Does Your Home Need Sunglasses or a Sweater?
(ARA) - Windows are the eyes of your home, but thanks to the latest in glass technology, they can also function as sunglasses, a sweater, or even a suit of armor.
Today's high-technology windows make it easier than ever to save energy costs and stay comfortable in all kinds of weather. Best of all, new coatings and glass formulations allow homeowners to choose just the right window glass for their home's location or orientation. There's even an energy-efficient window for those who live in the mountain regions.
All major window manufacturers offer standard insulating glass units and so-called low-E glazing. Both are an improvement over the drafty, inefficient windows of the past. But today's window technology means you can ask your builder or remodeler to install windows that are specifically designed for your climate, says Grant White of Hurd Millwork, a maker of high quality wood and vinyl windows.
For homeowners in most parts of the country, the first step is to compare your heating and cooling bills. If heating is a major concern, you may want to choose windows designed to keep heat inside during the cold months. If your air conditioner works harder than your furnace, check out the sun blocking glass options that can help reduce the cooling load.
Northern heating zone. If you live in an area with high heating costs, ask for windows that keep heat in. Sophisticated glass coatings that reflect some wave lengths while allowing others to pass through let the warming rays of the sun into your home, but at the same time hold heat inside. That can help make rooms feel more comfortable during cold weather and cut heating bills.
Southern cooling zone. For climates where the prime consideration is reducing cooling costs, ask for glass designed to keep out more of the sun's heat. That not only helps homes stay cooler in the summer, but also provides better protection from harmful ultraviolet light than standard insulating glass.
Extra strong sun. If glare is a problem, you don't have to pull the shades. Ask your builder or remodeler about special sun-blocking glass that is designed to control bright sunlight, solar heat gain and ultraviolet light in high-glare conditions like some coastal or desert areas or where there is a large expanse of south-facing glass.
High altitudes. Because of problems caused by low atmospheric pressure in high altitude areas of the West, windows with popular aluminum cladding have not been able to qualify for an Energy Star (R) rating in the past. The Energy Star designation, established by the U.S. Department of Energy, assures buyers that a window, appliance or other home product meets the highest standards for energy efficiency. Now one major manufacturer, Hurd Millwork, has introduced the first aluminum-clad window that meets Energy Star requirements for high altitude areas.
Hurricane danger. In coastal areas subject to hurricane damage, windows must meet rigorous new building codes. Dade County (Miami) Florida's building code requires windows to resist the tremendous impact of a 2 by 4 hitting the window at 75 miles per hour.
Once you have determined the right glass for your general climate, White said, it's even possible to mix and match different glass technologies in different rooms to maximize comfort and energy efficiency, depending on the home's orientation and exposure to the sun.
Courtesy of ARA Content
