Green from the Ground UpSee Chapter 7 on Windows & Doors in the Green from the Ground Up book for more details.
 
 

   
Read more on the Federal Tax Credits for Windows & Doors

Exterior Windows and Skylights
U factor <= 0.30
SHGC <= 0.30 30% of cost, up to $1,5002
Not all ENERGY STAR labeled windows and skylights qualify for tax credit.
 
Storm Windows
Meets IECC in combination with the exterior window over which it is installed, for the applicable climate zone
30% of cost, up to $1,500
Manufacturer Certification Statement will list classes of exterior window (single pane, clear glass, double pane, low-E coating, etc.) that a product may be combined with to be eligible in specific climate zones.
 
Exterior Doors
U factor <= 0.30
SHGC <= 0.30 30% of cost, up to $1,500
Not all ENERGY STAR doors will qualify.
 
Storm Doors
In combination with a wood door assigned a default U-factor by the IECC, and does not exceed the default U-factor requirement assigned to such combination by the IECC.
30% of cost, up to $1,500 
 

read more 

Green Windows & Doors Resource

As our supply of fossil fuels decrease and the price increases people are much more concerned about how green energy in their homes can save resources and money. Heating, cooling and lighting consume 67% of all the electricity that’s generated. Windows and doors comprise a large portion of heat loss in a wall and lower the overall R-Value of the wall. Installing windows and doors correctly will help eliminate air infiltration and water leaks.

Green Window & Door installers’ Transition Guide

1. Familiar with which windows are available in your area

Benefit

Learn about what technologies are available to market to your customers

Process

Many manufactures and dealers offer training and free seminars

Details/ Materials

 

2. Consider wood windows

Benefit

High quality and long life

Process

Available in replacement sizes and installation

Details/ Materials

More expensive than vinyl, Use FSC wood or engineered materials

3.  Select insulated fiberglass frames if available

Benefit

Fiberglass windows are sturdy and long lasting

Process

Same installation process as any other windows

Details/ Materials

Variety of colors available, no maintenance needed

4. Carefully install windows and door to eliminate any air leaks

Benefit

Even a small air leak can have a huge impact on heat loss over the life of the building

Process

Use expanded foam around all windows and doors. Be sure that head flashing is installed

Details/ Materials

One can of expansion foam. Look for products that use HFC rather than HCFC or CFC as propellants.

5. Understand the prevailing winds on the site

Benefit

Wind will push on a building and contribute to air infiltration. Understanding the prevailing winds can also help you to take advantage of cooling breezes.

Process

Information is available from the national weather service. Visiting the site is also very important. Talk to someone who is familiar with the area if that is feasible.

Details/ Materials

On a colder, windy site, windows and doors should be located on the leeward side of the building. In a warm climate, locate windows and doors to allow breezes to flow through the home.

6. Install different windows types based on building orientation

Benefit

Windows on the South side of the building should have high solar heat gain and windows on the east and west walls should have low solar heat gain.

Process

Passive homes use the sun to help heat the home in the winter. Awnings and trees help shade the sun in the summer.

Details/ Materials

Talk to your local window manufacturer about what’s available. Learn about low-E glass and its benefits.

7. Choose windows and doors made from FSC certified wood

Benefit

 FSC wood comes from sustainably managed forests that replant trees that are cut down.

Process

Not available everywhere

Details/ Materials

Contact your local window manufacture and ask for FSC materials.

8. Replace all existing windows with the best windows your customer can afford

Benefit

Windows are expensive, but encourage you client to spend more upfront on windows in order to save more on energy and be more comfortable over the life of the home.

Process

Donate the removed windows to a local salvage yard. Some windows can be deconstructed and recycled.

Details/ Materials

The window manufacture will have information on the U-Value of the window. The lower the U-Value, the better the window.

9. Explore super windows

Benefit

Equivalent of an R-7 or higher by using the best available glass packages (triple glazed, gas filled) in the industry for insulation, strength and security. Unparalleled construction and durability.

Process

These windows need less maintenance and are very long-lasting.

Details/ Materials

Expensive and not available everywhere. Available in Canada.

“How will “Going Green” make me more money?”

Green is not simply getting more respect; it is rapidly becoming a necessity as corporations—as well as home builders, retailers, health care institutions, governments, and others—push green buildings fully into the mainstream over the next five to ten years. The price of natural gas and home heating fuel has doubled, or even tripled in some areas. Consumers are looking for leadership and guidance from experts in the field on how they can retrofit their homes to save energy.

“I thought green was just for tree huggers”

Green Homes no longer look like they did in the 70’s. They now look normal and very diverse. Professionals who would not consider themselves “greenies” are adopting green practices. People can now see the real benefit of these practices and want to implement them in their own lives.

“How will I talk to my customers about my green practices?”

If a homeowner considers a project too costly, remind them that the cost of fuels will continue to steadily rise and the payback period may be shorter than they think.
Increase home value. A home with a lower energy will stand out and appreciate faster in the resale market.
Better performing windows and doors will create a more comfortable living environment.
Windows with better UV protection will help prevent furniture and interiors from fading.
Windows can now be specified for different solar orientation (E-W-N-S)

“Why should I care about the environment?”

- Domestic natural gas supplies are dwindling and importing natural gas is fraught with difficulty
- So much of the electricity used is produced in plants that burn fossil fuels. If we can lower consumption we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- The grid is already stretched to capacity and increasing electricity production means either new coal-fired plants (contributing to climate change) or nuclear (will take a long time to come online) or renewable energy (will take a long time to transition).

“What kind of training am I going to give my team?”

- Greenbuilding.com has a team of green building specialists. One of our trainers can come to your business to train your team.
- We have window and door installation specialists.
- We can provide a one-day training to get your team ready to transition to green. This training will include marketing your business as green.

“What should I do first?”

- Read our Green Transition Guide below.
- Our guide is organized with the easiest changes listed first and those that may take longer listed last.

 

Click on the link below for a print friendly version to take with you to the jobsite. Post for for your crew to know more about green building practices and technologies.

 

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