Page 40 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine

The Homeowner’s Handbook SIXTH EDITION

What makes WINDOW
GLAZINGS green?

EXAMPLE A Annual Energy Performance
of Glazing Types by Climate
■■ double glazing
■■ clear glass Heating Cost Cooling Cost
■■ aluminum frame w/ thermal break
Boston, Massachusetts
EXAMPLE B
AA
■■ double glazing BA
■■ low-E coating (low solar gain) argon gas fill CA
■■ aluminum frame w/ thermal break DA
EA
EXAMPLE C
Chicago, Illinois
■■ double glazing
■■ clear glass AA
■■ vinyl/wood frame BA
CA
EXAMPLE D DA
EA
■■ double glazing
■■ low-E coating (high solar gain) argon gas fill Atlanta, Georgia
■■ vinyl/wood frame
AA
EXAMPLE E BA
CA
■■ double glazing DA
■■ low-E coating (low solar gain) argon gas fill EA
■■ vinyl/wood frame
Phoenix, Arizona
Climate Affects Performance
The annual energy performance figures shown here were A
generated using RESFEN for a typical (new construction) BA
2,000-sq.-ft. house. The costs shown here are annual costs CA
for space heating and space cooling only, and thus will be AD
less than total utility bills. The mechanical system uses a gas EA
furnace for heating and air conditioning for cooling.
Energy prices were projected for the period of 2006-2030,
the typical effective lifetime of a window installed in 2005.

Note: The graphs at right are intended to show how regional
variations in climate affect the relative advantages of window
types, not as specific cost comparisons.—Editor

SOURCE: EFFICIENTWINDOWS.ORG AND
BEST PRACTICE GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION