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Windows have been described as the eyes of the home, allowing the occupants the opportunity to see what is outside. We rely on windows for lighting and ventilation, as emergency exits, and as an integral component of the style of the home. In calling on windows to perform these many functions, we still expect our windows to be inexpensive, easy to operate and maintain, durable and attractive and energy-efficient. Improving energy efficiency reduces our energy costs and promotes good conservation practices. Windows are called upon to perform so many functions, so it may be difficult for windows to do all of them well. For example, a large north-facing picture window may give you a breathtaking view of the countryside. But if the window is not very energy-efficient, the heat loss from it may be quite high; indeed, it may be very uncomfortable to sit beside this window on a cold winter day. Fortunately, technical breakthroughs have improved window technology immensely, ushering in the era of high-performance windows. If your windows are over fifteen years old, it may be time to think about replacing them. Recently the trend has been that homeowners will spend more on renovations than on new construction, with windows representing one of the largest single investments in a typical home renovation. When it comes time for major renovations around the home, an increasing number of homeowners are paying as much attention to energy efficiency and economics as they are to architecture and aesthetics. Remember, a typical window will last up to twenty years or more. Therefore, the decisions consumers make in the selection of windows and doors, either for a renovation or a new home, can help define energy efficiency and comfort levels in the home for years to come. High-performance windows and doors, the subject of this article offer significant improvements in solar control, thermal comfort and energy efficiency. They do this by incorporating low-E coatings, inert gas fills, and better edge spacers and frames. This article explains how these advances in window and door technology work, and will help you make informed decisions about purchasing windows and doors, whether you are replacing units in an existing home or designing a new home. Next we will show you how to assess your energy situation and what to look for in windows and doors. We also will discuss the basics of window and door types and terms, including how windows perform as part of the house. Then we will introduce you to the various window rating systems currently in place, with special emphasis on the ER (Energy Rating) system, including the advances and innovations in window components currently coming on the market in the form of high-performance windows. As with most projects, the first step is deciding where to begin. When buying a new home, you should think seriously about the quality of window that you want to have. If you are purchasing an R-2000 home, an official mark of Natural Resources Canada, this will not be so much of a problem since your builder will have selected one of the more energy-efficient windows as part of the R-2000 Initiative requirements. With window improvements, you have to determine what is wrong with the existing units, what your expectations are in upgrading, and how much you want to spend. Some problems can be solved without replacing the entire window. Uncomfortable drafts due to air leakage, for example, may be solved with a combination of new weather-stripping, new hardware and sealants. Interior storm windows that fit into, or over, primary window openings are another comfort solution which adds energy efficiency to an existing window. They are easy to install and remove. Costs of these storms can vary; some are disposable kits made from shrink-wrap plastic, which are used only once, removed each spring and discarded. In some cases, new windows will be required. Many frames are so inefficient; you may wish to replace them too. If you're thinking of upgrading existing windows in your home, you have essentially three options: Option 1; let's say you have old, single-pane, double-hung windows in wood frames and sashes. The sashes (the part that moves) and frames (the part the sashes slide in) are in good condition, and you want to keep them. So, you decide to re-glaze with double-paned, insulated glazing (IG) units which are custom-made to fit into the individual openings. If the sash isn't thick enough, you may not be able to follow this option. Option 2; suppose the sashes are in poor condition, but the perimeter frame is OK. In this case, you decide to retrofit the glazing and sash while keeping the perimeter frame and retaining the same window style. Option 3; let's assume the old double-hung window is in such bad shape that nothing is worth saving; even the perimeter frame and trim are in bad shape. In this case, you elect to replace the whole window as a unit, glazing, sashes, frames and all. This gives you the option of changing the style of window, say, from double-hung to vertical casement. Given these three options, make sure that you and your supplier are talking about the same type of installation. The sun's energy is free. Solar energy can improve the lighting and comfort of your home, and it can cut your fuel bills; it can also provide too much warmth and cause overheating, both in summer and winter. Decisions you make at the planning stage about the number of windows, their size and location Ð particularly in relation to the sun's orientation at different times of the year, will be as important a consideration in determining your window requirements as their insulative properties or how they look. For example, increasing window areas on the south side of a building can increase the contribution that the sun makes to heating the home in the winter, which may offset your heating costs. But be sure to plan for sufficient eave overhang to shade these south-facing windows in the summer months to prevent unwanted solar gain. Until recently, an established rule of thumb in window placement was to install fewer and fixed windows on the north side of a home, to prevent excessive heat losses in the winter. Another rule of thumb recommended keeping east and west exposures to a minimum except when needed for aesthetics and daylight, in order to prevent excessive solar heat gain in the summer. But over the past several years the rules for window placement have changed with advances in window technology. The arrival of high-performance windows has given consumers more choice in window selection, whether it's for an existing home renovation or for specifying in a new home. Remember the following rule of thumb: keep the ratio of window area to floor area at about 1:10. That is, for every square metre of window area, make sure you have at least ten square metres of floor area. This will prevent overheating in the living space due to too much solar gain. There are also code requirements in many areas for kitchens, and dining and living rooms. If you combine traditional passive solar design principles with high-performance windows you can get much greater net solar gain while reducing your energy consumption for space heating and cooling. And remember, doors also play an important part in the energy performance of the home, especially if you have a lot of patio doors. Depending on the condition of existing doors, energy-efficient replacement units may contribute to increased comfort and reduced energy bills. An added bonus of energy-efficient doors is that they tend to be heavier and more robust than conventional doors, thus enhancing the security of the home. The wide variety of windows and doors available on the market can make the task of selecting appropriate units confusing. Price may not always be the determining factor. The cheapest units you can find may not perform at the level you want. However, some inexpensive units may perform as well as, or even better than, higher-priced models. The best advice to keep in mind is that price is not always an indication of quality or performance. The cost of energy-efficient, high-performance windows can be 10 to 15 percent more than the standard double-glazed unit. However, many window manufacturers are switching over their entire production line to produce only high-performance units so, in effect, there is no price differential as far as they are concerned. Today, the high-performance window is becoming the industry standard. But it can still be confusing. For example, some window manufacturers include low-E coatings in their standard windows, with gas fills as an upgrade, at higher cost, while others offer gas fills and special coatings as an upgrade. Once you've done your homework by reading this article, you'll be better prepared to ask the right questions when you shop for windows and, equally important, know when you're getting the right answers. The key is to select windows or doors that are as energy-efficient as possible, given your needs and budget. Remember that some super high-performance windows may cost considerably more than normal high-performance windows. The energy rating (ER) system will give you an indication of the energy benefits. In most cases, the more energy-efficient the windows and doors you choose, the more saving for you, the homeowner. Roger Frost is a professional home inspector for Barrie and Simcoe County in Ontario Canada. Visit his site at http://napoleon.cc the "Barrie Home Inspector".
Napoleon Home Inspections brings you the most up-to-date articles that are available on any subject concerning your home. From Barrie to Toronto Ontario our offices are determined to assist home owners in every possible way. We offer a Risk Free" opportunity for you to purchase your dream home. For more articles on Home Improvement or Real Estate, please visit Barrie Home Inspector Article Submission made possible by: www.articles-submit.com Courtesy of:MyArticlePub.com
Article Source: http://www.changingearth.org
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