Windows and doors have two primary tasks: they offer homeowners a beautiful view of the outdoors, allowing them to appreciate nature and visually make it part of their interior environment, and they also provide protection from the elements. Marvin replacement windows in New Jersey are no exception. These products – whether it's a bay window, casement, double-hung or awning – offer some of the clearest views available with minimum maintenance. And they can stand up to the elements. In fact, some Marvin windows are made especially for volatile environments where hurricane force winds are to be expected. Even impact resistance is top notch.
But the real difference that separates Marvin products from other windows comes with energy efficiency. The green revolution is only just getting underway, and these windows are leading the charge. Marvin is the market leader when it comes to energy efficiency in windows and doors, offering more than 150,000 qualifying options. Fiberglass replacement windows can save homeowners 15 to 25 percent on monthly heating or cooling bills, thanks to the leading technology Marvin employs.
Consider how energy efficiency options can benefit your home, specifically depending on your climate. Dual-pane and tri-pane windows can offer extra efficiency, as can glass coatings or special inter-pane gasses used to buffer insulation. Furthermore, all Marvin windows meet or exceed Windows and Doors Manufacturers Association standards for air infiltration.
But better windows are only the first step in a more eco-friendly house, apartment or condo. If you're looking to be a greener homeowner, you'll want to invest in a few other options. Several of them, like Marvin windows, may meet the federal Energy Star standards for Most Efficient 2013. Others could even grab you a tax credit. Consider these major renovations or appliances to start.
Kitchen appliances
According to Good Housekeeping, just about every corner of your kitchen can be remodeled as stylish and sustainable. But when it comes to energy savings, you'll want to look at the major offenders like your dishwasher, fridge and stove first. Consider how an electric-induction cooktop might reduce your energy consumption when cooking. And the right eco-friendly dishwasher can lower both water and electricity usage by 30 percent or more over current Energy Star standards.
Air conditioning
When homeowners are investing in an air conditioner, they'll want to look for a unit with a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER rating. SEERs indicate how much energy your AC unit needs, and the minimum allowed today by the U.S. Department of Energy is a 13. Luckily, you can find plenty of units with SEER rating way above that – seek them out and watch your carbon footprint fade.
Roofing
Believe it or not, your roof actually has an immense impact on your home's energy efficiency. Not only is asphalt roofing not particularly sustainable – old asphalt tends to pack landfills each year – but it absorbs heat into the home. The right metal roofing on the other hand can deflect UV rays, reducing the need for home cooling. This is especially useful in warmer climates.
