Unseen Benefits Of
Energy Efficient
Windows
(ARA) When it
comes to
protecting your
home from the
damaging effects
of the sun, what
you cant see
invisible
ultraviolet (UV)
rays can
definitely
impact you.
Thankfully,
theres an easy
and practical
solution that
provides
built-in
sunblock for
the home.
Most Atlanta
homeowners know
that upgrading
windows and
doors can help
them save money
and conserve
energy. However,
a lesser-known
benefit of
energy efficient
windows and
doors is their
proven
resistance to
harmful UV rays.
For example,
windows and
doors with Low-E
glass block most
UV rays the
invisible part
of the spectrum
that causes
premature fading
of furnishings
and is linked to
health hazards
like skin
cancer. Thats
because the
coating on Low-E
glass both
absorbs heat and
reflects the
suns light back
into the
outdoors.
For the ultimate
in UV protection
and energy
efficiency,
windows with
laminated glass
can block almost
all harmful UV
rays. Laminated
glass has an
interlayer
sandwiched
between two
window panes.
This gives
windows the
strength needed
to stand up to
impacts caused
by storms, and
it also filters
the suns light,
admitting the
desirable,
visible spectrum
and blocking
harmful,
invisible UV
rays.
Homeowners are
becoming
increasingly
sensitive to
interior fading
and wear and
tear, said
Brian Hedlund,
product
marketing
manager for
JELD-WEN
windows. Its
not only because
they want to
keep the carpet
and drapes from
fading, but also
because UV
exposure is
perceived as an
increasing
health hazard.
While UV
resistance is a
valuable
collateral
benefit of
energy efficient
windows and
doors, there are
practical
benefits too.
Savings for a
typical home
from replacing
single-pane with
Energy Star
qualified
windows ranges
from $125 to
$340 a year,
depending on the
region,
according to the
U.S. Department
of Energy.
For homeowners
and builders,
here are a few
basic tips for
selecting energy
efficient
windows and
doors.
1. Consider
upgrading
outdated windows
and doors.
Replace older
single-pane
windows with
dual-pane units,
which insulate
the home from
both hot and
cold weather.
Using both Low-E
and insulating
glass will
reduce home
energy costs.
2. Make Low-E
glass a
must-have.
Thats because
Low-E glass on
windows, door
transoms and
sidelights
controls solar
heat gain a
major
contributor to
air-conditioning
costs. Low-E
glass can also
protect against
heat loss in the
winter.
3. Dont
overlook the
role of doors in
contributing to
energy
efficiency.
Choose doors
with energy
efficient cores
and sills, and
frames that
provide a
barrier to
energy exchange.
4. Focus on
efficiency, not
bells and
whistles. Window
manufacturers
achieve
efficiency in
different ways,
from Low-E glass
to argon
gas-filled
insulating
glass. The
bottom line is
to make sure the
products are
tested and rated
for efficiency
using industry
standards, no
matter what
technology is
employed. Look
for the Energy
Star label
appropriate for
your region.
For more
information
about achieving
energy
efficiency at
home, please
visit
www.jeld-wen.com
or call (800)
877-9482, ext.
PRWD (7793).
Courtesy of ARA
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