Why Should I Worry About Energy Efficient Windows?
Energy Efficient Windows.
“My heating bills are out of this world. What’s the problem?”
− Heat loss through and around your windows is costing you more money than you might think.
“I can’t sit beside some of the windows in my home because of their cold surfaces and drafts.”
− Cold air entering your house through cracks and crevices around windows can make for an uncomfortable living environment.
“Condensation and frost on my windows are creating mould and rotting the frames.”
− Excessive condensation can be a sign that a window needs some work or replacement.
Windows allow natural light and fresh air to enter our houses, provide a view to the outdoors and can serve as vital emergency exits. But windows can also be responsible for unnecessary heat loss, high energy consumption and cold drafts, and can be subject to condensation problems.
Improving the energy efficiency of your home’s windows can substantially reduce your home’s energy use, cut your heating and cooling costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
Did You Know… Windows can account for up to 25 to 30 percent of total house heat loss.
The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy Efficient ENERGY STAR® approved windows will
- Save you money. Minimizing air leakage and improving the thermal performance of your windows, by adding interior storm windows, for example, could improve their energy efficiency by up to 50 percent and reduce your energy bills.
- Increase your comfort by reducing cold drafts and making a house feel warmer during the heating season.
- Help control condensation. The interior surfaces of energy-efficient windows stay warmer, which means you can maintain a higher level of relative humidity without worrying about condensation on the windows (keep in mind that efficiency improvements to windows will not prevent condensation if the humidity level in your house is too high).
- Improve indoor air quality and contribute to a healthier living environment. By reducing condensation, energy-efficient windows can help prevent mould growth.
- Last longer. Condensation can cause premature deterioration of windows, as well as walls and finishes, leading to costly maintenance or replacement.
- Reduce the penetration of dust, dirt, insects and sound into your home.
- Reduce energy consumption and its impact on the environment
Did You know…If you are thinking of buying new windows or doors, consider buying ones that are ENERGY STAR qualified for the area where you live. These products are among the most energy efficient on the market and have been certified for their energy performance. For more information, visit the ENERGY STAR Web site at energystar.nrcan.gc.ca.
Natural Resources Canada: Office of Energy Efficiency. Additional data on window heat loss by University of Wisconsin.
