Energy Basics
As cooling and heating costs skyrocket and more consumers focus on reducing energy consumption and costs, the question remains..... What’s the best way to conserve? Check out these facts on energy efficiency for windows and doors and new federal legislation fueling energy conservation incentives in the United States.
Energy Policy Act of 2005
Energy legislation passed in the U.S. in 2005 offers TAX DEDUCTIONS for homeowners who make energy-efficient improvements to their existing home in 2006 or 2007. Tax credits are also available for builders who build energy efficient new homes in this time frame.
For existing homes, tax credits of up to $500 for energy-saving improvements may be claimed by eligible homeowners. Installing replacement windows and doors designed to help conserve energy are among the qualifying improvements.
Replacing the windows in the homeowner’s primary residence qualifies for a $200 tax credit per home. The window and door products must meet the requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), a model energy code for buildings. For ease in understanding which windows qualify for the tax credits, look for the ENERGY STAR ® recognizing the most energy-efficient products.
To qualify for tax credits, improvements must be completed between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007.
Energy-efficient windows
Windows and doors can add to the appeal, comfort and value of a home. To save energy, look for these important features in new or replacement windows:
- Multiple layers of glazing—Double glazing (2 panes of glass) insulates almost twice as well as single glazing. Adding a third layer of glass results in further improvement.
- Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings—The invention and commercial development of low-emissivity (low-e) coatings in the 1980’s revolutionized window technology. Thin, transparent metallic coatings on the inside surfaces of insulated glass permit visible light to pass through, but they reflect some energy wavelengths. In the summer this keeps heat outside the home; in the winter it helps retain heat in the home. Low-E or coatings greatly reduce heat transfer through glass and also help minimize fading of furniture and carpets that can be caused by ultraviolet rays.
- Inert gas fill—By substituting a denser gas such as Argon for the air in a sealed insulated glass window, heat loss can be reduced significantly. When a window is injected Argon—a natural, colorless, non-toxic gas—and paired with Low-E glass, its insulating qualities may increase energy performance up to 40 percent.
Energy-efficient doors
As with windows, follow these basics for best-functioning doors:
- Weatherstrip around the whole perimeter of a door to ensure a tight seal when closed.
- Install quality door sweeps on the bottom of the doors if they aren’t already in place.
- Remove old peeling caulk around door frames and replace the caulk.
- Don’t overlook patio doors. Treat them just as you would windows when evaluating your home’s energy performance. Type of glass, coatings and panes of glass all contribute to a patio door’s optimal performance.
Some Facts & Myths!
MYTH: Sealing windows shut is an effective way to conserve energy.
FACT: Sealing windows shut is not only ineffective, it’s dangerous! This myth must date back to the times of early settlers when log cabins featured holes in the walls for windows. Windows must be operable and functioning at all times of the year to provide ventilation and a possible emergence escape route. The emergency escape is especially critical in the winter months when homes are more susceptible to fire and the only quick route out may be through a window.
MYTH: Covering windows with plastic is a great long term solution to cutting hot (or cold) air that leaks in through existing windows.
FACT: Plastic over windows is a band-aid approach to larger issues involving windows. If there is significant air leaking in or around windows, the best solution is to replace the entire window to gain maximum energy efficiency and block the outdoor air during cold or hot months.
MYTH: Aluminum windows are just as energy efficient as any other type of window.
FACT: Aluminum is the least energy efficient material for windows. Wood, by its insulating nature, is highly energy efficient. Plus, it’s one of the earth’s few renewable resources. In addition to wood, quality fiberglass and vinyl materials are also good choices for energy-efficient window and doors.
MYTH: The argon gas in between panes of glass eventually all leaks out so there’s no need for it to begin with.
FACT: Total myth. Different climates require different window technologies for best performance. For energy savings, look for insulating glass with argon-filled, Low-E glass coatings to reduce heat transfer through the glass and reduce UV rays. |
