Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights
Introduction
Windows, doors and skylights are an integral part of our homes. Poorly-performing products can be a significant source of heat loss and uncomfortable drafts. These products will often have condensation or even frost on them during cold weather, possibly causing mould.
A properly installed new, energy-efficient product will:
- reduce your energy consumption and save you money
- lincrease your comfort
- have little or no condensation in cold weather
- often reduce noise and dust penetration from outside the home
Homeowners who replace all their old windows and doors with energy-efficient products will typically save about 7 percent on their energy bills, depending on how many windows and doors they replace, how old they were and how much air leakage they allowed. Buyers of new homes can save about 12 percent on their energy bills over what they would pay for with standard products. The savings are greater because new homes are typically larger, with more windows and doors.
The windows in my home are more than 25 years old. How do they compare with new products on the market?
Today's high-performance windows, doors and skylights are far more energy-efficient than products built 25 years ago. Today's products are more airtight, with advanced technology such as low-emissivity (low-E) glass, inert gas between the panes and better-designed hardware.
Will energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights make my home more comfortable?
The short answer is yes - depending on the condition of your existing windows and doors. They can reduce or eliminate uncomfortable drafts, allow you to have a higher indoor humidity during the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer.
How can I be sure I am purchasing an energy-efficient product?
Look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol and label. It indicates that a window, door or skylight has been certified to meet strict technical requirements that make it one of the most energy-efficient products on the market.