More Window Facts and Figures
Windows and
Energy Costs
Windows currently account for 3.5 quadrillion Btus in U.S. energy
consumption at a cost of $20 billion per year.
- U.S. Department of Energy
An average household spends over 40 percent of its annual energy
budget on heating and cooling costs.
Household energy costs in most U.S. homes could be reduced by
up to 15 percent by installing more energy-efficient windows.
If all residential windows in the U.S. were replaced with the
more efficient ENERGY STAR qualifying models, we'd save $7 billion
in energy costs over the next 15 years... enough to light every
home in the New York City metropolitan area.
- ENERGY STAR Windows program
In 1990 alone, the energy used to offset unwanted heat losses
and gains through windows in residential and commercial buildings
cost the United States $20 billion (one-fourth of all the energy
used for space heating and cooling).
Windows manufactured with low-e films typically cost about 10
percent to 15 percent more than regular windows, but they reduce
energy loss by as much as 30 percent to 50 percent.
Advanced glazings with spectrally selective coatings can reduce
the electric space cooling requirements of new homes in hot climates
by more than 40 percent.
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Clearinghouse
Windows and Home
Comfort
Spectrally selective (optical) coatings filter out from 40 percent
to 70 percent of the heat normally transmitted through clear glass,
while allowing the full amount of light to be transmitted.
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Clearinghouse
Low-e coated glass can reduce harmful UV rays by up to 75 percent,
giving greater protection to interiors.
- ENERGY STAR Windows program
" Growing evidence suggests that daylight is essential to
health, well being and productivity. By carefully designing window
specifications for commercial or residential buildings, architects
can contribute to the increased productivity and psychological
health."
- Gregory Franta, AIA and Kristine Anstead, AIA, ENSAR Group,
Inc. Visit www.nwwda.org.
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