The Truth About Energy Savings and Windows

The Truth About Energy Savings and Windows

PART 1Claims versus Reality

If you’re looking for an energy efficient window, there’s a good chance that you’ve come across some products that offer “very good” energy efficiency. These window products can cut down your home’s electric bill by up to 50% or more. Many homeowners buy these kinds of windows, install it on their home, and find themselves a few months later that they’re barely saving anything near 50% every month. What went wrong?

The Truth About Energy Savings and Windows

Part 1 - Claims versus Reality

THE FINE PRINT

The problem here can be traced back to the window’s original labeling. The fact that the label says your new window can cut down the electric bill by up to 50%, means your total monthly savings can be anywhere from 0% to 50% of your usual bill. Unfortunately, you’ll most likely be saving less than 10% of your regular monthly bill!

Why would the seller exaggerate their product’s claims? While local laws and regulations prevent businesses from making false advertisements, using “up to” is considered acceptable. You can bet that many window companies are taking advantage of that loophole to make their windows look as good as they come.

The Truth About Energy Savings and Windows

Part 1 - Claims versus Reality

THE REAL DEAL

Of course, the window seller can actually claim that the windows are proven to cut down electric bill costs, but those optimal performance figures are almost exclusively seen in tests with carefully controlled factors. So what are the actual figures?

According to estimates, actual savings can vary depending on different times of the year. For example, energy efficient windows can help save around 20-25% in energy costs during summer, but during winter, the total savings are reduced down to 10-15%. This is comparing windows with energy efficient features with a standard clear glass window with a nonmetal frame.

Why do low-E windows have a reduced efficiency during cold seasons? It’s largely because of the fact that some energy features such as low-E glazing is focused on reducing total heat absorbed, which is great during summer, but not so much during winter.

The Truth About Energy Savings and Windows

PART 2Energy Efficiency in

Windows

Your home’s windows play a significant role in keeping your home energy efficient. However, is paying for an energy efficient

window worth the extra cost?

HOW EXACTLY DOES AN ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW

DIFFER FROM A REGULAR ONE?

?

The Truth About Energy Savings and Windows

Part 2 - Energy Efficiency in Windows

SAVING ENERGY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Most people think that energy efficient windows are simply about keeping indoors warm. While that’s a good thing during winter season, a window that keeps indoors warm during summer will actually put more strain on the HVAC. The real secret to energy efficiency is being airtight – preventing regulated indoor air from seeping out, so the HVAC doesn’t have to work extra to maintain desirable room temperatures.

Every single part of an energy-efficient window is properly designed to make sure the household use as little electricity as possible without compromising indoor comfort. This is made possible by keeping as much of the indoor air inside and outdoor air from getting in.

The Truth About Energy Savings and Windows

Part 2 - Energy Efficiency in Windows

GLASS PANESPerhaps the defining feature of an energy-efficient window is the presence of low-E glass panes. A low E or Low Emissivity Glass pane helps reduce indoor heat by reflecting away and partially absorbing whatever didn’t bounce off the panel surface. Low-E glass panes are usually tinted or coated, but clear variants are also available. Some windows also have double-glazing and a gas fill that further reduces the amount of heat absorbed by the window.

AIRTIGHT MAKES IT RIGHTA big part of a window’s energy efficiency comes from its ability to form an airtight seal when shut, keeping regulated indoor air from escaping through small gaps. In addition to rubber or plastic weather

stripping to keep air from escaping, insulating foam may be used to seal the sides of the window during installation. It can then be covered with aluminum trim to preserve the window’s aesthetic appeal.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT MATERIALSFeatures like multiple panes of glass and airtight weather stripping make a window energy efficient. However, the material the frame is made of can maximize the insulation properties. For example, insulated and composite vinyl frames have better heat resistance than old, aluminum frames, which change temperature quickly when exposed to sunlight or cold.

The Truth About Energy Savings and Windows

PART 3Teamwork Makes the

Dream Work

Today’s energy efficient windows have loads of features designed to cut down your electric bill, but you need to remember that there are other factors that can help windows achieve that 20-25% savings on your electric bill. In short, other parts of your home have to work with your windows to become truly energy efficient.

The Truth About Energy Savings and Windows

Part 3 - Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

CHECK YOUR DOORS

It’s nice that your window can block the drafty winter winds from entering your home, but they won’t be able to do much if your door isn’t properly sealed. Remember that your entry door is the single biggest opening your home has. Fail to seal your doors properly and you’re in for a cold winter, energy efficient windows or otherwise.

YOUR ENTRY DOOR IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST OPENING YOUR HOME HAS. FAIL TO SEAL YOUR DOORS PROPERLY AND YOU'RE

IN FOR A COLD WINTER

“

The ceiling isn’t just there to hide the wires of your indoor lighting; it’s also designed to form a heat barrier that keeps indoor air at a constant temperature (see a theme here?). Make sure the ceilings don’t have holes or any form of damage or all that air your windows try to contain, will just escape up and straight to your attic.

DON’T FORGET THE CEILING

The Truth About Energy Savings and Windows

Part 3 - Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

MAKE SURE YOUR HVAC IS HEALTHY

Almost every part of your home that’s designed for energy-efficient insulation has one purpose: make things easier for your HVAC. Do you know what your airtight windows will do to your home without something circulating air? Stale air is what you will have. You don’t have to check your HVAC system every week; 3 to 4 times a year will do.

MODERATE YOUR CONSUMPTION

This one’s not directly connected to how your energy efficient windows function, but there’s no point installing them if you’re wasting electricity in the first place. Energy efficient windows are designed to reduce your home’s overall energy consumption; not become an excuse to keep your lights on 24/7.

That wraps up this eBook about energy efficient windows. Sure, they may not cut down your electric bill in half, but every little bit of efficiency can help you save a lot in the long run.

The Truth About Energy Savings and Windows

RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN OF MILWAUKEE1510 Paramount Drive • Waukesha WI 53186

11412 N. Port Washington Rd • Mequon WI 53092

(262) 955-8400(877) 977-3639

www.RBAMilwaukee.com