Page 40 - Green Builder Homeowner's Handbook 2016

The Homeowner’s Handbook SEVENTH EDITION

Windows06

Look for performance, warranty and durability.

Window manufacturers are How Windows Handle Energy GRAPHIC INSPIRED BY FINE HOMEBUILDING
not only creating more durable
and energy-efficient products, CONDUCTION
they’re tailoring glazing options for
specific climates.INDOW TECHNOLOGY HAS improved by leaps is the direct
transfer of heat
and bounds over the past few years. Today, you through the window
can get a high-performance window that looks to the outdoors.
good and performs well at any price point.
RADIATION
W The windows you select for your house—
whether retrofit or new—must meet your is the movement
local energy code requirements at a minimum and ideally should of heat as infrared
be Energy Star-qualified for your home’s climate. energy through
the glass.
ENERGY COSTS
The Right Window AIR LEAKAGE
If you want to reduce utility bills, you need to consider the impact
of windows. In climates with a significant heating season, windows is the passage
have represented a major source of unwanted heat loss, discomfort of heated air
and condensation problems. But today it is possible to have lower through cracks and
heat loss, less air leakage and warmer window surfaces that improve around weather
comfort and minimize condensation. stripping.

Similarly, in climates that mainly require cooling, windows typically CONVECTION
represent a major source of unwanted heat gain—but low-E finishes
that reject solar heat without darkening the glass have changed the occurs when air
rules. These glazings significantly reduce solar heat gain and improve gives up its heat
comfort, at the same time providing clear views and daylight. to the cooler glass
and sinks toward the
As an example, a study by the Efficient Windows Collaborative ?oor. This movement
(www.efficientwindows.org) shows that the annual heating cost sucks new, warmer
of a typical house in Boston drops from about $750 a year to $550 air toward the glass
(24 percent) by switching from double-pane windows to triple-pane 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
38 GREEN BUILDER The Homeowner’s Handbook 2016
www.greenbuildermedia.com