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Install storm windows

Why This is Green

Depending on the type of windows you have installed in your home, you could be wasting considerable energy and money every year. Older windows were typically single-paned windows with one sheet of glass installed in the window frame. Newer, more energy-efficient windows are typically dual (and even triple) pane windows with special coatings and insulating properties. Energy-efficient dual pane windows help to reduce the flow of heat to the outdoors in the winter and the flow of heat into your home during the summer.

This translates into less energy required to heat and cool your home, which ultimately means reduced energy use and lower energy bills. If you’re not yet ready for a complete upgrade, you can cut your energy use significantly through good weather-stripping and adding storm windows at a cost much lower than new windows.

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How To

To make the job of selecting new windows easier there are two labels you’ll want to look for to know you’re on the right track. 1. The ENERGY STAR label. By purchasing an EnergyStar labeled product, you know you are getting a window that outperforms existing standards, but critics say the bar isn't high enough. The label also doesn't necessarily help you select the right window for your geography or where it's going on the house. That's where the next label comes in:

2. The National Fenestration Rating Council’s ‘CERTIFIED’ label. Get ready for some confusing terms that you will find on this label:
* U-factor measures heat loss and the lower the U-factor the better; U-factor close to 0.30 denote a very efficient window.
* Solar Heat Gain Coefficient refers to how much sunlight enters through the window as heat; low SHGCs are recommended for warmer climates, while higher SHGCs are recommended for cooler climates (where it is preferable to invite the sun, and its heat, in during the winter).
* Visible transmittance is the measure of how much visible light is admitted by window glass; we all want as much visible light to enter our homes through our windows. But, you should be aware that north-facing windows should have the highest visible transmittance while east and west-facing windows typically experience low morning and afternoon sun which can create glare, so take care in including this in your decision-making.
* Air leakage ratings are important, but usually not as important as U-factor for homes in cooler climates or as SHGC for homes in warmer climates. The lower the air leakage rating the better; your typical dual pane energy-efficient window will have an air leakage rating near 0.50 or lower.

The success of a window upgrade can depend heavily on the contractor you choose to perform the install. The quick rule is to spend the money to hire an experienced contractor who has been able to provide sufficient references.

Installing storm windows is a good strategy for homeowners living in cooler climates, as they are likely to cut heat losses and air leaks by roughly half and they are more affordable.