Our homes are a warm haven to escape to when the weather outside is cold and when we need a break from the fast paced lives we live. They are the center of our lives where we spend a lot of our time by ourselves or with loved ones, and we want them to be as healthy as possible.
We spray disinfectants in them to keep illness at bay, we clean obsessively, and we are cautious as to what we bring in our homes that might cause us harm. But did you know that your windows can also play a huge role in keeping your home healthy?
Don’t Fix Windows on Your Own
You never know what dangerous material or toxins you can come in contact with when you take on trying to fix or replace your windows on your own. If you don’t know what you are doing, you could make problems worse, injure yourself, and even put the health of your family at risk. If your home happens to have been built pre-1978, you also have a high chance of exposing yourself and the rest of your family to materials that may be contaminated with lead.
These dangers are why you should rely on the experience of a professional to handle any changes to your windows. A professional, like an Anderson authorized service provider, is trained to take every precaution necessary to protect your family when they are working on your windows. They will take care of any repairs or replacements you may need, and when they are done your home will actually be healthier than when they got there.
Blocking Pollutants with Energy-Efficient Windows
We all know that energy-efficient windows are the easiest way to save money on the monthly energy bill. They do this by keeping out the cold air in the winter and the hot air in the summer, so our heating and air conditioning units don’t have to work so hard. At the same time they are also blocking the pollutants outside from getting in your home, as well.
Be Aware of What Your Window Frames Are Made Of
There are many different materials that window frames can be made of. Some are made from wood, others are made from a material called Fibrex, and then you have vinyl windows. Vinyl windows are nothing more than windows with plastic frames and when plastic heats up it gets soft and warps, this warping causes the window frames to change its shape and location within your window space. This change in shape is bad for two reasons.
One, the movement of the vinyl when it warps can create gaps that allow outdoor pollutants in your home. Two, vinyl gives off a synthetic odor (outgassing) that creates an indoor air pollution concern for those that are sensitive to chemicals. This outgassing is worse on warm days when the vinyl is heated up by the sun.
Many people don’t realize that in their pursuit for a healthy home, that it can be the home itself that is unhealthy. For more help in making your home healthier by starting with your windows, contact us today.
