Page 41 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows / Heating / Lighting / Appliances / Faucets & Fixtures / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

of transmitted radiation. Replace, Restore or Enhance? 39
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the most harmful radiation in sunlight.
REPLACING OLD CREDIT: LORRI SIPES
They are the most energetic and thus most likely to break chemical SINGLE-PANE
bonds, leading to fading and degradation. WINDOWS can www.greenbuildermag.com 11.2015
greatly increase the energy
Finishes on glass can reduce the UV transmitted by up to 75 efficiency of your home.
percent. UV absorbers can be incorporated into thin plastic films But in some cases, replacing
in multilayer windows or as an interlayer in laminated glass. windows is not possible,
In both cases, the UV transmission can be reduced to less than 1 either because of the expense
percent. However, it is important to note that the remaining visible or because you want to retain
light that is transmitted can still cause fading in some materials. the historical integrity of your
Using low-E coated glass or windows incorporating plastic layers house. In this case, you have
rather than clear uncoated glass will reduce fading. two options:

ANOTHER WINDOW PERK Wood Window Restoration. Typically, damage occurs
to wood windows when paint isn’t maintained and water
Smaller HVAC Equipment enters the wood, and compromised weatherstripping can
cause drafts. Careful restoration can bring your vintage wood
High-performance windows can reduce utility bills, and they also windows back (see photo above). Depending on the state of
reduce peak heating and cooling loads. The peak load for a building neglect, steps may include: 1) stripping and sanding, 2) repairing
is the maximum requirement for heating or cooling at a given any rot, 3) reglazing (setting the glass), 4) replacing damaged
time. This load is important, because it determines the size of the sash cords, 5) painting and caulking, and 6) weatherstripping.
furnace, heat pump, air conditioner and/or ventilating fans that Once repaired, the most important thing you can do is
must be installed. Reducing the peak load may allow homeowners maintain your wood windows by keeping them painted.
to install a smaller HVAC system, which costs less up front—and
less to operate. Low-E Storm Windows. You can enhance your existing
windows’ performance by adding low-E storm windows on
Properly sized HVAC systems offer a number of advantages to either the interior or exterior. If your windows are standard
homeowners. First, by running more constantly, smaller equipment sizes, you can find matching storms at your local Big Box
provides the best air quality and comfort. Second, HVAC systems store. A study conducted by the Pacific Northwest National
that are more closely matched to peak cooling loads achieve Laboratory shows that low-E storm windows can result in
better dehumidification, which prevents mold. Several calculating whole-house energy savings of 10 percent. And because they
procedure can be found to help with proper sizing of HVAC cost significantly less than replacement windows, you’ll see
equipment. That’s really the HVAC installer’s job, but if you want to the payback in five to seven years.
do your own calculations, there’s a simple piece of software out there
called the HVAC-Calc Residential 4.0, which costs $49 (available at
www.hvaccomputer.com). You enter in some information about
your home (or proposed new home), and it helps you figure out the
optimal size and type of equipment you need for best performance and
energy efficiency. GB

Tilt-and-Turn Advantages

European-style tilt-and-turn windows Energy Efficiency. The complete seal Clear Advantages. ThermoPlus
are gaining popularity in the U.S., in part on tilt-and-turn windows keeps air from Windows from EuroLine Windows
because of their performance in Passive leaking through. Their design also allows Inc. are made in North America. The
House projects. Tilt-and-turn windows for double and triple glazing that is often triple-pane glass can be customized
are designed to swing in like a casement thicker than in other window types. depending on the window location.
window or tilt in at the top. The design
offers several advantages: Security. One handle moves the multi- east, a glass combination designed to
point locking hardware into place, locking
Cleaning and Egress. The windows the window on all sides for higher security minimize heat loss through the windows
swing in, allowing for quick air exchange, and a tighter seal.
easy cleaning and optimal egress in case can be installed.
of emergencies. Customization. Walls facing the
south and west can be fitted with a glass
Ventilation. The tilt-at-the-top combination that captures heat from the
function provides draft-free air exchange sun during winter, while providing a good
between rooms. thermal performance. On the north and