A green window renovation will help a homeowner stay environmentally friendly and cut down on heating and cooling bills. This is a large investment, but it can pay dividends far into the future.
Make a list and keep notes to determine the best type of window for both the home and the climate. The larger the window, the harder it is to control heat gain or loss. The best orientation is toward the south, since more heat will be gained during the winter and less heat will come in during the summer. East-west windows are least desirable.
The ability of windows to keep warm or cool air in the house depends on three distinct factors:
- The gain or loss of heat through convection, radiation or conduction
- The gain of solar energy through radiation
- The intentional or unintentional flow of air
Costs can vary widely, but it is better to select durable models that will perform well for years than to settle on windows that may not last. Use this list to compare and arrive at the best choice:
- Look for the NFRC label on the product. The National Fenestration Rating Council is a nonprofit organization that tests windows for their ability to prevent the transfer of solar energy and the leaking of warm air during winter or cool air during summer. They rate both the glass (glazing) and the frame.
- Choose double or triple pane windows with U-factor (how quickly heat passes through) ratings under 0.5. In very hot or cold climates, look for a U-factor under 0.4.
- Check the R-value(how well window prevents heat exchange). The lower the U-factor on a window, the higher the R-value.
- For very cold winters or hot summers, look for double or triple pane windows with low-E coating. This is a thin layer of either metal or metallic oxide or a thin layer of plastic on the glass. It is nearly invisible but keeps the exchange of radiant energy to a minimum. The coating faces the space between panes.
- Gas fill is a practical option because it is inexpensive and enhances the unit’s to resistance to heat exchange. It is more effective when combined with a low-E coating.
- The frame also has a strong influence on the efficiency of the window unit. Wood, fiberglass, vinyl and thermally broken aluminum frames are more resistant than plain metal to heat exchange. Look for a rating of 0.37 cfm or lower per square foot of glass.
- In areas where summers are hot and sunny, tinting the glass with either light blue or light blue-green helps to cut down on solar gain.
Choosing the right window is just the first step in green window renovation. The units must be correctly installed so they are tight. Find a good contractor by checking with other homeowners who have purchased windows and checking with the local Better Business Bureau. The right installer makes a big difference.
Take time to find the best. The right windows will make a home renovation both green and attractive.
Interested in learning more? Visit our New Jersey Vinyl Windows homepage.
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