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Efficient Windows Can Keep You Cool
With the air conditioning season upon us once again, a close examination of your windows may reveal important steps you can take to stay more comfortable and lower costs this summer.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sunny windows can make your air conditioner work two to three times harder. And loose-fitting or poorly insulated windows are ineffective at keeping the hot air out. So it’s important to act now to make any necessary improvements.
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Simple steps may be all that you’ll need to make your windows as energy efficient as possible. For example, making sure window air conditioners are installed with a snug fit will help to prevent that hot outside air from entering your home. Keeping all other windows closed and locked will help, too. Locking windows completes the manufacturer’s seal and makes them as tight as possible.
You might want to also consider installing insulated window shades for more protection against the heat. It’s especially important to close shades on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
If your home has single-pane windows – almost half of the homes in the U.S. do – taking additional steps now to make them as tight as possible will pay dividends year-round. Repairing damaged glazing or adding weather-stripping is inexpensive and can usually be done with help from the local hardware store.
The best option for old, drafty windows is to replace them with new, double-pane windows made with high-performance glass. Today’s low-emissive glass coatings, better known as “low-e” glass, reflect sunlight and will help to control your cooling bills for years to come. NSTAR offers its gas-heating customers a rebate on Energy Star-labeled windows with a U-value of 0.35 or less (the lower the U-value, the better the insulation.)
NSTAR Electric customers may also qualify for the rebate if window replacement is recommended during one of our in-home energy assessments. And if window replacement is a recommended measure, low-interest financing is currently available.
With the days getting longer and the temperature rising, now’s the time to take a good look at your windows to decide which improvements are right for you. For more energy saving tips and information, click on "Energy Efficiency" in the left-hand side menu above. In my next column, I’ll discuss more hot-weather tips that will help folks keep cool and stay energy efficient.
Bill Stack is NSTAR's energy efficiency spokesman. He can be reached by emailing brightideas@nstar.com. If you're a member of the media and would like to arrange an interview with Bill, please call Caroline Allen (617-424-2460) or Mike Durand (508-441-5831).
