Green Windows & Doors Resource

From a green-built standpoint, windows rank second only to the design of an HVAC system in overall technological complexity. 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.

See Chapter 7 on Windows & Doors in the Green from the Ground Up book for more details or contact us about training.

Window Energy Performance

There are three primary factors in a window’s energy performance:

• frame construction
• glass
• spacer material that separates individual panes of glass

• through the glass (by radiation)
• across the spacer material that separates the two glass layers at their edges and through the frame of the window (by conduction)
• through the movement of air in the space between the glass (by convection)
• between the moveable or operable frame components (by air leakage)

Rating Windows for Performance

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) was formed to standardize the claim of energy efficiency by window manufacturers.

U-factor – for the entire window, distinct from a center-of-glass rating.

Solar heat gain coefficient – represents the amount of heat that is transmitted through the glass. The lower the number, the less heat transmittance.

Visible light transmittance – is the “sunglasses” effect. The lower the number, the darker things will appear through the glass.

Air leakage – is rated in cubic feet of air passing through a square foot of window area. The lower the number, the less air will pass through cracks in the assembly. This may be left blank by manufacturers of lower-quality windows.

Condensation resistance – measures the ability of the window to resist condensation on the inside of the glass. The higher the number the better.

Green Window & Door installers’ Transition Guide

Familiarize yourself with which windows are available in your area

Learn about what technologies are available to market to your customers

Many manufactures and dealers offer training and free seminars

Consider wood windows

High quality and long life

Available in replacement sizes and installation

More expensive than vinyl, Use FSC wood or engineered materials

 

Carefully install windows and door to eliminate any air leaks

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

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

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

 

Understand the prevailing winds on the site

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

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

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

 

Install different windows types based on building orientation

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

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

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

 

Choose windows and doors made from FSC certified wood

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

Not available everywhere

Contact your local window manufacture and ask for FSC materials.

 

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

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.

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

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

 

Explore super windows

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

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

Expensive and not available everywhere. Available in Canada.

Green Building Training & Certification

Find out when the next Green Building Training is and learn more about Green Building Practices.

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

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