Page 37 - The Homeowner's Handbook 2017

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows & Doors / Heating & Cooling / Lighting / Appliances / Plumbing / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

reduced under all conditions.
Another concern for homeowners is the effect of sunlight on Replace, Restore or Enhance?
the home and its contents. Many organic materials, such as carpet,
fabrics, paper, artwork, paints and wood may fade upon exposure
to sunlight. Window selection can influence the type and intensity EPLACING OLD SINGLE-PANE
of transmitted radiation. WINDOWS can greatly increase
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the most harmful radiation in sunlight. Rthe energy efficiency of your
They are the most energetic and thus most likely to break chemical home. But in some cases, replacing
bonds, leading to fading and degradation. windows is not possible, either because
Finishes on glass can reduce the UV transmitted by up to 75 of the expense or because you want
percent. UV absorbers can be incorporated into thin plastic films to retain the historical integrity of your CREDIT: LORRI SIPES
in multilayer windows or as an interlayer in laminated glass. house. In this case, you have two options:
In both cases, the UV transmission can be reduced to less than 1 Wood Window Restoration. Typically,
percent. However, it is important to note that the remaining visible damage occurs to wood windows when paint isn’t maintained
light that is transmitted can still cause fading in some materials. and water enters the wood, and compromised weatherstripping
Using low-E coated glass or windows incorporating plastic layers can cause drafts. Careful restoration can bring your vintage wood
rather than clear uncoated glass will reduce fading.
windows back (see photo above). Depending on the state of
ANOTHER WINDOW PERK neglect, steps may include: 1) stripping and sanding, 2) repairing
Smaller HVAC Equipment any rot, 3) reglazing (setting the glass), 4) replacing damaged sash
High-performance windows can reduce utility bills, and they also cords, 5) painting and caulking, and 6) weatherstripping. Once
reduce peak heating and cooling loads. The peak load for a building repaired, the most important thing you can do is maintain your
is the maximum requirement for heating or cooling at a given time. wood windows by keeping them painted.
This load is important, because it determines the size of the furnace, Low-E Storm Windows. You can enhance your existing
heat pump, air conditioner and/or ventilating fans that must be windows’ performance by adding low-E storm windows on
installed. Reducing the peak load may allow homeowners to install a either the interior or exterior. If your windows are standard
smaller HVAC system, which costs less up front—and less to operate. sizes, you can find matching storms at your local Big Box
Properly sized HVAC systems offer a number of advantages to store. A study conducted by the Pacific Northwest National
homeowners. First, by running more constantly, smaller equipment Laboratory shows that low-E storm windows can result in
provides the best air quality and comfort. Second, HVAC systems whole-house energy savings of 10 percent. And because they
that are more closely matched to peak cooling loads achieve cost significantly less than replacement windows, you’ll see the
better dehumidification, which prevents mold. Several calculating payback in five to seven years.
procedure can be found to help with proper sizing of HVAC
equipment. That’s really the HVAC installer’s job, but if you want to
do your own calculations, there’s a simple piece of software out there your home (or proposed new home), and it helps you figure out the
called the HVAC-Calc Residential 4.0, which costs $49 (available at optimal size and type of equipment you need for best performance and
www.hvaccomputer.com). You enter in some information about energy efficiency. GB

Exterior Doors: The Sum of Their Parts

or best performance, a door should savings. Why? Because doors that close
fit precisely in its opening, which is tightly, or alert users if left ajar, or allow
F carefully gasketed and engineered for remote monitoring can be managed
for modern locks and handles. to minimize energy loss, the same way
The elements around a good exterior commercial properties do.
door opening have been designed and But you’re also looking for a product
tested together—as one door opening that offers clear description of how it was
solution. This not only helps prevent cold (or made. What is the supply chain? Is it made
warm) drafts, it ensures that the door can be with wood from carefully managed forests?
fitted with wifi locks and security features. Look for documents such as Environmental
New electronic locks and wifi-security Case In Point. The Mercury Door from Assa Product Declarations, Health Product
systems depend on a precision fit to Abloy is made from sustainably sourced Declarations, and Declare labels to help
work properly. When combined with well materials, and engineered to fit precisely you research and make the best decisions
engineered doors, they can result in cost in its opening. www.assaabloy.com for products.

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