Eyes of Green

“Don’t throw your money out the window!” – Judy, The Green Girl

If the windows and doors of a house are like its eyes on the world – with all of the newest energy-efficient and eco-elegant options available today – those eyes can truly be a beautiful shade of green! Fortunately, a myriad of choices abound, making it easy and stylish to keep the heat in or the cold out – whatever the season.

Marvin Windows and Doors features “Infinity,” a full line of low-maintenance fiberglass replacement windows with a traditional appearance. According to Kenny Brown, Showroom Manager of Marvin Windows and Doors in Brentwood, “Fiberglass has similar insulating properties to vinyl but will not off gas like vinyl will.” Off gas refers to the toxins that are emitted into the air as windows heat up. Marvin's standard Low EII glazing alternative is another simple way to maximize your home's thermal efficiency.  

Pella Corporation, another ENERGY STAR® partner, offers their Pella Designer Series® collection – rated number one for energy efficiency among top national brands – which includes blinds or shades protected between panes of glass. According to Preston Fancher, president, Pella Windows and Doors, “Pella's triple-pane Designer Series, by itself, is one of the most energy-efficient window products built today. When its operable mini-slat blind is incorporated into its glazing, it can efficiently control solar heat before it gets in the home.”

In addition to energy-efficient windows, interior and exterior doors, Berry Door and Window also offers environmentally friendly garage doors. Their Ankmar Collection makes available CladPanel doors that are produced using recycled Douglas fir fused with paper. Specifically designed to resist moisture, these doors won't split, warp or crack like wood doors, or bend like steel doors.

Gorell – another manufacturer of vinyl replacement windows, new construction windows, hurricane windows and patio doors – offers its product locally through Amazing Siding and Windows.          

Skylights and sun tunnels have become increasingly popular ways to bring more passive, natural light and fresh air indoors.  “When building green, use skylights and sun tunnels to bring high-quality light and ventilation into your home,” says Tom Rissman, owner of Premier Skylights – a VELUX 5-Star Skylight Specialist.

Beyond windows and doors, window coverings, such as blinds and window tinting, can significantly increase the energy efficiency of your home. Hunter Douglas, offered by Show Me Blinds & Shutters, has taken a major eco-friendly step with the creation of Duette Architella® honeycomb shades, which can reduce solar heat by as much as 76 percent. Bob Starr, owner of Show Me Blinds & Shutters, says, “These semi-opaque Duette® fabric shades block 99.9 percent of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.”

Installing window film is yet one more way to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Window film reduces harmful ultraviolet rays, glare, fading and hot spots. It also increases privacy, safety and efficiency. Available through St. Louis Window Tinting, window film is one of the most cost-effective ways to “green up” your home. Let your green eyes shine!