The facts about energy-efficient windows and doors


The facts about energy-efficient windows and doors

How proficient are you when it comes to saving energy?

With all the chat on green topics, energy conservation and energy-efficient products, today’s consumers may question what separates fact from fiction on true energy savings. For instance, is it really worthwhile to replace old windows and doors with more energy-efficient ones? The answer is yes. And the proof is in the performance and the potential utility savings.

ENERGY STAR®
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR program helps identify products proven to be energy efficient. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $17 billion on energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles in 2009.*
In a home, according to ENERGY STAR, energy-efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort.**
For businesses, EPA offers the ENERGY STAR partnership, a proven energy management strategy that helps measure current energy performance, sets goals, tracks savings, and rewards improvements. EPA provides an innovative energy performance rating system which businesses have already used for more than 80,000 buildings across the country.
“Today’s budget-conscious consumers are placing a priority on energy-saving products. To help stretch their paycheck and add to the comfort of their home, consumers can replace items with more energy-efficient options that help provide long-term savings and a short-term defense against rapidly rising energy prices,” said Kathy Krafka Harkema, energy efficiency expert, Pella Corporation.
What works
By updating their home, consumers can enjoy significant energy savings. To set the record straight on what’s truly effective and what’s not when it comes to energy efficiency, here are commonly-held myths and facts about windows and doors:
MYTH: Covering windows with an after-market window film is a great solution to reduce damaging sun rays.
FACT: Although after-market films may claim to reduce ultraviolet (UV) radiation when applied to glass on windows or doors, they may cause glass breakage. Pella Corporation will not warrant products where after-market films have been applied to a glass surface on Pella® windows or doors. A better solution is to choose the most energy-efficient factory-assembled window to meet your needs for new construction or replacement applications to help reduce the transmission of UV rays and keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Choose products with Low-E glass or Pella SunDefense™ glass to help reduce interior furnishing fading caused by ultraviolet rays.
MYTH: Sealing windows shut is an effective way to conserve energy.
FACT: Sealing windows shut is not only ineffective, it can be unsafe! Windows used as potential emergency exits must be operable and functioning to provide ventilation and a possible escape route in a fire or other emergencies. The emergency escape is especially critical in the winter when more fires strike and the only quick route in or out may be through a window.
MYTH: Wood windows are the least energy-efficient.
FACT: Wood, by its insulating nature, is highly energy-efficient, especially when equipped with double or triple-pane Low-E insulating glass. Plus, wood is a renewable resource. In addition to wood, quality fiberglass and vinyl materials are also good sustainable choices for energy-efficient windows and doors.
MYTH: Windows with argon gas in between the panes of glass do not provide any extra benefits than windows without.
FACT: Argon gas is a better insulator than air itself, resulting in reduced heat transfer.  This means that less heat is lost through the window during the winter and less heat is gained during the summer.  Purchasing windows with low emissivity (Low-E) glass that is filled with argon is a cost-effective approach to saving energy and adding to the comfort inside your home.
MYTH: Putting towels or rugs around leaking entry or patio doors will solve the problem, keeping the cold air out.
FACT: While it might be a short-term solution, many homeowners deny the bigger issue — a door may not have been installed properly. Just like windows, it is critical that doors are installed properly for maximum performance. Check the weatherstripping around the door to make sure it seals. Evaluate the door’s threshold. Adjust or replace weatherstripping or threshold seals as necessary to reduce unwanted hot or cold air from entering the home. When replacing entry doors for best performance, safety, or to improve energy-efficiency, select entry door systems that are factory-built to quality standards, like Pella entry door systems, rather than doors assembled on-site from pieces or components.
   
About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications. In 2010, Pella earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award for continued leadership in protecting the environment through energy efficiency.
As a family-owned and professionally managed privately held company, Pella is known for its 85-year history of making innovative products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers.
Pella manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe’s®. For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit pella.com. Follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News.
*Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency