When we think of Energy Star compliant we tend to think of appliances such as televisions, computers, dishwashers, refrigerators, etc and the amount of energy associated with their use, but seldom do people realize that the Energy Star compliant also applies to your home, more specifically, your windows.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) broadened their criteria to include energy efficiency for residential homes and commercial buildings one of the criteria for judging a home for how efficiently it uses its energy is to test its windows for any energy leaks.
The reason why particular attention is directed toward the windows is because it is estimated that around 30% of the home’s total energy is lost because of them, while at the same time being responsible for as much as 25% of your heating or air conditioning bill due to the air these inefficient windows allow to leak in and out. This means that your home is much cooler in winter than it should be and much hotter in summer, especially with the way older windows are designed, this is because homes greater than 14 years weren’t built with a green perspective in mind. Around half of all the homes in the US alone were built with single paned glass windows which is responsible for energy losses.
Fortunately with developing technology and a green, sustainable picture in mind has seen the advancement of design where windows are now twice as energy efficient than compared to 25 years ago. With reduction of lost energy come smaller utility bills. With older windows because hot and cold air is constantly being lost the more energy must be expended in order to counteract this loss, resulting in higher energy bills.
Window proofing for leaks can help you save money on your heating while making use of the existing energy within the home meaning you use less energy without sacrificing creature comforts or without having to make any real major changes to your lifestyle.
Budget is a big factor when it comes to replacing your windows with more energy efficient ones which can set you back around $15,000, a home energy audit is always highly recommended to test if completely replacing your windows is the best solution compared with less costly alternatives such as replacement inserts rather than replacing the entire window.
There are several benefits to energy proofing your windows:
Less money spent on heating and cooling due to your windows ability to better facilitate the existing energy more efficiently.
Enhanced comfort and living standards with a warm, dry living environment.
Improved health and reduced illness due to proper heating and the reduction of condensation and the dangerous fungal molds usually associated with damp living conditions.
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?a=171&q=231318
Less carbon emissions due to the reduced need to consume more energy and the less impact on the environment associated with that energy production.
Better use of natural light.
Reduced noise pollution from the double glaze insulated design.
Receive an Energy Star tax credit through energy efficient windows. You may be eligible for a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of your windows, up to $1,5002. What better incentive than to be rewarded for your green efforts. However, you must check for eligibility as not all windows carrying the Energy Star logo qualify for this rebate.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_taxcredits
Here are some tips to energy proof your windows:
Double pained windows contain an insulating layer of air between the two pains which reduces the amount of heat lost and gained.
Triple glazed on the other hand has two insulating air layers separated by three layers of glass which makes this one of the most efficient designs around not only with its obvious energy savings but its reduction in noise pollution.
Those living in cooler climates are now starting to use energy efficient windows containing low emissivity coatings on the glass preventing additional heat loss.
Energy efficient windows are a lifestyle choice with big rewards as the savings in energy bills over a lifetime add up nicely to a small fortune.
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