With the arrival of cooler weather many homeowners start to feel cold air coming in through and around their windows.
What are your options?
The US Department of Energy recognizes that energy efficient windows are an important consideration for both new and existing homes. Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. If you are selecting windows for new construction or to replace existing windows, it's important to choose the most efficient windows you can afford that work best in your climate. If your existing windows are in good condition, taking steps to reduce the energy loss through windows can make your home more comfortable and save you money on energy bills.
Update Existing Windows to Improve Efficiency
If your windows are in good condition, taking steps to improve their efficiency may be the most cost-effective option to increase the comfort of your home and save money on energy costs. There are several things you can do to improve the efficiency of your existing windows:
· Check existing windows for air leaks
· Caulk and weather-strip
· Add window treatments and coverings
· Add storm windows or panels
· Add solar screens or control film
· Add exterior shading, such as awnings, exterior blinds, or overhangs.
Window Selection Tips for New or Replacement Windows
· In warmer climates, select windows with coatings to reduce heat gain.
· Choose a low U-factor for better thermal resistance in colder climates; the U-factor is the rate at which a window conducts non-solar heat flow.
· Look for a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). SHGC is a measure of solar radiation admitted through a window. Low SHGCs reduce heat gain in warm climates.
· Select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings in temperate climates with both cold and hot seasons.
· Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass U-factors and SHGCs. Whole-unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product.
