Energy Savings The windows and doors in your home can be responsible for 25 per cent of your heat loss, even more if they're poorly fitted.

A single pane of glass has an R value of about 1. So it loses about 12 times as much heat as the same area of properly insulated wall. Adding double glazing or storm windows will double the resistance and cut heat loss in half —.but it's still six times the equivalent wall area.

Uninsulated doors are another big source of heat loss — especially if your kids leave them open.

STORM WINDOWS AND DOORS

• Use double glazing. When you're replacing windows, install double glazing — either two separate panes or the bonded type. If you live in an extremely cold area think about triple glazing, especially on windows facing north.

• Install storm windows. If you have single-pane windows, adding storms will cut your heat loss in half.

The modern storm window is designed to be left on year-round; you can open both panes in summer and the window is equipped with a screen.

In older homes the storm-window frames are usually made of wood. If you have this type, put them on in fall before you start using your heating unit. Remove them in spring. If you have air conditioning throughout the house, leave the storm windows on year-round. The air space between the two panes of glass provides the insulation and keeps the house at the temperature you want. Be sure there is a space, otherwise it will be the same as one thick pane of glass.




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Home > Energy Savings > Windows And Doors

October 6, 2008