Benefits of High-Performance Windows
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Windows dramatically affect the energy efficiency of your home and the size of your utility bills. In Texas and other southern climates, poor quality windows contribute to high cooling bills, faded carpet and furnishings, and uncomfortable "hot spots" in the house. |
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Savings Benefits
- Heating Season Savings - The average household in hot climates can gain up to 32% savings from installing energy efficient windows.
- Cooling Season Savings - Similarly, a household can save up to 39% in cooler climates.
- Lower Mechanical Equipment Costs - Decreased cooling and heating demand not only saves you money, but also reduces wear and tear on heating and cooling systems. This diminishes the need for repair and replacement, and may also allow you to utilize smaller and less expensive equipment.
Continue to more detailed discussions of Savings Benefits...
Other Benefits
- Improved Daylight and View - New glazing techniques with low-solar-gain low-E (spectrally selective) coatings can reduce solar heat gain significantly with a minimal loss of visible light compared to older tints and films. Larger percentages of glazing are possible through the use of these new technologies with improved clarity.
- Improved Comfort - In summer and winter occupant comfort is increased. Window temperatures are more moderate and there are fewer cold drafts. Discomfort from strong summer sunlight is also reduced.
- Reducing Condensation - Frame and glazing materials that resist heat conduction do not become cold, which results in less condensation.
- Reducing Fading - Coatings on glass or plastic films within the window assembly can significantly reduce the ultraviolet (UV) and other solar radiation which causes fading of fabrics and furnishings.
- Environmental Benefits - Some additional environmental benefits that can be attributed to high-performance windows include the following:
- Improved air quality
- Less fossil fuel burned for heating and cooling
- Reduced dependence on foreign oil
- Reduced greenhouse gases
- Diminished need for costly new power plants
