let out heat during cold days. Energy efficient windows keep the heat in when it is cold and out when it is hot outside.
Eco–friendly frames
If you are thinking of buying new windows for a new construction or replacing your existing windows, you should consider buying windows made entirely of eco-friendly materials. For example, wood frames are energy efficient and add to the warmth that turns your house into a cozy home. You can also opt for frames made from fiberglass with solid wood interiors. They require low maintenance, add warmth to your home and last longer than wood frames.
Eco-friendly decorative solar films
If you are not in a position to replace your existing windows with insulated ones, you can update them to improve efficiency. You can do this by caulking or weather-stripping your windows to block air leaks. Another affordable option is adding clear or decorative solar control films on your window. Decorative solar control films have designs that add elegant ambiance to your window glass without blocking the view. This is not permanent like stained or etched window glass, and you can change the designs by installing new decorative films with different designs. You can order solar control films with custom designs that will further personalize your home’s interior design. Solar control films also protect flooring and furniture from damage or fade caused by UV rays.
Making your windows energy efficient saves you money and allows you to enjoy your rooms without worrying about things like glare or temperature. These changes do not have to affect the general look of your well-designed home or your interior design. No one will know that you installed clear solar films on your window, and your new insulated windows will still have the same shape and size as the old ones. Your interior design will be enhanced not downgraded.
