Choosing windows / Green Building & Sustainable Home Renovation Information & Advice

Comparing standard windows to solar energy generating coatings on windows
Solar photovoltaic

Solar windows: achieving net-zero with transparent photovoltaic (BIPV) glass

...windows The transition toward net-zero building has traditionally focused on rooftops, but energy-generating glass coatings are now turning the building envelope itself into a power plant. By integrating transparent photovoltaic (TPV) technology directly into windows and facades, homeowners and professionals can harves...

Tilt and turn window in a modern home, shown in both tilt and turn positions.
Windows and doors

Choosing window mechanisms - casement, slider or tilt and turn, which is best?

...windows. Tilt and turn windows are particularly prized in high-performance building for their reliable, long-term airtightness. Cost and durability Slider and hung windows are typically the most affordable option, followed by casement windows. Tilt and turn windows are generally the most expensive due to their complex ...

Condensation on windows in our homes - why is it there? - how to stop it?
Walls and Roofs

Condensation on windows is a pain but is it a problem & how to stop it?

...windows, and the best way to keep on top of condensation around windows is to be on the lookout for any damage to the sealant around the window frame as this can allow water in – to learn how to fit and seal windows properly, see here.  Also, if there is some condensation, try to wipe down windows and window sills prom...

Prefab Passive House & LEED Kit Homes for Sale in Ontario & North Eastern US
Concept and design

Prefab Passive House & LEED ready kit homes - the future of buying a new home?

...windows (2x more efficient than ENERGY STAR® double glazing) A double layer of low-emissivity window film selected for maximum insulating value (R6) Thermal and acoustic comfort (triple-pane windows transmit less sound than double pane). Chosen triple-glazed window brand: Elite doors and windows Low-maintenance exter...

When should you replace windows
Windows and doors

When should you replace old windows?

Windows, replace or repair? We often get asked if it is a good idea to replace old windows with new and better performing windows to save money. Usually to the surprise and relief of homeowners we most often tell them to stick with the ones they've got. Not to say that the idea of replacing windows is always 'green was...

Correct window installation details
Windows and doors

How to install windows

...Choosing higher quality windows on all sides of your home will mean reduced heat loss over a poorer quality window, and with the right windows on the south side you can gain more heat in the daytime than they will lose at night. For how to choose the best windows for your house, see here. The Demo House has triple-glaz...

Correctly installed Triple pane south facing windows on Ecohome's Demo House
Windows and doors

Installing Doors & Windows for the Best Performance in High Efficiency Homes, LEED & Passive House

...windows: position windows towards the center of the rough opening rather than installing them flush to the outside. Windows that are installed at the exterior point of openings have a lot more thermal bridging around the frames. Windows in the centre of the opening reduce the risk of condensation by keeping window peri...

How to choose Triple pane, high performance windows
Windows and doors

Our top tips for buying high-performance windows

...windows on the market. Read more about high performance suspended film windows here.  How to install windows properly: Proper installation is the key to long window life and high performance. Buying the best windows in the world will be a waste of money if  you install them poorly. Windows should be installed airtight ...

Vinyl record album
Healthy indoor air quality

Keep vinyl out of your home (albums excluded of course)

...windows, the list goes on. We have surrounded ourselves with the stuff. So what can we do? Slowly but surely, remove it from your life. Here are some alternatives: Glass shower doors Choosing healthy and durable flooring materials Choosing green kitchen countertops Wood or metal siding for exterior cladding Fiberglass...

Wood frame triple-glazed, argon-filled windows in the Ecohome Demo House
Windows and doors

Choosing windows - which window frame? wood v aluminum v vinyl

...windows (the ones that open) can work in several ways. Casement and awning windows wind open with a hand crank, sliders slide open sidesways, single and double hung windows open by sliding vertically. Single hung windows only slide up from the bottom, double hung means both sashes move, allowing you to slide them to th...