Windows

Windows can be one of your home’s most attractive features. Windows provide views, daylighting, ventilation, and heat from the sun in the winter. Unfortunately, they can also account for 10%-25% of your heating bill by letting heat out. During the summer, your air conditioner must work harder
to cool hot air from sunny windows. Install ENERGY STAR®-qualified windows and use curtains and shade to give your air conditioner and energy bill a break.

If your home has single-pane windows, consider replacing them with double-pane windows with high-performance glass— low-e or spectrally selective coatings. In colder climates, select gas-filled windows with low-e coatings to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with spectrally selective coatings to reduce heat gain. If you decide not to replace your windows, consider following these tips to improve their performance.


Cold Weather Window Tips
• Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames to reduce drafts.

• Install tight-fitting, insulating window shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.

• Close your curtains and shades at night to protect against cold drafts; open them during the day to let in warming sunlight.

• Install exterior or interior storm windows, which can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25%-50%. They should have weatherstripping at all movable joints; be made of strong, durable materials; and have interlocking or overlapping joints.

• Repair and weatherize your current storm windows, if necessary.


Warm Weather Window Tips
• Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.

• Close curtains on south- and westfacing windows during the day.

• Install awnings on south- and westfacing windows.

• Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar heat gain.

Source of Information : Energy Savers