Page 38 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine

The Homeowner’s Handbook SIXTH EDITION

Windows06

36 Choices for every climate.

Window manufacturers arewww.greenbuildermag.com 11.2015 How Windows Handle Energy
not only creating more durable
and energy-efficient products, GRAPHIC INSPIRED BY FINE HOMEBUILDINGCONDUCTION
they’re tailoring glazing options
for specific climates.INDOW TECHNOLOGY HAS improved by is the direct
transfer of heat
leaps and bounds over the past few years. through the window
Today, you can get a high-performance to the outdoors.
window that looks good and performs well
RADIATION
Wat any price point.
The windows you select for your house— is the movement
whether retrofit or new—must meet your local energy code of heat as infrared
requirements at a minimum and ideally should be Energy Star- energy through
qualified for your home’s climate. the glass.

ENERGY COSTS AIR LEAKAGE
The Right Window
If you want to reduce utility bills, you need to consider the impact is the passage
of windows. In climates with a significant heating season, windows of heated air
have represented a major source of unwanted heat loss, discomfort through cracks and
and condensation problems. But today it is possible to have lower around weather
heat loss, less air leakage and warmer window surfaces that stripping.
improve comfort and minimize condensation.
CONVECTION
Similarly, in climates that mainly require cooling, windows typically
represent a major source of unwanted heat gain—but low-E finishes occurs when air
that reject solar heat without darkening the glass have changed the gives up its heat
rules. These glazings significantly reduce solar heat gain and improve to the cooler glass
comfort, at the same time providing clear views and daylight. and sinks toward the
floor. This movement
As an example, a study by the Efficient Windows Collaborative sucks new, warmer
(www.efficientwindows.org) shows that the annual heating cost air toward the glass
of a typical house in Boston drops from about $750 a year to $550 that is in turn cooled,
creating a draft.
VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS PRODUCT
EuroLine Windows Inc. 4700-Series VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS PRODUCT
ThermoPlus Tilt and Turn Windows Schlage Sense Deadbolt

These European-style windows combine a six-chamber With keyless entry, built-in alarms and durable design,
vinyl-fiberglass hybrid frame with optional foam inserts this multi-function lock offers control via simple access
and triple-pane insulating glazing to achieve the thermal codes, so homeowners never have to worry about losing,
performance needed for passive solar house design—at hiding, carrying or forgetting their house keys again.
a considerably lower cost. One easy-to-operate handle The touchscreen deadbolt connects with Nexia Home
moves the multi-point locking hardware into place, locking the window on all Intelligence, enabling homeowners to manage their home security from
sides for higher security and a tighter seal. www.euroline-windows.com anywhere. At ANSI Grade 1, the touchscreen deadbolt boasts the highest
level of security and durability for residential door locks. www.schlage.com