Health Benefits Of Energy Efficient Windows | Flower Mound, TX

Health Benefits Of Energy Efficient Windows | Flower Mound, TX

Photo By Antonio Guillem at shutterstock

Energy efficient windows grant benefits that go beyond energy costs. They improve sustainability and energy security, enhance economic development and offer health benefits. Many health benefits of energy efficient windows in Flower Mound, TX, are a result of a comfortable home environment through air sealing, insulation, and coatings that filter sunlight.

Indoor Air Quality

Energy efficient windows contribute to improved air quality in numerous ways, including lower humidity, stable temperatures and reduced levels of mold, pollutants and other airborne particulates. Improved indoor air quality is a significant benefit of energy efficient windows, especially for people with chronic health issues, such as asthma,

COPD, recurring headaches or migraines, and heart disease. Allergy symptoms and recurrent sinusitis or throat irritation also decline because less allergens and irritants make it into the home. The National Center for Healthy Housing, or NCHH, has found that improving a home’s overall energy

efficiency leads to reductions in respiratory health problems, improvements in overall mental and physical health, and a decline in reported allergy and

asthma symptoms.

Condensation and Moisture

Condensation on interior window surfaces can be problematic, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. This condensation also makes it more difficult to

keep windows clean. Moisture collects on a window’s surface and frequently runs down the window and walls. This leads to streaking on the window itself and puddles of water inside the home.

Standing water and a moist environment throughout the room encourage mold and mildew growth. Mold can damage structures and furniture and may be difficult to remove. Many species of mold also cause health problems. Energy efficient windows have much more insulation than old, single pane windows. The insulation keeps the window’s interior surface at a stable temperature above the threshold necessary to form condensation.

Thermal Comfort

Thermal comfort is a term for a person’s level of satisfaction with indoor climate and comfort. Thermal stress occurs when thermal comfort is low, or unsatisfactory, due to heat or cold. Temperature extremes and irregular temperatures that change throughout the day have the greatest impact on people with underlying health conditions, children and the elderly.

Heat waves are associated with increased risk of exacerbation or death for people with cardiovascular disease. People with diabetes can also experience difficulties during heat waves. Cold snaps present increased risk of severe illness for people with cardiovascular illnesses and kidney disease. Heat waves are not a rare occurrence in Flower Mound, TX, so energy efficient windows may be a great investment to improve the comfort of your home.

Sunlight and UV Rays

There are actually three types of UV rays. Electromagnetic radiation comprises UV-A, UV-B and UV-C rays. The ozone layer has long been an object of scientific interest and alarm because it filters almost all UV-C rays. ‘Holes’ in the ozone layer were a significant cause for alarm because there was no protection at all from these rays in areas where the ozone layer was disrupted. Unfortunately, the ozone layer does not filter UV-A or UV-B rays. UV-B rays cause sunburns and penetrate the skin, which can lead to wrinkles, brown spots and some forms of cancer. UV-A rays are also associated with many types of skin cancer.

While UV rays are commonly known to be harmful outdoors, very few people consider the effects of UV rays indoors. House, car, and office windows block most UV-B rays, but approximately 50% of UV-A rays pass right through glass.

The Skin Cancer Foundation has studied a phenomenon known as asymmetrical facial damage. The condition is characterized by wrinkles, brown spots and loss of elasticity on one side of the face. Asymmetrical damaged skin is the result of having one side of the face closest to windows over a long period of time.

Sun damage affects objects inside the home too. Furniture, carpets, wood, leather, artwork and other permanent or semi-permanent fixtures and fabrics deteriorate and fade due to long term exposure to UV-rays. UV-rays damage microfibers in upholstery and fabrics and cause faded patterns when sunlight bleaches flooring and wooden furniture.

Sunscreen is a common precaution during time spent outdoors, but most people don’t want to wear sunscreen inside every day. Window films made of a strong laminate of polyester and special adhesives are available. These films block UV-rays, but they also block light. Low-E energy, low emissivity,

efficient windows are manufactured with a film that blocks up to 98% of UV-rays without blocking natural light.

The coating on these windows is made of an invisible metallic oxide and metal film that can’t be seen without a microscope. These windows allow light to pass through, but they reflect heat. Heat reflection in summer lessens the burden on air conditioning and conserves energy during colder months by reflecting interior heat back into the home. Consumers can choose from a variety of low-E replacement windows that block varying percentages of UV rays. Consult a professional to choose the type of window that is best for your home’s geographical orientation.

Noise Reduction

Noise reduction may not seem like a ‘health benefit’ on the surface, but it has an impact on overall health. Energy efficient windows have an innate soundproofing ability. They reduce ambient noise from traffic, railways, sirens, music and other outdoor disturbances. This quality is very beneficial for people that live in areas of high population density where homes and buildings stand very close together.

Noise reduction helps people sleep without disturbance. Sufficient amounts of uninterrupted sleep are essential for physical and mental health. Shift workers that often try to sleep during daylight hours may find the soundproofing aspect of energy efficient windows very useful.

Contact the professionals at Energy Window Solutions to replace older windows in your home. Energy efficient windows are available in a wide range of types and styles. A professional can help you choose the best type of window for your home and the unique needs of people in your household.