October 2009: Energy Awareness Month ~ Saving Energy on Windows ~
What can homeowners nationwide do to help lower heating and cooling costs in their homes? According to Christopher Burk, product manager with Simonton Windows®, they should look at replacing old, drafty windows with new, energy-efficient vinyl windows.
“With October being national Energy Awareness Month it’s the ideal time to focus on how much energy savings you can gain by replacing worn out windows,” says Burk. “Just like roofing and siding on your home, windows need replacing about every 20 years. The good news is that homeowners can gain immediate savings on their energy bills from the day the new replacement windows are installed. And, the even better news is that homeowners can receive up to $1,500 in federal tax credits when replacing their windows in 2009 and 2010.”*
Burk further explains that Energy Tax Credit (ETC) glass packages in energy-efficient windows offered by Simonton are guaranteed to meet the U.S. government requirements for the tax credit. “These energy-efficient windows have at least a U-factor rating of 0.30 or less, along with a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or less to qualify them for the federal tax credit,” says Burk.
Savings You Can See
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the typical home loses more than 25 percent of its heat through windows. The DOE also reports that vinyl windows have moderate to high R-values, a measure of both the construction of the window and the materials used versus heat flow. That translates into reduced heat loss from the home and more thermal efficiencies of the window that can help save valuable energy. Burk points out that ENERGY STAR® labeled products used throughout the home can help cut energy bills up to 30 percent.
“The Low E glass in our ENERGY STAR qualified windows acts like an invisible shield to keep heated or cooled air inside the home and block dangerous ultraviolet rays from penetrating the house,” says Burk. “It’s not just about the glass though. Fusion welded frames and sash, multi-chambered profiles and Energy Tax Credit (ETC) glass packages complete the window package. The result is an extraordinarily solid vinyl window that helps save money by reducing energy bills and noise infiltration levels in the home.”
Yearly Window Check-up
According to Burk, it’s important to evaluate the effectiveness of windows in the home on a yearly basis. “Older windows can lose their efficiency,” says Burk. “They can actually suck the life and energy out of a home causing heating and cooling bills to soar.”
One of the most important tips Burk has for homeowners considering replacement windows is to do their homework. “People invest a great deal of money in the window package for their home,” says Burk. “They should also invest time to research the reputation of the manufacturer, the product they’re purchasing and the comprehensiveness of the warranty offered. Price is important, but it’s not the most important thing when selecting windows.”
Testing Your Windows
To determine if your current windows are energy efficient, Simonton recommends following several easy do-it-yourself steps, including:
o Look for condensation inside the glass on double- or triple-glazed windows. This could indicate seal failure. If this is the case, you might need to replace the glass or the entire window.
o Examine your windows and check for hot and cold spots or drafty areas inside your home near your windows.
o Check to see if there are any “burnt out” areas on your carpets and furnishings where harmful ultraviolet rays have damaged the interior of your home. This is an indication that windows need to be replaced.
Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. For the second year in a row, Simonton ranked “Highest in Builder and Remodeler Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction StudySM. Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards from Market Research Associates.
Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in five days or less. Part of the home and hardware business of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton delivers award-winning products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visitwww.simonton.com.
In 1991, President George Bush proclaimed October as Energy Awareness Month. The U.S. Department of Energy offers a variety of tips on saving energy in the home atwww1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/
Saving on Energy Bills
- According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical home loses more than 25% of its heat through windows.
What You Can Do
- Seal up any little cracks or gaps where air can leak into your home. Many experts believe the average home has enough of these small holes to equal one three-foot by three-foot opening.
- Check every window and door to make sure there is adequate weatherstripping and caulking which will ensure a secure seal around the openings in your home.
- Choose ENERGY STAR® labeled products for your home that can cut your energy bills by up to 30%.
Tips for Saving Energy
- During the winter, open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight in to naturally heat your home. Close curtains a night to reduce the chill you may feel near cold windows.
- Replace your windows with ENERGY STAR® qualified windows that have an insulating glass unit with Argon gas (a harmless, odorless gas) sealed inside the unit to help reduce the transfer of heat and cold.
Windows that Save You Money
- Homeowners replacing their windows with energy-efficient windows in 2009 or 2010 can receive up to $1,500 tax credit from the U.S. government.
- Windows installed must meet a U-factor rating of 0.30 or less, and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or less to qualify for the tax credit.
- Energy Tax Credit (ETC) glass packages offered by Simonton Windows are guaranteed to meet the government tax credit requirements.
Competitively priced ETC glass package options are available on select Simonton products and styles, each providing optimal thermal performance and energy efficiency.
- The ETC Starter glass package includes a ¾-inch IGU, Intercept® Spacer System, Argon gas fill and ProSolar™ Soft Coat Low E glass.
- The ETC Starter 366 glass package includes a ¾-inch IGU, Intercept® Spacer System, Argon gas fill and LoĒ³-366® glass.
- The ETC Super Solar glass package includes a 7/8-inch IGU, Super Spacer® System, Argon gas fill and ProSolar™ Soft Coat Low E glass.
- The ETC Super 366 glass package includes a 7/8-inch IGU, Super Spacer System, Argon gas fill and LoĒ³-366 glass.
- The ETC Super Solar SBP glass package for StormBreaker Plus windows includes a one-inch IGU, Super Spacer® System, Argon gas fill and Low E glass on one surface with impact-resistant glass.
- The ETC Super 366 SBP glass package for StormBreaker Plus windows includes a one-inch IGU, Super Spacer System, Argon gas fill and LoĒ³-366 glass on one surface with impact-resistant glass.
For more information on energy saving tips in the home, visit:
