Windows
Windows can be one of your home's most important features, providing views, natural lighting, ventilation and even solar heating in the winter. Unfortunately, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill. And during the summer, your cooling system has to work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows. It's no wonder there are so many OneThings all around your windows.
Replacing Windows
Almost half of the homes in the U.S. have single-pane windows. While it can be expensive to replace them, switching to newer double-pane windows with high-performance glass (low-e, for example) is one of the most dramatic ways to lower your energy costs. That means new windows will pay for themselves eventually. In fact, if you're building a new home, you can offset some of the cost of installing more efficient windows because doing so allows you to buy smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment.
Shopping Tips
- Look for the ENERGY STAR. You'll instantly know which windows are most efficient.
- Remember, the lower the U-value, the better the insulation. In New England, a U-value of 0.35 or below is great. These windows have at least double glazing and a low-e coating.
- Because we have a cooling season here, too, look for a low solar heat gain coefficiency (SHGC) to maximize energy benefits.
- Select windows with air leakage ratings of 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less.
- Make sure your windows are installed correctly to avoid air leaks around the frame.
Not Replacing?
You can make even older windows more energy-efficient by weather-stripping around the frames, putting clear plastic film over them during the winter, and covering them with insulating window shades and drapes.