This is pretty good about windows, the way they are made energy efficient and basics of how they are made and measured for efficiency. Windows are great for making a room open, filled with light but they are also one of the biggest energy leak with the least amount of insulation potential so if you like a lot of light, you need to do all you can to make the as efficient as possible.
It now seems like a hundred years ago but in one of our first homes, we had cold drafts and large heat and cool bills. It was during the great energy crisis of the 70’s and there were incentives then too so I put in more attic insulation, caulked and sealed everything, but that was not enough. I then found a place to get “insider” windows. An inside storm window in a vinyl frame set about 1/2 inch in from the regular window. I couldn’t afford to replace all the windows and this was the next best alternative and boy did that help.
Just another idea in the need to reduce our carbon footprint, save energy and money. – WD0AJG
You can reduce your heating and cooling costs dramatically by replacing home windows with energy saving windows. Your initial investment may be hefty but you can easily recover the cost from savings on your utility bills. While saving on energy costs, your home will also become more comfortable and look more attractive.
Energy Saving Windows: How They Work
Multiple glazing. Window glass can be double- hung or triple-hung. Multiple layers of glass panes are used to improve thermal efficiency. Glazing includes special features that prevent heat from escaping during winter while keeping it out during summer.
Gas filled windows. The dead air space between panes of window glass provides insulation that saves energy. A perfect vacuum between panes provides the best insulation, but glass would have to be very thick (and more expensive) to resist cracking under this condition. For this reason, an inert gas such as argon is used between panes to boost insulation. Krypton is sometimes used in specialty windows that are extremely thin.
Window glass coating. Window glass can be coated with a thin layer of metal or polyester that makes the surface reflective. The coating on reflective glass helps keep out heat during summer while keeping heat in during the cold winter months.
Low emissivity (low-e) glass is coated with silver or tin oxide. Low-e glass allows light to pass through but blocks out heat. Energy saving windows with low-e glass stop heat loss from your home.
Energy Rating
Certain features affect the energy performance rating of a replacement window. The features are shown on the window when you purchase it.
U-Factor. The U-Factor tells you how much heat moves through the window in a one-hour period. For better insulation, you want window with lower U-Factor.
Solar heat gain coefficient. The solar heat gain coefficient tells you how much heat from the sun passes through the glass. If you live in a colder climate, you want a higher solar heat gain coefficient. In a warmer climate, you want this number to be low.
Replacing your home windows with energy saving windows can improve your home’s insulation up to four times more. This means substantial savings in home energy costs. Look for the Energy Saver label in your new replacement windows.
The average American household can save almost $500 annually in energy costs if they replace single-pane windows with Energy Star replacement windows. You will save money on energy costs and help Mother Earth at the same time.
Get a free home energy savings kit! Find more energy saving ideas at our website.
Author: Jason Anthony
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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