Windows were once called “wind holes”. Fortunately, today’s sealed double-pane windows do a good job of preventing unwanted air flow. However, closed windows still offer very little resistance to the flow of heat. Windows are, in fact, “energy holes.” Compared to the well-insulated walls and roofs of modern homes, standard double-pane windows allow 10 to 15 times more heat energy to flow through them. So, despite the fact that windows make up only about 10% of a home’s insulated shell, up to 50% of the home’s heating and cooling energy pours through them.
This means that up to half of what is paid for heating and cooling utility bills pours through them, as well. Isn’t it time to stop throwing money out the window?
Here are three ways to save energy:
Installing energy efficient window treatments in your home can reduce heating, cooling and lighting energy needs in these significant ways:
Reduce heat flow (heat loss and heat gain) through the windows.
Control solar heat (heat energy from the sun) by allowing it in winter but reducing it in summer.
Enhance day lighting (the use of natural light) by diffusing and dispersing sunlight deep into a room.