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REPP-CREST
1612 K Street, NW
Suite 202
Washington, DC 20006
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Ask the Expert: What's the real scoop on double paned windows?
By Ken Sheinkopf
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| Courtesy of NREL: Energy Star-labeled windows can reduce overall home energy use by 15%, saving most families several hundred dollars each year. They also prevent UV damage to furniture and carpets, and resist condensation that can damage window frames. |
Q: I found your recent column
about double-pane windows amusing. You didn't talk about fogging,
which occurs when the insulation between the double panes of
glass breaks down, and it will. I wish you people who are "in
the know" about these subjects would tell the truth and
urge your readers to get single-pane windows. Any energy savings
from double-pane windows will be more than used up when you
have to purchase replacement windows or take less money for
your house when you decide to sell. Please tell the truth against
multi-pane windows.
A: I have been. If your letter had been dated many years
ago, I might have agreed with some of what you say. But with
the technology we have today, you are wrong about these windows.
Older windows did have some of these problems, but more modern
ones have greatly improved seals.
I did some research and found a study of homes that showed that
less than 3 percent of newer windows failed over a 10-year span.
Your letter came from a southern state, so you ought to keep
in mind that just about every home in the northern U.S. has
double-glazed windows, and there isn't a mass of complaints
flooding the window manufacturers. I feel comfortable saying
that double-glazed windows are the best choice for homeowners
anywhere in the country.
The technology has come a long way in recent years. Get some
literature from local window companies and read about the performance
of today's windows. I think you'll be very surprised at how
well these windows hold up.
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For more information on windows, the Efficient Windows Collaborative highlights how efficient windows work, where to get them and why you might be throwing money out of your windows without them.
Ken Sheinkopf also answers other window-related questions:
What should I do about leaky jalousie windows?
He offers a quick check list for new home buyers.
Bibliography:
Editor's Note: Ken Sheinkopf is Associate Director of the Florida Solar Energy Center. Write to him at 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922, or e-mail Sheinkopf@fsec.ucf.edu
Mr. Sheinkopf cannot answer every question personally. Check back here at www.crest.org to see if he's already answered your question.
Photo credit: PIX number 07748
Title: An Energy Star-compliant window
Credit: D&R Int., LTD
Publications: Clean energy choices: tips on buying and using renewable energy at home (DOE/GO-102000-1012 , booklet, April 2000)
Index Date: 7/15/1999
REPP does not endorse products and this is not to serve as a
scientific or comprehensive analysis of any product.
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