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Windows provide views, lighting and ventilation, but can also let in heat and cold. Old, drafty windows can have a dramatic impact on heating bills and make air conditioners work two to three times harder. Luckily, new advances in window and glass technology make it possible to capture beautiful views while still maintaining control over heating and cooling costs. As household spending on energy continues to rise, now is the time to reduce energy use in your home. Start by using this energy efficiency checklist for windows to help save money and increase the overall comfort of your home.
• Perform quick and easy tasks to evaluate the energy-savings potential of your windows: Touch the window and feel if it is close to the room's temperature. Hold a lighted candle or lighter in front of the window. If the flame flickers, consider replacement.
• Explore the type of window most suitable for your climate and needs.
• Learn how glass and frame options can offer improved energy efficiency:
1. Dual-pane, low-emissivity (Low E II) glazings allow warm winter sunlight into your home while filtering out harsh summer light.
2. Wood and clad wood windows provide excellent energy efficiency because they have a built-in thermal barrier to protect your home's interior against extreme temperatures.
3. Frames manufactured with Ultrex®, a pultruded fiberglass material, deliver superior thermal performance because they expand and contract at the same rate as glass.
• Select an EWC member manufacturer that delivers energy-efficient solutions.
• Select a window that qualifies for the Energy Star® rating in your region. These windows meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Start saving money. According to the Sustainable Energy Coalition, windows with insulating, Low E II glazings can reduce heating costs by 34 percent in cold climates and cut cooling costs by 38 percent in warm climates.
Windows with low-emissivity glazings can reduce heating and cooling costs.
Contact the Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC) at www.efficientwindows.org to compare annual energy costs for different window options based on a typical house in your region.
Two excellent resources are Marvin Windows and Doors (www.marvin.com) and Integrity Windows and Doors (www.integritywindows.com), both of which offer a wide array of energy-efficient options.
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