Energy Efficient Windows Keep Your Home Comfortable & Affordable
Windows Overview
Windows and roofing are two of the most important features of your home, functionally and aesthetically, but they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating or air conditioning bill through energy loss.* For example, during the summer, your air conditioner must work harder and longer to cool a room that has old windows that either leak or transfer too much heat from outside.
Tips On Replacing Your Windows
One of the best ways to reduce your electric bill is to invest in new windows to improve your home's energy performance. While it may take time for new windows to pay off in your energy bill, the benefits of added comfort and improved aesthetics and functionality may make the investment worth it to you.
When looking for new windows, keep in mind the following:*
1. Determine what climate you live in as that will determine what kinds of features you will need on your new windows.
2. In cold climates, look for windows that have a low “U-factor” which is a measure of a windows insulation efficiency. Also, in cold climates, look for windows that have at least two panes of glass to increase their insulation capacity.
3. In warmer climates, look for windows that have low solar heat gain coefficients (SHGCs) that help reflect heat away from your home, keeping you cooler.
4. Finally, make sure your new windows are installed by trained professionals to ensure that they are operating properly no matter your climate.
To help offset the cost of your investment in new windows, look into local utility and government sponsored rebates. Many local utilities provide financial incentives for purchasing Energy Star qualified windows and the federal government offers up to $1,500 tax credits for installing Energy Star qualified windows to your home.
Window Maintenance Tips
If you decide not to replace your windows, try some of the following tips to help your windows work a little bit better and to reduce your energy bill:
Cold-Climate Windows – Keeping the Heat In*
1. Tightly seal heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months to help reduce cold air from coming in.
2. Install insulating window shades tightly on windows that are drafty or loose.
3. Close your curtains and shades at night to retain heat and open them during the day to bring in the sun.
4. Clean the windows on the south side of your house to let in the sun especially in the winter.
5. Install exterior or interior storm windows which can reduce heat loss from windows by 25% to 50%.
Warm-Climate Windows – Keeping the Heat Out*
1. Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to help reflect heat away from the house.
2. Close curtains on south and west facing windows during the day.
3. Install awnings on south and west facing windows to shield interior rooms from sunlight and heat.
4. Apply sun-control or reflective films on south-facing windows to reflect sunlight, thereby reducing heat build up and ultimately keeping your rooms cooler.
*source: www.energystar.gov & www.energy.gov
