DIY Network

Windows and Glass: How Windows Affect HVAC Systems From "Blueprint for Home Building" episode DBHB-112

Figure A

In the first two segments host Jeff Wilson has covered the basic functions of windows and glass for your new home, along with the five common window styles, several different frame types and the importance of a quality installation. Now he'll talk about windows and how they affect the cooling and heating systems in your new home.

The right kind of window can make a huge difference when it comes to heating or cooling your home. HVAC (figure A), which we covered in Episode 108 -- Keep It Cool and Episode 109 -- Heating Your Home, stands for heating, ventilation and air condition -- and it refers to the system that heats or cools your house. That's everything from your furnace or heat pump to the air conditioning unit and ventilation.

No matter what kind of climate you live in (warm or cool), it's important that the windows in your home support your HVAC system. About 75 to 80 percent of all heat loss or heat gain goes through the windows -- not through the wall.

Windows that let in too much heat during the summer or too much heat out in the winter will increase the output of your heating and air conditioning system, which translates into higher utility bills.

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Figure B

Energy efficient or "high performance" windows have the ability to keep out the elements, while at the same time keep in your valuable heated and cooled air. High performance windows are denoted by their "U Value" -- the thermal resistance rating that measures the amount of heat that can pass through a given material.

Double-paned high-performance windows (figure B) can contain argon gas, and because argon gas is denser than air, it's more efficient at rejecting the sun rays. The result is better thermal insulation for your home. With either low E coating windows or argon filled high-performance windows in your new home, the HVAC system will be able to work less while still providing the same heating and cooling capacity.
Note: If you live in an extreme climate -- severe cold or severe heat -- consider using windows that combine both a low E coating and an argon gas fill.

In the final segment we'll look at how your windows can help heat your home in the winter.

GUESTS :

John Broniek
Buildings Programs Manager
Ibacos
Website: www.ibacos.com

John Holton
Senior Architect
Ibacos
Website: www.ibacos.com

Patrick Janes
Andersen Windows
00 Fourth Ave. N
Bayport, MN 55003
Phone: 651-264-5150
Fax: 651-264-2068
E-mail: patrick.janes@andersencorp.com
Website: www.andersenwindows.com

Jack Tucker
Building Wisdom
Frankford, DE 19945
Toll-free: 800-844-6275
E-mail: tucker@buildingwisdom.com
Website: www.buildingwisdom.com

Larry Shapiro
Director of Marketing
Grace Company
62 Whittemore Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: 617-498-4888
E-mail: Lawrence.s.Shapiro@grace.com

Paul Ostrowski
National Account Manager
Simonton Windows
E-mail: paul_ostrowski@simonton.com

Joe Biss
Regional Sales Manager
Typar House Wrap
105 S. Ridge Rd.
Boiling Springs, PA 17007
Phone: 717-241-2986
E-mail: tricojoe@earthlink.net