Energy Saving Tips:
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6. Windows
Windows can be one of your home's most attractive features.
Windows provide views, daylighting, ventilation, and solar
heating in the winter. Unfortunately, they can also account for
10% to 25% of your heating bill. During the summer, your air
conditioner must work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows.
Install ENERGY STAR windows and use curtains and shade to give
your air conditioner and energy bill a break. If you live in the
Sun Belt, look into new solar control spectrally selective
windows, which can cut the cooling load by 10% to 15%.
If
your home has single-pane windows, as almost half of U.S. homes
do, consider replacing them. New double pane windows with
high-performance glass (e.g., low-e or spectrally selective) are
available on the market. In colder climates, select windows that
are gas filled with low emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass
to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with
spectrally selective coatings to reduce heat gain. If you are
building a new home, you can offset some of the cost of
installing more efficient windows because doing so allows you to
buy smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment.
Cold-Climate Window Tips
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You can use a heavy-duty, clear
plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the
inside of your window frames during the cold winter months.
Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to
help reduce infiltration.
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Install tight-fitting,
insulating window shades on windows that feel drafty after
weatherizing.
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Close your curtains and shades
at night; open them during the day.
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Keep windows on the south side
of your house clean to let in the winter sun.
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Install exterior or interior
storm windows; storm windows can reduce heat loss through
the windows by 25% to 50%. Storm windows should have
weatherstripping at all moveable joints; be made of strong,
durable materials; and have interlocking or overlapping
joints. Low-e storm windows save even more energy.
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Repair and weatherize your
current storm windows, if necessary.
Warm-Climate Window Tips
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Install white window shades,
drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.
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Close curtains on south- and
west-facing windows during the day.
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Install awnings on south- and
west-facing windows.
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Apply sun-control or other
reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar
gain.
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$ Long-Term Savings Tip:
Installing new, high-performance windows will improve your
home's energy performance. While it may take many years for
new windows to pay off in energy savings, the benefits of
added comfort and improved aesthetics and functionality may
make the investment worth it to you. Today, many new window
technologies are available that are worth considering.
Glazing materials (the glass part of the window) now come
with a variety of selective coatings and other features;
frames are available in aluminum, wood, vinyl, fiber glass,
or combinations of these materials. Each type of glazing
material and frame has advantages and disadvantages.
Shopping Tips for Windows
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Look for the ENERGY STAR.
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When you're shopping for new
windows, look for the National Fenestration Rating Council
label; it means the window's performance is certified.
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Remember, the lower the U-value,
the better the insulation. In colder climates, a U-value of
0.35 or below is recommended. These windows have at least
double glazing and a low-e coating.
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In warm climates, where
summertime heat gain is the main concern, look for windows
with double glazing and spectrally selective coatings that
reduce heat gain.
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Select windows with air leakage
ratings of 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less.
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In temperate climates with both
heating and cooling seasons, select windows with both low
U-values and low solar heat gain co efficiency (SHGC) to
maximize energy benefits.
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Remember that new windows must
be installed correctly to avoid air leaks around the frame.
Look for a reputable, qualified installer.
