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WHY
ARE WINDOWS IMPORTANT?
Windows
bring light, warmth, cooling breezes, and beauty into homes and
give a feeling of openness and space to living areas. Although
beneficial, windows can negatively impact a home’s energy
efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, and durability if not
properly selected and installed. Windows can be major sources
of heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. In cold
climates, windows can be responsible for 10 to 25 percent of a
home’s heat loss during the winter and heat gain in the
summer. While energy-efficient windows cost more than standard
models, they can cut energy bills significantly and reduce heating
and cooling loads enough to permit smaller and cheaper heating
and cooling equipment and ductwork. Energy-efficient windows improve
comfort in the winter by increasing surface temperatures and by
being more airtight, both of which cut drafts. Increased surface
temperatures alsoreduce condensation that forms on the inside
frame and glazing during the winter, protecting building materials
and reducing mold growth.
High-performance,
energy-efficient windows usually use multiple glazings and insulated
frames, which reduce unwanted noise from the outside. Another
window technology —
low-emittance coating — blocks up to 98 percent of the ultraviolet
radiation from the sun, reducing fading and wear on curtains,
carpeting, and furniture.
Next:
Steps to Window Selection
Energy
Efficiency Articles
Hardwood
vs Laminate
The difference is more than you think, or maybe not!
Good
Carpet is best!
There is nothing like walking barefoot on great carpet
Caring
for Hardwood is easier than you think.
Just vacuum and you are done.
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