Energy efficient windows

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Those who are interested in purchasing or installing energy efficient windows should understand that not all windows are created alike. In fact, the kinds of windows a person would buy in a colder climate might differ slightly from the windows a person would buy in a climate that is warmer. Perhaps the best way to look at it would be that the windows are all pretty similar, but the things you can do to improve the efficiency of the windows differ depending on the climate.

In general, all windows provide views to the outside, ventilation and a certain level of solar heating. At the same time, a typical window could account for as much as a quarter of your monthly heating or cooling bill thanks to the air that these windows let seep in and out.

Utilizing energy efficient windows is a great way to decrease your monthly energy bill. These windows allow less sunlight to seep through the window. In doing this, your air conditioner then does not need to work as hard. By using curtains or blinds on the window, the amount of sunlight that comes in and heats up your home in the summer is lessened even more.

Most U.S. homes include single-paned windows, but double-paned windows are certainly more effective. Some of these windows include high-performance glass. This means that the glass is spectrally selective, which ultimately means it is more efficient for you. Those who live in colder climates have started to use energy efficient windows that include low emissivity coatings on the glass. These coatings help reduce potential heat loss.

Even if you choose not to buy new windows, there are a number of things that you can do to increase the efficiency of the windows you currently have.

Some of the things people who live in cold climates can do are:

• Install window shades that are insulating and tight-fitting on those windows in your home that feel drafty.

• Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet (or even plastic wrap) on the inside of your window frames during the colder months. It is important that this plastic is tightly sealed if the hope is to reduce cold air from entering the home.

• Keep all of the curtains, blinds and shades in the home closed in the evening. When morning comes, take advantage of the natural heat provided by the sunlight and open the curtains, blinds and shades.

• Keep the windows clean to let in more sunlight. This is especially important to do on your home's windows facing south during the winter months.

On the other hand, these things can be done in the winter to make you more apt to having energy efficient windows in your home:

• Install white window shades, white drapes and white blinds. By using darker colors, you are more likely to have heat attracted to the windows. The lighter colors will not attract heat in the same way.

• Windows on the south and the west sides of the house will be more effective if the blinds or curtains are closed during the daytime hours.

• Likewise, installing awnings just above the south and west windows of the home will shade these windows from much of the sun's heat that would normally come into the home.

• Use control films on these windows. This will reduce the amount of sunlight that is able to enter and heat up your home.

If you choose to buy energy efficient windows instead of simply making changes to the windows you currently have, patience is the key term. It could take a few years to see the savings in cost, but the improvements in function will be evident almost immediately.

GreenDimes can get you started and will plant a tree in honor of your efforts to make an impact!

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