Cooperative Living September 2023 - 26

ENERGYSENSE
Q:
A
My windows are old and drafty, and I'm thinking
about replacing them. Can you recommend a few
options I should consider?
ccording to the Department
of Energy, heat gain and loss
through windows consume
25% to 30% of residential heating and
cooling energy use.
Start by identifying the kind of
windows you have. Are they single pane
or double pane? Looking closely at the
window's edge, you can see the number
of windowpanes. Are the frames metal,
wood or vinyl? Some manufacturers etch
the make and model numbers in a corner
of the glass, so you can look up the
manufacturer for more information.
Single-pane windows and doublepane
windows with metal frames are
the least energy efficient. The lower the
efficiency of your existing windows, the
higher the potential for energy savings.
There are several options for
improving your windows, ranging
from replacement windows to storm
windows to budget-friendly repairs.
WINDOW EFFICIENCY
Several components can make
windows more efficient. High-quality
frame materials insulate and reduce
heat transfer. Two or more panes of glass
with space in between (filled with air or
gas) improve the window's insulation
capability. Warm-edge spacers hold the
panes of glass the proper distance apart
and help insulate the edges of the panes.
Low-emissivity coatings applied to the
24 ● Cooperative Living ●
September 2023
Letting the Light In
Opening up to energy-efficient windows
A:
by Miranda Boutelle, Contributing Columnist
Upgrading or improving your windows
is an important component of your home's
energy efficiency.
glass can reflect infrared light, keeping
the heat in during the winter and out
during the summer.
Window efficiency is rated in
U-factor and Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient, or SHGC. U-factor
measures heat transfer through the
window, which relates to how well
it insulates. The lower the U-factor,
the more efficient the window. The
SHGC measures how effectively the
window blocks heat from the sun.
REPLACEMENT AND
MAINTENANCE
If you want to replace your existing
windows, I recommend shopping for
Energy Star-certified windows. Energy
Star sets specific U-factor and SHGC
requirements based on your geography,
so you get the best fit for your location.
Replacement windows offer additional
benefits, like improved operability
and aesthetics. As with many industries,
the window industry has been impacted
by price increases over the past few
years, so keep in mind, this can be an
expensive upgrade.
Storm windows are a lower-cost
solution for some homes. Traditional
storm windows are made with clear glass.
Low-emissivity storm windows have
energy savings similar to replacement
windows at about a third of the cost.
Storm windows are mounted to the
interior or exterior and are available in
operable styles, so you can still open and
close your windows. Look for Energy
Star-certified models.
If you want to maintain the historic
architecture of your existing windows,
Low-E storm windows are a great
option. Some companies can refit your
existing window frames with custom
double-pane glass and weatherstripping.
As with any home improvement
project, be sure to get multiple quotes to
compare pricing and scope of work. You
may find additional savings with rebates
from your electric co-op, or state or
federal tax credits for window upgrades.
If new windows or storm windows
are not in the budget, your best bet is to
maintain your existing windows. Keep
the paint and caulking on the exterior in
good condition. That will help prevent
damage from the elements. Caulk
around the inside trim, ensure window
locks are installed properly and seal
tight when locked. There are a variety
of weatherstripping types for windows
to keep drafts at bay.
Whether you replace or make
improvements to what you have, adding
efficiency to your windows will add
year-round comfort to your home. 
Miranda Boutelle writes on energy
efficiency topics for the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association.
co-opliving.com
Before looking into
window replacement,
assess the condition of
your existing windows
for opportunities to
improve their efficiency.
PHOTO COURTESY ALPEN HIGH PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PEN HIGH PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living September 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living September 2023
