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Lower energy costs with super-windows

Tags: New construction, deep energy retrofit, Deep energy, windows, cold, General Information, Windows and Doors, mixed_humid, Windows

High insulating value, low maintenance
Double-pane, low-eLow-emissivity coating. Very thin metallic coating on glass or plastic window glazing that permits most of the sun’s short-wave (light) radiation to enter, while blocking up to 90% of the long-wave (heat) radiation. Low-e coatings boost a window’s R-value and reduce its U-factor. windows are now standard in many parts of the country, but windows with much better energy performance are available. So-called super-windows, made by several manufacturers, may incorporate an insulated fiberglass frame, triple-pane glass with one or two low-e layers, argonInert (chemically stable) gas, which, because of its low thermal conductivity, is often used as gas fill between the panes of energy-efficient windows. gas, and low-thermal-conductivity spacers between the glass layers. Some high performance windows have claimed R-values of more than 12. They not only lower energy costs but also can reduce condensation. Look for windows that have long warranties against seal failure, and use the National FenestrationTechnically, any transparent or translucent material plus any sash, frame, mullion, or divider attached to it, including windows, skylights, glass doors, and curtain walls. Rating Council (NFRC) certified window R-value rating. Triple-paned windows are much heavier than double-paned windows, and the cost is substantially higher.

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. : Up to 3 points for exceptional windows (EA 4).
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. /ICC-700: Up to 12 points for high performance windows (703.3.1).