Install New Windows

Windows play a major role in the energy use and comfort of a dwelling unit. In the winter, heat in a room is lost when cold outside air infiltrates around the edges of windows. Heat also can be lost by conduction directly through the pane, even if the window fits tightly. he cold drafts and the chilly windowpane make the room uncomfortable. When heated air escapes out windows in the winter, the heating system works harder to compensate for the loss. But windows also can help to heat a room by letting the sun's rays enter. While this solar radiation is beneficial in the winter, it can be a major source of discomfort in hot, summer climates.Windows that are old, improperly fitted, or loose may be allowing conditioned air to leak out of the house. During the summer, the air conditioner works overtime to try to cool down the rooms.

Newer windows are designed with more advanced features and are now able to handle these problems. Purchasing new windows appropriate for our climate will reduce unwanted heat loss/gain, eliminating condensation and increasing comfort, while producing significant savings on energy bills.

Window Selection

Homes with hotter climates require windows with a lower U-factor. In hotter climates, look for windows with low solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC). ENERGY STAR qualified windows are rated and recommended according to climate type. Windows are rated by the U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.

• The U-factor is a measure of heat transfer from your home or the outside through your window, door or skylight.
  The SHGC expresses how much heat your house gains from the sun.
• A low U-factor signifies less heat transfer through the glass and a low SHGC indicates less heat gain to your home.
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Performance/Economics

• Replacing poor-quality windows can save 10 to 20 percent on heating energy.