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Choose windows with low thermal conductivity

Tags: Add a floor above, Kitchen or bath addition, New construction, Gable or eave end add-on, deep energy retrofit, Gut rehab, Deep energy, Gut rehab, cold, Composite Windows, dry, General Information, Windows and Doors, hot_humid, marine, mixed_humid, Windows

Some window frame and sash materials conduct heat and cold more easily than others, which increases heating and cooling costs.

For example: On a hot day, the inside surface of a highly-conductive metal window may approach the outdoor temperature, yet a foam-filled PVC window would be closer to conditioned indoor temperatures. Windows made with low-conductivity sash and frame parts will improve whole-house energy performance.

Window material conductivity from lowest to highest:

foam-filled PVC
wood
PVC/wood composite
fiberglass
ABS plastic
plastic
steel and aluminum with a thermal break
wood and steel

Green points

LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify. Window choice influences thermal performance, potentially affecting 3 to 5 points in EA1 (Energy & Atmosphere), EA2, and/or EA3.

NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. Under Chapter 7, "Energy Efficiency": up to 12 points (prescriptive path) based on thermal properties and climate (703.3.1).