Windows Help You Tune Out the World's Distractions MILWAUKEE, March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Barking dogs, loud stereos, lawnmowers, airplanes -- just a few of the distractions that detract from the quality of our daily lives. Imagine what you could get done in a world without all this noise. Just as heat and light can be transmitted through windows, noise pollution can stubbornly find its way through and impose itself on your household. The good news is that replacement windows can have a significant impact on reducing the clatter and din that increasingly is intruding upon our daily lives, according to Bill Holz, General Manager of Stanek Windows. "If you currently have old single or double pane windows, you can expect that noise pollution is going to interfere with your peace and quiet," says Holz. "These windows just don't provide the barrier against noise; more often than not they aren't efficient enough to keep out the heat and cold either. Upgrading to an energy-efficient window can do a whole lot to enhance your life, and save you money." Known for its energy-saving properties, Stanek's Heat Mirror(R) line of windows is also an excellent sound barrier, Holz explains. "We just had a client tell us he literally used to sleep with ear plugs to block out the noise from outside. He had a slider door with Heat Mirror installed in his bedroom and he told us it virtually eliminated the outside noise," said Holz. So what exactly is noise pollution? Noise pollution is human-created noise that not only irritates, but is also potentially harmful to your health. In today's environment, noise has become a constant factor. Studies show that the world is getting noisier, and escape from the noise is getting increasingly difficult. Even in your own home. The dominant form of noise pollution is produced by transportation sources, such as cars, aircrafts and railways. Construction equipment, office equipment, factory machinery, appliances, power tools, lighting hum and audio entertainment systems also add to the build-up. The city is not the only problem area. Noise from recreational vehicles has become a serious dilemma in rural areas. In addition to simple aggravating annoyance, noise pollution can have significant affects on health. Subjected to 45 decibels of noise, the average person can't sleep. According to a recent study, high levels of noise have also been proven to cause a statistical rise in blood pressure, a clear and measurable increase in stress. Other consequences include lack of sleep, irritability, heartburn, indigestion, ulcers, high blood pressure, and possibly even heart disease. "A window's noise control ability is measured by Sound Transmission Classification (STC) ratings," explains Holz. "A small increase in STC ratings means much greater protection from outside noise. According to Southwall Technologies, the Heat Mirror glass used by Stanek Windows has an STC rating of 34, which means it can impact street noise and make a home the quieter refuge that the homeowners desire."
