Benefits: Energy & Cost Savings

Today’s new hi tech windows can give you energy savings of up to 39%.Your individual saving will vary.

The following information is an example of energy and cost savings for Boston.

Heating Season Savings
In climates with a significant heating season, windows have represented a major source of unwanted heat loss, discomfort, and condensation problems. In recent years, windows have undergone a technological revolution. It is now possible to have lower heat loss, less air leakage, and warmer window surfaces that improve comfort and minimize condensation. The graph below illustrates the significant savings in heating season costs associated with energy efficient windows for a house in a heating-dominated climate. In cold regions, this means that windows are no longer an energy loser to be avoided -- increasing glazing area with high performance windows can have little or no affect on total energy use.

Cooling Season Savings
In climates that mainly require cooling, windows have represented a major source of unwanted heat gain. In recent years, windows have undergone a technological revolution. It is now possible to significantly reduce solar heat gain and improve comfort while providing clear views and daylight. The graph below illustrates the significant savings in cooling season costs associated with improved windows for a house in a cooling-dominated climate. In warm regions, this means that high performance windows can face into the sun if desired without great energy penalties -- although shading techniques remain important.

Summer Thermal Comfort
In summer, strong direct sunlight strikes people and interior surfaces, creating overheating and discomfort. Windows with low solar heat gain coefficients will reduce the solar radiation coming through the glass and associated discomfort. Low solar heat gain low-E glass (spectrally selective) reduces heat gain while still providing sufficient light and view.
Benefits: Reduced Fading
Many organic materials, such as carpet, fabrics, paper, artwork, paints, and wood may fade upon exposure to sunlight. Window selection can influence the type and intensity of transmitted radiation. The most harmful radiation in sunlight are the ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are the most energetic and thus most likely to break chemical bonds, leading to fading and degradation. Glass blocks all UV radiation below 300 nm, but transmits UV from 300-380 nm. Coatings on glass can reduce the UV transmitted by up to 75 percent. UV absorbers can be incorporated into thin plastic films in multilayer windows or as an interlayer in laminated glass. In both cases, the UV transmission can be reduced to less than 1 percent. However, it is important to note that the remaining visible light that is transmitted can still cause serious fading in some materials. Using Low-E coated glass or windows incorporating plastic layers rather than clear uncoated glass will reduce fading for many modern interior furnishings.